Her Dream Job To Teach Children …
Local teachers-aide, Katrina Pugsley, has been involved in pony clubs and horse sports since the age of eight. But growing up her dream job was to teach children.
It’s no surprise then that she has worked in early childhood centres and schools. What does surprise is that Katrina is also a barrel racer. (If you haven’t heard of it, barrel racing is a sport in which horse and rider race around three barrels in a clover leaf pattern, aiming for the fastest time).
Katrina has competed in barrel races around Queensland, interstate and overseas. But she didn’t always believe she was good enough. That changed when Katrina decided she was as good as the next person. She began competing in 2008 and set herself a goal, to win a title within five years. She was thrilled to achieve her goal and exceed it, winning two titles in her first year of racing. That enabled her to compete at the World Show in the US.
Katrina says in barrel racing it doesn’t matter what you look like, or what you wear. If your horse clocks the fastest, you’re the winner. Competing has made her more disciplined and committed in other areas, for example in setting and achieving life goals. Katrina and horse Danni raced at this year’s Canungra Rodeo where she was crowned Rodeo Queen.
Katrina Pugsley, teachers-aide and barrel racer, says “I’m proof that anything is possible.”
By Susan Alexander (Inspirational Writer)