Imagine a childhood soaked in sunshine, fresh air, and the smell of hay. For Sierra Dawn Anglim, that dream was her reality, ultimately paving a trail to become a professional barrel racer, horse trainer, and rodeo cowgirl. Horses have been an integral part of Sierra’s life since she was born; they have been her wisest teachers and truest companions who have carried her, literally and figuratively, through the “highest highs and lowest lows.” She has learned life’s most important lessons on the back of a horse, which she has carried with her into motherhood: “From responsibility, patience, resilience, to most importantly, the love.”
Sierra started riding horses before she could walk, competing in barrel racing at age 6, turned professional by 18, and achieved the title of National Champion Barrel Racer. She competed in the pro rodeo circuit for nearly a decade, was named a National All-Around Cowgirl, and earned a rodeo scholarship covering her college education. “I have been blessed with some pretty amazing horses. They are incredible athletes, and I feel privileged to be their jockey . . . I am just so grateful for the incredible bond, experiences, and places my horses have taken me.”
Since becoming a mother, Sierra has shared her lifelong passion and love for horses with her two children: “I wasn’t sure if my kids would love horses as much as I do, but they were exposed to them as soon as they were born. Both love them so much and ride with me all the time.” From mud puddles to horse chores to tractor riding, the Anglim kids are developing a deep appreciation for responsibility, grit, and adventure.
When they’re not riding, training, and caring for their horses, Sierra and her family spend time outside. Whether they’re hiking with their Veer Cruiser, biking with the Switchback Seat, or jumping in mud puddles, they get to “grow, explore and learn” together.
“I hope to teach them to appreciate and respect the outdoors and truly find what feeds their soul and likings.."
Q&A
Q: What does Riding Horses represent to you?
A: I will never be able to repay all the horses I’ve owned for all that they’ve taught me. From responsibility, patience, resilience, to most importantly, the love. Horses are incredible. I have had some of my highest highs and lowest lows on the back of a horse. They are the best therapy that I wish everyone could experience.
Q: Tell us a little bit about what you do professionally.
A: I train barrel horses and compete in professional rodeo. Barrel racing is a timed event where horse and rider run a cloverleaf pattern around 3 barrels, fastest time wins.
Q: What is the most challenging Barrel Racing accomplishment or thing you are most proud of?
A: I have been blessed with some pretty amazing horses. They are incredible athletes and I feel privileged to be their jockey. I would say my greatest accomplishment would be that I was able to capture a National Championship Title in Barrel Racing as well as be named The National All-Around Cowgirl. I also got a rodeo scholarship that paid for all my college schooling. Above all the accomplishments, I am just so grateful for the incredible bond, experiences, and places my horses have taken me.
Q: Growing up yourself did you spend much time outdoors?
A: Every single day of my life. I was riding horses before I could walk, started competing at age 6 and turned professional at age 18. Horses and being outside is all I know and remember as a kid. My parents did an incredible job teaching me all the ins and outs when it comes to training horses but most importantly the responsibility that comes with them too.
Q: What are some of your regular outdoor activities as a family?
A: We love to hike, ride bikes, daily family walks, and we love to garden. Our babies have grown up outside. We love enjoying all things that get us outside. The kid’s favorite thing would probably be anything they get to do that gets them dirty. Mud and puddles are a top favorite now. The kids also love helping with horse chores and all things ranching. Riding the tractor is at the top of the list as well for both.
Q: What is your favorite thing about sharing your love of horses with your children?
A: I wasn’t sure if my kids would love horses as much as I do, but they were exposed to them as soon as they were born. Both of them love them so much and ride with me all the time. I find it incredible how horses know when they’re around two. They get the softest demeanor and are very gentle. I hope that my kids continue to love horses and I can teach them all the things my parents taught me when it comes to owning them. I’ve always felt like it was such a privilege to be able to compete and experience what horses can do for you and I can only hope my kids feel the same way one day.
Q: What do you hope your child will take away from your future outdoor experiences together?
A: I hope they just enjoy moving their bodies, taking in how beautiful Mother Nature is, and most importantly being grateful for all the simple things. Being outside in nature is such a great way to grow, explore and learn. I’m forever grateful for a husband who also enjoys being outside as much as me and that we can share it with our kids as a family. I hope to teach them to appreciate and respect the outdoors and truly find what feeds their soul and likings.