story by Jennie Lawrence
Lori Dromgold is a 13-year-old barrel racer from Hartshorne, Oklahoma. She is the daughter of Will and Kathy Dromgold. Lori has been a member of the International Miniature Rodeo Association (IMRA) for three years. She is also a member of the Oklahoma Youth Rodeo Association (OYRA), and Better Barrel Races (BBR.)
Lori started riding horses the day she was born. Riding and growing up on the family ranch, she started running barrels when she was seven-years-old. Her first barrel horse was a little brown Welsh pony mare. When she was nine-years-old Lori moved up to a Paint x Thoroughbred mare named “Murphy,” also known as the “Wonder Paint.” She doesn’t know why the rodeo announcers started calling the mare that name. Perhaps it is because Lori is one of the few people who competes on a paint. “I’ve had Murphy for four years and she has taught me more about barrel racing than any human has,” Lori said. Murphy is black and white, and is 17-years-old. Her first owner trained her.
She also rides a 12-year-old bay gelding named “Cricket.” He is an own son of Frenchman’s Fabulous and a grandson of Royal Quick Dash. A true family affair, Kathy raised Cricket, while Will broke him to ride. Lori helped train him.
Lori shares her love of rodeo with her brother Cole, who is 11-years old. Cole rides steers, mini bulls, and bareback horses.
Her parents helped Lori get started in the sport of barrel racing. Her friends and family are big supporters. “They teach me right from what I have done wrong,” she said.
Lori prepares for rodeos by getting all of her equipment gathered in a timely manner, and to make sure she has everything she needs. She rides her horses and works them throughout the week to make sure they are in good shape.
The young cowgirl has a couple of songs that get her inspired before she runs. They are ‘I Miss the Misery,” by Halestorm, and “Bad Girlfriend,” by the Canadian rock band Theory of a Deadman.
Lori travels to about 75 rodeos a year. The farthest she has traveled is to Waco, Texas. She has won her fair share of money and buckles. She celebrated a big win last year when she won the long go last year in the IMRA finals in Guthrie, Oklahoma with the fastest time of all age groups. Her favorite foods when she is traveling are chicken and okra.
Charmayne James is Lori’s rodeo heroine. “Watching her videos has kind of made it easier for me,” she said.
When she is not competing in barrel racing, she participates in softball and basketball. Lori attends Hartshorne Middle School, and is in the eighth grade. Her favorite subject is history. In addition to her sports and riding, she enjoys hunting, fishing, and trapping.
Her favorite pet is her dog Rooster. He is an Australian Kelpie. He is three-years-old, and is dark red and brown in color. “He is just a playful, cool dog,” she said.
Lori would like to thank everybody that supports her and helps her get down the road. she plans on running barrels for the rest of her life. Her goals include staying on the road, and training horses. Her favorite quote is, “You only get out of it what you put into it,” by Blaz Kos. However, her email signature captures the spirt of rodeo, and says it best. “Stay Punchy Y’all!”
