Dona Kay Rule reflects on her journey to qualifying for her fifth NFR this year with her trusty, rehabilitated barrel horse Valor.
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Dona Kay Rule has had a phenomenal year campaigning for the 2024 NFR. She was sidelined in July 2023 when her long-time horse partner High Valor was injured in a fall at the Calgary Rodeo. Rule and the now robust 2019 WPRA Horse of the Year were back on the rodeo trail in 2024, completing 59 rodeos and finishing No. 10 before the NFR after winning $121,965 away from home. Rule writes to her veterinarian, Dr. Amy Barnes credited her with restoring “Valor” to full health.
The 2009 gelding was given five months off to recover and received various types of rehabilitation and training programs to build his strength.
“I think my conditioning program probably saved him,” Rule said. “And I had a great farrier and a great vet, so that never changed. It was just those five months that were crucial for him.”
Highlights
Rule's first run back with Valor came at the San Antonio Rodeo – a substantial first step, but one that paid off with a third-place tie in the finals and took home a substantial chunk of the money.
“We kind of closed our eyes and went into the shadowy, and he worked there and did a good job, and he probably stayed as robust as he ever has this year.”
Rule and Valor also won for the second time in Nampa, Idaho. Another highlight was winning the Guymon Pioneer Days in Oklahoma – a significant victory for the experienced competitor.
“It may not be as substantial as some of the other rodeos, but it is one of the special ones,” Rule said. “As an Oklahoman, you think if you win this, you’re really special. As a little kid, that was a substantial deal.”
challenges
Luckily, Rule didn't have any travel accidents like in previous years, with flat tires and broken axles affecting her journey. But she always had Valor's health in mind.
“At my age and his age, it’s just a blessing to have the opportunity to run at this level all year long,” Rule said. “There are always scary moments when things don't seem to be going right. But that was probably the best year. It was a much easier year. You have to be tough for that.
Health
As part of his overall health program and at the direction of Dr. Barnes received Valor an intravenous injection of the patented three-component joint product Polyglycan every two weeks. Polyglycan mimics the physical properties of a horse's normal synovial fluid.
“It just keeps his joints fresh and younger,” Rule said. “Horses have this naturally [synovial fluid] in their joints. So I think it helps the body and joints to be more supple and adaptable. I think that’s really crucial, especially at our level of barrel racing.”
Advice
If you're thinking about taking your horse to a high-level barrel race like Rule, she recommends focusing on building your horse's strength and endurance.
“One hundred percent don’t start unless you’re conditioned and ready,” Rule said. “And then, of course, do everything you can to support them be the best they can be.”
These include, for example, dietary supplements and medical devices such as polyglycan.
“Polyglycan is definitely part of my program,” Rule said. “I tried some of the other joint supplements, but I just didn't experience the gentleness that I did with the polyglycan.”
Qualifying for the NFR is a test of your determination and belief. Stay sturdy and stick to your values, says Rule.
“It takes dedication, and you have to keep your head down, be brave and not look back,” Rule said. “Just do it and be nice. Be a good person. Stay true to your faith. This is crucial.”
