Palmer girl hits the road

For Palmer High School junior Christian McCormick, an essay on how she spent her summer vacation might take some time to write.

Christian spent the last two months of her summer touring Canada and the western United States, participating in rodeos and visiting colleges with her father, James, and their two horses.

Christian is a barrel racer, a popular women's event at rodeos that requires a rider to navigate her horse around three barrels in an arena in the fastest time. She would like to continue her education by attending a college where she can also continue to learn about rodeo. Many schools in Oregon and California offer this instruction.

Christian first got interested in barrel racing when she was eight years old, and began competing in Li'l Wranglers rodeo events around the local area at age 9.

She credits her father with her start in barrel racing. James McCormick has participated in rodeo for years, beginning with bull and bronc riding, then later competing in roping events.

The McCormicks' 120-acre cattle ranch outside Palmer provides a perfect setting, with plenty of room to ride horses and practice.

It didn't take long for Christian to become an accomplished rider, winning the barrel-racing event last year at Alaska's biggest rodeo, held in the Sullivan Arena in Anchorage.

With her desire to continuing competing in rodeo events, James and Christian decided this year to go experience rodeo life outside Alaska.

"We wanted to get more experience and learn new things about rodeo," Christian said.

After planning an itinerary of events, colleges, and other stops along the way, the McCormicks began their two-month, 14,000-mile trek on July 8.

The trip got off to a good start with a stop in Whitehorse, Yukon Territory, to participate in its annual rodeo. Christian won the barrel-racing event while James found a partner and took first in the team roping event.

"We were there just to learn and have fun," James said. "We didn't expect to win."

They continued their journey through Canada, making stops at events in Watson Lake, Chetwynd, and smaller events along the way.

"Rodeo events are going on almost every day in Canada," Christian said. "They are very serious and professional about the sport."

By early August, the McCormicks made their way into Oregon to compete at the Deschutes County Fair Rodeo in Bend. Christian competed against 46 other riders, before crowds of 15,000 people.

"I didn't do so well there," Christian admitted. "But it was a great learning experience competing with people who do this year-round."

From there they headed to California for more rodeo events and visits to Fresno State University, Cal Poly at Visalia, and Bakersfield Junior College.

"The climate was so different in California, with days reaching 115 degrees," Christian said. "The horses held up well."

By the end of August, the McCormicks had made their way back home. James was glad to be back while Christian wouldn't have minded staying out a little longer.

Two days after returning, Christian and her 16-year old quarterhorse, Radar, entered and won the Alaska State Fair Rodeo barrel-racing event.

Although it was a long trip packed full of events, Christian enjoyed the opportunity to experience rodeo as a major event.

"It made me a better rider," Christian said. "It was awesome to meet new people and learn more about rodeo."