Countdown to NFR Barrel Racing: #10 Ilyssa Riley Interview

Sports Illustrated's Rodeo Daily continues our countdown to the NFR with #10 barrel racer Illyssa Riley.

Name: Ilyssa Riley

Hometown: Hico, TX

Rank: 10th

2023 Winnings: $111,473

NFR Qualifications: 1 (2023)

DNCFR/RNCFR Qualifications: 1 (2022)

Career Earnings: $197,185

Biggest Win of 2023: Winning the Texas Circuit Finals Average Champion

Horse(s): Themjorthriller “Thriller” – 13-year-old sorrel gelding; Championofthehouse “Champ” – 12 year old sorrel gelding

Who will you run in the first round: I will probably start out on Thriller.

Strategy for NFR: My plan is to start out on Thriller and then I’ll run Champ when I’m higher in the draw order.

Saddle: Robbie Phillips

Top 3 favorite bits: Kerry Kelley Mini Hemi Snaffle; Kerry Kelley Bogey Life Saver; Martha Josey Million Dollar bit.

Horse leg Protection: Back on Track boots while hauling and Classic Equine Classic fit for competition.

Jeans and Shirts: Rock and Roll Denim

Hat: Resistol

Truck: Ford

Trailer: I haul both an Elite and a Hart.

Must haves in truck and trailer: In the truck, I have to have my phone charger, my weenie dogs and Dr Pepper! In my trailer it would have to be Succeed tubes, fly sheets and boots, magna wave and electrolytes.

Travel partners: My husband, Jess.

Motto: Do your best, let God do the rest.

Favorite Food on the road: Culvers! There’s not any close to where I live so I try to pull in any time I see one. I love their chicken strips and ice cream.

What defines a champion: A champion is defined by how they learn from failures.

Advice: Always remember you are blessed to live the life you do. Enjoy it, even through the tough times.