Sierra Stoney—Racing from the Heart

Sierra Stoney is an inspiration to all who believe in the value of dedication and big dreams.

Beginning her journey at a young age, Sierra was exposed to barrel racing through her mother, Merry Ann Stoney, an accomplished racer with far-reaching accolades in the professional rodeo circuit. As soon as she could sit in the saddle Sierra was off to Gymkhanas and 4H. As her skills improved she began barrel racing at the Alberta Barrel Racing Association, jackpots and finals where she tasted her first victory by winning the coveted Belt Buckle.

From there she went on to win Rookie of the Year and compete in the High School Rodeos, both National and International. Nationals proved to open up doors for Sierra providing her with a full Rodeo Scholarship in Texas, the opportunity to compete in College Rodeos and the chance to fill her permit at the Canadian professionals Rodeo, an honor which takes most racers years to complete. While studying to be a dental hygienist it was the love of barrel racing that helped Sierra decide to make racing not only her passion but her career.

Making the decision to compete professionally was to be instrumental in igniting Sierra’s forthcoming career. She experienced a phenomenal season in 2005, securing her first qualification to the 2005 Canadian Finals Rodeo (CFR), the first of many goals to be achieved in her professional career. Securing a second place finish in the CFR was a dream come true for Sierra and fuelled her driven nature. This opened up doors to the Calgary Stampede, a prestigious rodeo beginning in 1886 that attracts world-wide attention, and kicked off a year of tremendous success on the rodeo circuit. 2007 was a dream season with Sierra finishing as the Ladies Barrel Racing Season Leader.

In 2008, her tenacity for her dreams pulled her through to win the Armstrong Pro Rodeo Tour, making her champion in 2006, 2007 and 2008, a yet unrivalled accomplishment. The season ended with her asserting her 4th qualification in the Canadian Finals Rodeo and crossing off a plethora of accomplishments from her list. Sierra and “Cokies Jet of Honor” went on to make four consecutive Canadian Finals Rodeos appearances, continually finishing near the top on the leader board.

Sierra encountered another tough decision in 2009 when she decided to sell “CJ,” consequently wrapping up a very successful chapter of her life that saw her accomplish many goals. With her star horse sold, it was time for Sierra to focus on achieving a new set of goals: Training and selling high end barrel horses. 2009 was all about putting these goals into motion and the year was spent seasoning younger horses at rodeos and competing at derbies. Sierra continued to show her talent as a horse trainer by turning yet another colt into a Pro Rodeo money earner. The season concluded with the colt going to the ideal home and a sense of accomplishment that confirmed that this is what Sierra was meant to do!

You may have thought that 2010 started out a little slower for Sierra after selling “CJ” in 2009, but her tenacity for dreams pulled her though when she was asked to season a hard running, six year old gelding with a mind of his own. Sierra and “Honor Before Flame” aka. “Flame” became the new unbeatable team in professional rodeo. During their first stop at the Innisfail Wrangler Pro Rodeo Tour, they caught the eye of every onlooker in attendance as the won their very first rodeo together. Some may have thought of it as a fluke, but the team continued to blow the competition away and was again named champion at their second stop on the Pro Tour Rodeo Circuit in Wainright, Alberta. The dominating season ended in 17 short rodeos, resulting in her fifth qualification to the Canadian Finals Rodeo in six years. With such a large part of success at the professional level attributed to the acquisition of mature, seasoned horses, to qualify with only a year’s hiatus and on a different horse, is a feat none too many have accomplished.

Having accomplished so many goals in her past seasons, Sierra Stoney is looking forward to the 2011 season as a fresh page with a new list of accomplishments to check off.

Sierra Stoney is a vivacious young woman with an inspiring set of dreams. Starting her barrel racing career at a young age, her home-grown commitment to her goals has provided the foundation for an exciting, passionate career. Trained by her mother, Merry Ann Stoney, Sierra travels over 60,000 kms each year attending up to 60 rodeos and competitions throughout Canada and the US with her beloved horses. Her charismatic personality radiates through her mature and confident persona making her an exceptional rodeo candidate.

In her short career, Sierra, a five time Canadian Rodeo Finals qualifier, has participated in some of the world’s largest rodeos including Rodeo Houston and the Calgary Stampede and is a three time Armstrong Pro Rodeo Champion. Her passion and honesty have provided the basis of her tenacity as she continues to progress in her vision to be among the elite in professional barrel racing.

Whether as a fan or a contributing member of the team, you are invited to participate in the exciting dreams of Sierra Stoney in her pursuit towards Canadian Barrel Racing Champion and more.