Macy Fuller has spent her time since graduating from Central Arizona Community College searching for a barrel horse for the CNFR. “I’ve tried four so far,” said the defending Women’s All Around Champion, who is entered in three events this year – barrels, breakaway, and goat tying – the same events she has qualified for in the past four years. “My black horse is out until September, so I need to find one for the whole summer. The barn at the college finals is tiny, and indoors, so I am looking for a horse that fits that as well as the big outdoor arenas that I’m used to running in.”
Her favorite event is a toss-up between tying goats and breakaway. “The goat tying I’ve really studied and I can give a lot more back with my style,” said the young lady that spends endless hours coaching students. “People ask me what I’m going to do when my career is over – and it’s not – it’s just beginning. I’ve got an outstanding stud and I want to give him every opportunity that I can.” The stud is Heza Judge of Honor, and she is excited to enter him in futurities. The other thing Macy is excited about is giving back all her goat tying knowledge to her students. “I have a few schools for the summer, but I like to do it over and over with my students and watch them progress slowly. When I’m in Arizona I have a goat practice every Tuesday night and we have fun and hang out. You really get to know them and that’s what I want – a long term relationship with the kids to make sure they are getting the most out of it that they can.”
The style she teaches is one that she picked up through the years with the help of her mom, Karen, who made the college finals and was reserve champion goat tier. “I didn’t ever go to any clinics – it was me figuring new things out. Some kids use the style now – I get off late and flank by the collar and gather in the air. I don’t hang on the side of my horse at all. My horse is truly amazing and is so fast – when he feels me make a slight move, he slows down.” Now that her career chasing a goat tying title is about over, she is excited to have sold this amazing horse. “I’ve had him since he was six and he’s 19. Kaiden Ayers is the new owner – from California. I can’t wait … she has fire in her eye and likes to go fast so it’s a perfect match.”
Macy got her start in rodeo through her dad, Mike, who was rodeoing hard when Macy was young. “When I was three weeks old, I’d been in 17 states while my dad was trying to make the NFR. I actually enjoy being in a truck – I don’t think I’ll ever stop traveling. It’s too much fun and I can’t imagine staying at home. I love to see new people and new rodeos and have fun going.” Mike finished 16th a couple different times, missing the NFR by just a few hundred dollars. He and Karen were college rodeo coaches at LCSC in Washington State, which is where Macy grew up. She continues to hold the record at the National High School Rodeo Association as the only person to win seven consecutive All Around championships at the junior high and high school level. She had plenty of opportunities to practice during those years in Washington and credits her dad with training all the horses she rides today.
“He makes sure that if one’s down, I’ve got another one,” said Macy. “He and my mom always make sure I have the best opportunity I can have. She’s been the one on the phone telling me where to go to try horses.” Macy is an only child, something she has liked. “I am spoiled and I appreciate everything that’s been done for me. I don’t take anything for granted.”
Macy started giving back her knowledge when she was in grade school. “I went to a school of 17 kids and there was a kid at school in the special needs program. I decided to make a change and became his best friend. I still stay in touch with him, but that friendship made a difference in my life. As long as I have something to offer and someone asks me for help, I’m going to give it to them. I’m sure if I’m stuck somewhere, I’m going to ask for help too.” Macy wasn’t involved in any school activities. “I played basketball for a couple years, but it cut into my riding time. My horses are my babies. They have shavings in their stalls and blankets on. They truly are like having kids. I’ve always been like that. Making sure they are comfortable and happy makes me happy.”
