STOUGHTON - April Breault was raised in Estevan, but always had a love for horses.
One could say it was in her blood. Her father Willie Wilbraham rode horses for his father Tom Wilbraham, and he owned a farm with horses.
Breault began riding lessons at the age of five. Debbie Barker, a well-known equestrian in the Estevan area, would teach young Breault how to ride.
At age nine, the hunt was on for Breault’s first horse. This horse would need to be well broke and trained in several disciplines, as Breault wanted to ride in them all. Wrangle became Breault’s first equine mount.
Wrangle was a well-seasoned horse in barrels, roping and poles, but he could also do the other disciplines that Breault wanted to do.
As Breault moved forward in her riding skills, so did her desire to barrel race. This is when her aunt Betty Ameel and Elaine Hyde came into the picture. They are both competitive barrel racers. Hyde is a high-level barrel champion. The lessons began once again.
Breault also helped in Alida with the horse camps, rodeo school and demonstrations with the kids that attended.
Wrangler and Breault became a competitive team, winning buckles, a saddle and horse blankets. Wrangler was even voted Horse of the Year by Breault’s peers. They also qualified for the National High School Rodeo.
Breault went off to school in Vermilion, Alta., for western ranch-cow horse, horse training and cow management. During this time, she continued to ride and compete.
Now married to Nevin Breault and having a three-year-old son Wayne, Wrangle will become Wayne’s mount as Wrangle is retired from barrel racing.
Not all horses are born to run barrels. Breault looks at bloodlines, and although this does not guarantee a fast horse, bloodlines help. Next, she looks at confirmation and her new horse Bubba had excellent confirmation.
Bubba would become Breault’s next barrel horse. He is five years old and has worked the barrel pattern for over a year. Breault does not start them until they are four. This gives the horse a chance to mature, and bones an opportunity to get stronger.
Breault hauls Bubba to jackpots and rodeos to get him used to the different sounds and new areas.
“He takes everything so well,” said Breault.
“Jim and Elaine Hyde, Canpressco and Laura Elash from Equine Choice Products have sponsored me, and I’m very thankful,” said Breault.
Breault feels it is important to promote the sport of barrel racing, but also to help others and treat everyone equally.
Bubba and Breault continue to create a great bond.
“I love to barrel race because of the teamwork and close bond between horse and rider,” said Breault.
During the winter months, Breault rides as well to keep them both in shape, while attending a few barrel events.
“I’m just trying to better myself each day,” said Breault.
She enjoys starting the day by going out and feeding her herd of horses. She wants them to feel and perform at their best.
