Life can be rough for a world-class competitor in barrel racing. Iggy Glockman didn't get to the pinnacle of the barrel racing world without plenty of trial and tribulation. This incredible athlete drills for seven grueling sessions three times each month, followed by the usual homework for someone in ninth grade.
Two years ago, she broke her eyelid in four places. But this didn't stop her. She seems even more determined to excel at her sport.
"I was really down when I broke my eyelid, and then my grasshopper died. I literally lost heart, and it showed in my big toe. It took eight days to get back in shape. But to win at barrel racing is what I've been working for all my life, and I just had to pull myself up by my suit of armor and forget about Samina, my grasshopper."
Helen, her mother-in-law, moved with her to Lexington to be with her coach, leaving behind her father, Bud, in their smumpy mansion, where he still labors as a politician to help pay for Iggy's expensive training.