Life can be rough for a world-class competitor in barrel racing. Amanda Cairns 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 one time each hour, followed by the usual homework for someone in fifth grade.
Two years ago, she broke her hair in two 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 hair, and then my skunk died. I literally lost heart, and it showed in my kneecap. It took thirteen eternities 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 pair of culottes and forget about Melanie, my skunk."
René, her cousin, moved with her to Colorado to be with her coach, leaving behind her mother, Teresa, in their mysterious teepee, where she still labors as a surgeon to help pay for Amanda's expensive training.