Two local cowgirls prove that competing in rodeo events has benefits that stretch far beyond the ring.

Riding and competing in ladies and junior barrel racing has taught mom and daughter, Jacqueline and Teagan Brink, to step outside of their comfort zones and challenge themselves in different ways.

Being involved in competitive rodeo events has not only helped them gain skills individually but strengthens their family bond as they travel to compete in rodeo events around the province.

Competing in both the Cochrane Lion's Rodeo this past weekend as well as the Calgary Police Rodeo on August 11th, the ladies shared their triumphs of rodeo life both in and outside of the ring.

Teagan who already has a vast amount of experience for her young age has a future that looks pretty bright. Riding since she was only four years old and competing in barrel racing since six, this young cowgirl claimed two buckles at the Calgary Police Rodeo a few weeks ago. Seeming more mature than her 12 years, Teagan has a good idea where she wants to end up. "I kind of want to be a professional barrel racer and horse trainer."

Teagan Brink shows the two buckles she won from the Calgary Police Rodeo on August 11.Riding and barrel racing are much more than just a shared hobby for the mother and daughter team, in fact, it has strengthened their relationship in so many more ways. 

Jackie, a Paramedic for Cochrane EMS shares rodeoing has been helping her overcome a much bigger issue. After eighteen years of working the front line and helping others, Jackie stepped out of her role in December after being diagnosed with PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder).

Being open in sharing her journey, Jackie says riding has been incredibly therapeutic. "What goes along with PTSD is fear. For the longest time when I first started barrel racing with Teagan, I didn't understand why I was hitting barrels...I would constantly hit them all the time. We even switched horses and her horse knows the barrel pattern. It was only when I started to really get into therapy that I realized I was fearful. I was holding on so tight because I was afraid to hit the ground, afraid to not have a job or afraid of a number of things, I just couldn't let go. When I finally started to let go a little bit, I started to not have issues with the barrels."

Her mom's inspirational journey has taught Teagan valuable skills that she will take with her into her teenage years. "Opening up and not keeping things to myself."

Working through the reintegration process, Jackie hopes to return to full-time Paramedic work next month. Although horses are at the heart of the story, recognizing when you need help is the real, key message. "That is one reason I am looking to go back to Cochrane. A lot of our guys have an accumulation of years but maybe they don't see the signs that I see and it is important. I just hope it helps one person."

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