Story by Rita Thompson Tinsley {Photos by Patti Morabito}
The equestrian sport of Barrel Racing combines the agility of directing a horse around three barrels in a clover-leaf pattern with as much speed as that horse can muster. As a timed event, the horse and rider with the lowest amount of time wins. Fast horses and daring contenders make this sport super exciting to watch and exhilarating to ride.
Alyssa Tudor, who lives in Fort Mohave, Arizona, sat upon a horse at the age of one and was forever hooked on horses. She began barrel racing at the age of eleven and fell in love with the sport despite unique challenges. Tudor is a childhood cancer survivor, left paralyzed in both legs after a neuroblastoma tumor permanently damaged her spinal cord.
At a very early age, with an invincible spirit encouraged by her mother, RoJeanna, Alyssa made it clear that she was going to manage her life without allowing her life’s condition to manage her. Living life on her terms meant that she would not be deprived of following her dreams.
The wheelchair she uses is abbreviated, so that she can easily slip in and out of it. She climbs the side of her trailer to groom her horse or to administer a supplement when needed. Her arms are strong and able, allowing her to move around easily and quickly.
For the record, good barrel racing demands teamwork, which means that horse and rider work together in sync, partners in performance. Such is the case with Alyssa and Rosie.
A little over six years ago Rosie was discovered at a kill pen in Texas. The red roan was transported to Phoenix, where she and Alyssa met. Rosie’s journey was likely scary: she was taken from her home, moved to another state, and thrown together with other horses unfamiliar to her.
When Alyssa got her first glimpse of the mare, she didn’t hesitate. She boldly wheeled herself into Rosie’s area and got to know her face-to-face. They were instantly attached. There was no doubt that this was the horse for Alyssa, so Rosie went home with Tudor, and the training began.
As unique as Alyssa is, so is her saddle which is customized with a seatbelt for safety and security. Although leg cues are generally used in barrel racing, Rosie is specifically trained to follow Alyssa’s body language. Working as a teammate, she accurately performs the barrel routine.
Serving as Alyssa’s one-man crew, her grandfather Norman eagerly drives Alyssa, trailering Rosie to the events and assists in all the tasks required. This dynamic duo has taken home championships in pole bending as well as barrel racing, and have celebrated many wins over the years.
Aside from their competitions, Alyssa and Rosie are the best of friends. Rosie is especially protective of Alyssa, and on occasion has proven her devotion. When a dog came after them, Rosie kicked at the varmint until they were safe. When another rider tried to pull Alyssa out of her saddle as a prank, Rosie positioned herself so that Alyssa would be safe.
As royalty goes, Alyssa has been named Rodeo Queen a number of times around her community. In 2022, she was crowned Colorado River Round Up Rodeo Queen in Needles, California, and was 2024 Andy Devine Pro Rodeo Queen.
As all-around sportsters, Alyssa and Rosie enjoy gymkhanas, trail rides, have tried jumping and have participated in a cattle round up.
All in all, this doesn’t describe someone whose other ride is a chair on wheels. Alyssa Tudor at twenty is purely no nonsense, a driven force of nature who is not willing to settle for less. At 4’2” and 75 pounds, there is no one I know who sits taller in the saddle. There is no weight or measurement that calculates character. And there is no prouder mare than the one Alyssa calls her own.
