In this episode, I sit down with Marty and Jessica Leach, a powerhouse duo in the barrel racing world. With Marty’s background as a jockey and farrier and Jessica’s roots in ranching, rodeo and trick riding, they’ve combined their unique skill sets to raise, train, and compete on standout barrel horses—like Rich Money, VC Roc the Clock, and Ain't An Angel.

Jessica shares practical, no-nonsense advice every barrel racer can use to improve timing, balance, and confidence in the arena—including how to successfully run a free-running barrel horse, a challenge that trips up even experienced riders. Marty explains how they rope off every horse, teaching them to handle commotion and stay focused under pressure. Together, the Leaches reveal how they create user-friendly horses that not only win but also transition seamlessly to their next rider.

If you’re passionate about making better barrel horses—or becoming a better rider yourself—you won’t want to miss this conversation. Great people turning out great horses!