You are never to old to dream
At an age when the majority of Americans are content in a comfy recliner, barrel racer Mary Burger qualified for her first NRF Finals. I’m Susan Allen, stay tuned, after the break I’ll tell you about this inspirational grandma. Barrel Racer Mary Burger has overcome amazing odds to compete in a sport dominated by women half her age, and I am reminded of what she’s achieved when my body is aching and the youngsters are picking up the checks at the roping window… and I vow to keep going. Mary was 58 when she qualified for her first NFR Finals barrel racing. While a feet in itself, it’s nothing compared to what she overcame as a child. Born with Perthes disease in both hips she was unable to walk, instead of confining her to a wheel chair, her father bought her a pony on whose back she virtually grew up, giving her a deep affinity for the equine species. She has said she trains her barrel horse Rare Fred who is a double-bred Jet Deck with a “little bit of sugar and not a lot of force’ and gives the 13 year old gelding an hour cool down and pampering session worthy of a celebrity spa after each competition . No wonder Rare Fred runs so well for Mary. Mary found Fred for $2000 and trained him a decade ago for his owner Ron Martin who has refused $300,000 offers for the sorrel who has won over $730,000 and a WPRA world championship for the little grandmother. Mary Serves as a poignant reminder that you are never too old to chase your dreams!
