Valiant Valor

Sponsored by Bimeda

Dona Kay Rule had a phenomenal year campaigning for the 2024 NFR. Sidelined in July 2023 when her longtime equine partner High Valor was injured in a fall at the Calgary Rodeo, Rule and the now-sound 2019 WPRA Horse of the Year were back on the rodeo trail in 2024, hitting 59 rodeos and landing the No. 10 spot going into the NFR after winning $121,965 on the road. Rule credits her veterinarian, Dr. Amy Barnes, with getting “Valor” back to full health.

The 2009 gelding was off for five months to recover, and he received a variety of types of rehabilitation and exercise to build his strength.

“I think my conditioning program probably saved him,” Rule said. “And I had a great farrier and great veterinarian, so that has never changed. It was just the five months was a pivotal thing for him.”

Rule’s first run back with Valor was at the San Antonio rodeo—a big first step, but one that paid off with a tie for third in the finals, taking home a big chunk of cash.

“We kind of closed our eyes and reached in the dark, and he worked there and did good, and he probably stayed as sound this year as I think he ever has.”

Rule and Valor also won at Nampa, Idaho, for the second time. Another highlight was winning at Guymon Pioneer Days in Oklahoma—a meaningful win for the veteran competitor.

“It’s maybe not as big as some of the other rodeos, but it’s one of the special ones,” Rule said. “As an Oklahoman, you think if you win that one, you’ll really be somebody. As a little kid, that was a big deal.”

Luckily, Rule had no travel mishaps like previous years where flat tires and broken axles plagued her journey. But she did keep Valor’s health at the top of her mind.

“At my age and his age, just being given the opportunity to get to go and run at this level is just pretty much a blessing all year,” Rule said. “There’s always scary spots when things don’t seem to go right. But this was probably the best year. It was a much easier year. You’ve got to be tough to do this.

As part of his overall health regimen and at Dr. Barnes’s instruction, Valor received an IV injection of the patented three-component joint product Polyglycan every two weeks. Polyglycan mimics the physical properties of normal equine synovial fluid in joints.

“It just keeps his joints fresh and younger,” Rule said. “Horses naturally have [synovial fluid] in their joints. So I think it assists the body and joints to be more lubricated and flexible. I think that’s really important, especially in our level of barrel racing.”

If you’re thinking about taking your horse on a high-level barrel racing campaign like Rule, she recommends focusing on building your horse’s strength and endurance.

“One hundred percent, do not start if you’re not conditioned and ready,” Rule said. “And then of course, you do everything you can to help them be the best they can be.”

This includes supplements and medical devices like Polyglycan, for Rule.

“Definitely Polyglycan is part of my program,” Rule said. “I’ve tried some of the other joint supplements, but I just didn’t see the softness as I have with the Polyglycan.”

Qualifying for the NFR is a test of your determination and faith. Stay strong, and stick to your values, says Rule.

“It takes dedication, and you need to keep your chin down, be brave, don’t look around,” Rule said. “Just do you and be kind. Be a good human. Stick to your faith. That’s important.”