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64-year-old barrel racer ready to ride

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By TODD HENRICHS / Lincoln Journal Star

Friday, Jan 25, 2008 - 12:09:29 am CST

Mr. Announcer, please take note. June Holeman is no 65-year-old cowgirl. She’s 64½.

“They got that wrong the other night in Denver,” Holeman said Thursday afternoon, only hours after returning from a rodeo there, and a day ahead of competing in another in Lincoln.

“I suppose as soon as I turn 65, they’ll be saying I’m 70,” she added.

Story Photo
June Holeman rides at the National Finals Rodeo in this 2005 file photo. (Mike Copeman)

Holeman, who has lived her entire life in the open spaces west of Arcadia, has become a legend of sorts in barrel racing circles. Together with her horse, 19-year-old Sparky, they’ve spun around more 55-gallon drums than have been used on Interstate 80 construction projects.

Entering this weekend’s PRCA Championship Rodeo at Pershing Center, Holeman is fourth in the early season world standings with just more than $6,400 in earnings. The goal is the National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas, where Holeman already ranks as the oldest-ever competitor. She was 62 when she made the Finals back in 2005.

There are older women competing in rodeos, but none who Holeman says are driven to compete at that level.

“If I can go back one more time, then maybe it will be time for me to settle down,” she said.

Her husband, Donnell, would probably like that, considering it might take competing in 80 events this year for June to qualify for the Finals. It’s a schedule that will require Holeman to do all the things she doesn’t like. That is traveling alone, traveling at night and traveling in big cities.

“It’s stressful going with me,” she said.

Ah, but riding horses, well that’s a different story. Holeman has been riding since she first needed a lift to country school when she was all of 4 years old.

Now, a 12-second run can be worth hundreds of dollars on a given night.

And even if no one is certain of her age, they agree on one thing.

Holeman is forever a fan favorite.

“The people love me and my little horse,” she said.

Reach Todd Henrichs at 473-7320 or thenrichs@journalstar.com.


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Central NE wrote on January 25, 2008 2:21 am:
" My Mom's family is from Arcadia and I have heard stories and seen June ride and it is something all Nebraskans should be proud of. It is all the Nebraska Football team completing for a National Championship. "

 BurwellFan wrote on January 25, 2008 10:06 am:
" June, I've been a fan of years longer than I care to mention. You inspired me many years ago, and you continue to inspire a new generation of young women. Lord knows how many women have been (or will be) inspired by you and the passion you share for the sport. If I lived a little closer and had a little more free time, I'd offer to ride/drive on those long hauls. Now that would be something to tell the grandkids about! God Bless and happy trails. "

 Tim wrote on January 25, 2008 1:24 pm:
" We purchased a horse from Holeman's a while back and have enjoyed following her career. Turn em tight June. "

 Barrel racer wrote on January 25, 2008 2:06 pm:
" I was fortunate enough to get to know June and run barrels with her. I learned a lot and still do just by watching her. She is truly a inspiration to fellow barrel racers. I will watch for you at the NFR. Good Luck June! "

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