Derica Stake's journey into the barrel pen began in the most heartfelt way—through the simple joy of watching a close family member. From a tender age, Derica found herself drawn to the mesmerizing world of barrel horses, captivated by the sight of her cousin gracefully racing across the cloverleaf pattern. It was an experience that fueled her passion for years to come.
As she stood there, witnessing the raw determination and passion exuding from her cousin with each stride, Derica realized that running was more than just a sport—it was a calling. The icy tingle running down her spine wasn't just from the chill in the air; it was a visceral response to the inspiration that surged within her. In those moments, she knew deep down that running was something she wanted to pursue with all her heart.
Derica's cousin became not only a figure in the pen, but also a beacon of inspiration during the challenging times. In the face of struggles and obstacles, it was the memory of those electrifying runs that fueled Derica's perseverance. Her cousin's unwavering spirit became a guiding light, reminding Derica of the passion that initially ignited her own journey in the world of competing.
So, as Derica mounts up and heads to the barrel pen, she carries not just the weight of her own aspirations but also the legacy of her inspiration. Derica's journey is not just a pursuit of medals; it's a testament to the power of inspiration and the enduring connection between family and personal dreams. Derica's connection with each horse is a testament to her journey, where the weight of her own aspirations has allowed her to thrive with her current trailer load. As she prepares for their next challenge, the bond she shares with her current team shows her dedication of personal dreams, and the unshakeable pursuit of excellence in the barrel pen.
Heading into 2024, Derica’s roster has a few fresh faces on the trailer, compared to the 2023 season; TS Shake Em Tess ($37k LTE) is a 6 year old mare by Frenchman’s Shake Em, out of a Bully Bullion mare (Contessa Bullion). JF Kandyfrostedfame who is a 4 year old mare making her debut in the futurity pen, Kandy is an own daughter of The Kandyman, out of a Perks Status Symbol mare (TS Frosted Perks.) Finally, I Need Ice is Derica & Josh’s 3 year old stud colt, who is an own son of Dash Ta Fame, out of an own daughter of Fire Water Flit. Their hopes are for this colt to hit the futurities in 2025!
Everyone has their own opinion for what makes a prospect worth investing in. When searching for the ideal prospect, Derica’s goal is trying to find that perfect combo of talent and genetics – the equine jackpot, if you will. When scouting for prospects, Derica often looks for something with the potential to become excellent broodmares down the line. Which is why she finds herself tending to steer clear of geldings; she is all about finding a horse that can contribute to her future breeding program. Bully Bullion is a personal favorite of hers, due to the amount of grit and heart he passes along. Derica’s dream cross is a Bully Bullion with DTF, combining Bullion’s heart and DTF’s run.
Beyond her competitive exploits in the barrel pen, Derica, along with her husband Josh, have initiated a breeding program. The goal is to cultivate horses that can thrive in their own successful careers alongside the couple or transition seamlessly to the next jockey, maintaining a legacy of high caliber. In addition to their DTF stud, they have recently purchased a weanling stud colt by Ain’t Seen Nothin’ Yet, out of TS Frosted Perks. Next step is to allow these colts to make a name for themselves with their athletic ability and distinctive qualities, setting the stage for a promising future in the barrel pen.
As Derica and Josh continue to shape the narrative of their breeding program, the spotlight now turns to the newest additions. With the stage set for these colts, the next step in their journey is to let them unfold their own stories, making a mark with their athletic prowess and unique traits. The hope is that, just like Derica's journey, these horses will become more than competitors in the barrel pen; they'll be living testaments to the legacy of determination, passion, and familial bonds that define the Stakes' pursuit for greatness. Derica and Josh eagerly await the chapters yet to be written, knowing that each stride is a continuation of the profound connection between family, personal dreams, and the exhilarating world of barrel racing.
