Paradis girl’s love of horses is a story filled with desire, dreams and determination
This is a real-life fairy tale about a girl named Bailie Dufrene and her two horses, and the unique bond that they share.
Over the past two years, Bailie has won nearly 100 ribbons competing in horse shows and other judged events with her two horses Rocky and Big Easy.
But most would agree that it’s her rare ability to communicate with the animals that takes first place.
“I can remember growing up and playing with little toy horses,” said Bailie. “And I really believe deep in my heart that my love of horses has always been there. I think that God has blessed me with the desire, passion and love for horses.”
Bailie says that she shares everything with her horses, every aspect of her life.
“My relationship with my horses is way beyond what anyone can understand,” she continued. “Even though though they can’t talk to me, I know that they are listening and understand me. Even through all the cries, kicks and walking away, we still believe in each other.
“I know that they will give their best at each competition, just like they know that I will always love them.”
Rocky, a solid-bay paint horse, competes with Bailie in judged events like the dry-class showing called western pleasure, and halter events where the horse is lead without a saddle, not ridden, and judged on its conformation and gait.
And Bailie’s grey thoroughbred, Big Easy, competes with her in speed competitions such as the barrels, poll bending and other types of arena races.
“The best part about the horse shows is just knowing that I am getting to do something that I love,” said Bailie. “But the hardest thing about competition is actually preparing for the show itself.”
It takes Bailie two days to prepare for the shows and she points out that when it comes down to it, competing is more that just trail riding.
“When we compete, I want to show people what a great team we are,” she said. “I set at goal for us then challenge myself to make it happen.
“I’m a believe that I can achieve anything if I want it bad enough and do what it takes to reach my goals.
“And my biggest goal right now is to one day make it to the world championship. I want to be a top barrel racer and set records.”
Bailie’s mom, Barbara, hopes that her daughter’s interest in horses will help inspire others who want to become involved.
“As her mother, I’ve always known the passion that she has for horses,” said Barbara. “And anyone who knows Bailie would say the same thing.”
Barbara remembers a time when a pair of Bailie’s horse earrings broke and how that seemingly simple event nearly broke her daughter’s heart.
“The earrings probably cost only $5,” she said. “But Bailie cried and cried, so I called the Gold Gallery in to see if they could fix them.
“The man told me that it would cost more than the earrings were even worth to fix them. I know that to him they were just a cheap pair of earrings, but I told him that to Bailie, they were everything. So he fixed them and all was right in the world.”
Bailie says that she wants to grow up to be a trainer and share her passion with others.
“I’m hoping that one day our high schools will start a high school rodeo organization that I can become involved in, and just like other sports, offer scholarships to kids who want to pursue a career with horses,” she said. “Everyday I feel so lucky to have Rocky and Big Easy. And now I realize that the journey I took to find them was also, partly, their journey to find me.”
Bailie is an honor student at J.B. Martin Middle School where she serves as the school’s mascot, in drama club, student council, a member of the COPE CLub and was recently chosen as a Who’s Who Among Junior High Students. She also recently competed in the Florida parish Horse Association’s event, winning four second place and two third place ribbons.
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