By: Julia Dondero
They say “Redbull gives you wings” and for 19-year-old Laura Mote, it was the 10-year-old gelding “Red Hot Redbull” aka “Redbull” who has given her wings to fly through a barrel pattern. The Llano, Texas cowgirl and Reliance Ranch’s own “Redbull ” blazed through the pattern at the Women’s Rodeo World Championship to run the first 12-second pattern– ever, at the historic Cowtown Coliseum in Fort Worth, Texas.
The red-hot duo stunned fans with an exhilarating 12.967-second run, shattering the 13-second ceiling and setting a new arena record at the Cowtown Coliseum. Going into the WRWC, Mote knew the duo could be quick, and they just had to run their race. Mote recounted this thrilling moment explaining, “I had joked we were going to be the first 12-second time, it was so fun to accomplish it. The arena was electric, I couldn’t hear my time, but from the cheers, I knew it had to be good”.
“Redbull”, who was raised and trained by the Mote family, knew the Reliances Ranch’s gelding was something special from a young age. After breaking his skull and having it wired shut as a young colt, Redbull spent much of his younger days turned out with retired racehorse “You Rock”. Mote joked, “That horse has more swagger than any horse I’ve met and Redbull certainly got his high confidence from him”
Maybe it’s Redbull’s confidence or his solid foundation, but the duo has no intentions of slowing down anytime soon. “I’ve known his potential and I don’t think he’s made his best run yet, he hasn’t topped out yet” explained Mote.
The duo, who has run together since Mote was a sophomore at Texas High School Rodeos has continued to grow together and form a special bond. Most recently, the duo clinched the WRWC Professional Barrel Racing Championship taking home almost $10,000 in earnings in Fort Worth.
“I have had this goal for a long time and it felt so great to accomplish it. I didn’t know what I needed to do to win it, however, I later learned we needed to win almost everything to clinch it and I’m so grateful it worked out the way it did” explained Mote.
When the dust settled, Mote left Fort Worth victorious as a new arena record holder, WRWC Champion, as well as earning the Texas Rattlers Bonus– a bonus presented by the PBR Texas Rattlers team to the highest-earning Texas competitor. Mote expressed her gratitude for everyone in her corner, particularly her parents Kate and Bobby who have supported her in every way. From learning the mental game to the ropes of the rodeo road, they have been there to support her. Mote also expressed her gratitude for the WRWC and WCRA explaining, “I am so grateful for the opportunities presented by the WRWC. From the electric atmosphere to the competitive payout, it’s refreshing to feel the athletes treated as professionals and a priority.”
As for what’s next for the young cowgirl, she will embark on the PRCA road this Summer. Following in her Father’s footsteps, she aims to win the same rodeos her PRCA Hall of Fame and 4-time World Champion father, Bobby has. While balancing professional rodeo, and nominating for WCRA rodeos, Mote also works as a barrel horse trainer for Reliance Ranches, training the next generation of champion barrel horses.
