The Difference in Western Disciplines
Leslie Smalygo
•
5m 47s
Leslie Smalygo has won in Western pleasure and reining before making her mark in barrel racing. Her unique training approach, shaped by years in multiple disciplines, helped her gelding Gus dominate at RodeoHouston and the Calgary Stampede in 2024—securing both titles and landing her No. 2 in the world standings heading into the 2024 NFR. Smalygo shares how her background in Western Pleasure and Reining has influenced her barrel racing success and the key differences between these disciplines.
Up Next in Leslie Smalygo
-
Leslie Smalygo’s Road to Her First NFR
Leslie Smalygo looks back on her journey to qualifying for her first National Finals Rodeo in 2022. That season came down to a numbers game, but when the dust settled, she secured her spot and made her way to Las Vegas.
-
Leslie Smalygo's 2021 & 2022 Rodeo Se...
Leslie Smalygo reflects on her 2021 season, sharing the highs and lows that shaped that year. It was the first year she broke into major rodeos like Houston, Fort Worth, and Denver, but it wasn’t until the summer runs that Gus truly found his groove. With consistent placings and checks rolling in...
-
Leslie Smalygo's Barrel Bit Collection
Take a peek inside Leslie’s trailer as she breaks down her go-to bits and why she uses them for different situations.