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.