E L L A C A NA DY
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BeautyBARRELS
S t o r y b y L AU R E N C A N A DY / P h o t o s P r o v i d e d b y t h e f a m i l y
ON THE
Ella Canady has risen through the ranks of the barrel racing community quickly since her start in the sport only five years ago, recently competing against some of the best rider-horse duos in the country and holding her own. The Swainsboro High School student has grit and natural talent, but her fearlessness and determination set her apart and ahead of other riders.
F
or most of her life, after school and during summers, Ella could be found tending to an animal. Her family had somewhat of a "funny farm" going for as long as she could remember. Ella was surrounded by wildlife, whether chickens, goats, dogs, cats, or the occasional alpaca. Interacting with these animals came to her naturally, and it was only a matter of time before she found her niche. In 2013, Ella was introduced to her first horse, a rescue affectionately named Sugar. The two were quite a pair. Sugar was a
former Mennonite working horse, and Ella was an 8-year-old with no horseback riding experience. Most afternoons, Ella could be found feeding, brushing, or just talking to Sugar in the field behind her house. Through patience and dedication, and against her parents' better judgment, Ella began to ride the wild horse. Shortly after, Ella began taking riding lessons at Clarke Park Morgans in Swainsboro. Though Sugar and Ella got a late start relative to others in the community,
they learned quickly together. Within a few short years, they began attending exhibitions and competing in dressage shows around Georgia. Ella's interest in barrel racing was piqued after watching local barrel racing legend Taylor Hooks at the Georgia Sports Arena. Ella explained, "Dressage is very different. I liked it, but the adrenaline and excitement of running barrels had me hooked instantly." Taylor took Ella under her wing and introduced her to the sport. EMANUEL COUNTY LIVING
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