Trixie Chicks riding into Lea County

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The Trixie Chicks will be performing their trick riding acts during the 2019 Lea County Fair and Rodeo. (PHOTO BY WINSLOW PHOTOGRAPHY)

LOVINGTON, N.M. – A passion for horses has become a lifelong experience for a couple of cowgirls raised in Missouri.

Kelsey Lauberth and Shelby Epperson have been involved with horses most of their lives, and now they make a living with it as the Trixie Chicks, a trick-riding duo that will perform at the Lea County Fair and Rodeo, set for 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 7-Saturday, Aug. 10, at Jake McClure Arena.

“I saw Shelby perform in November 2012, and that’s when I decided what I wanted to do,” said Lauberth of Poplarville, Mississippi.

The duo is pretty good at it, which is why they’ll be in Lovington for the fair and rodeo.

“I go to the PRCA Convention in Vegas every year, and I talked to them one time,” said Trey Kerby, chairman of the Lea County Fair Board’s rodeo committee. “They put on a show, and it’s going to look good in our arena. They can stretch those horses out and run. As long as they can hold their tricks, they can do it here.

“It seems like a really good fit.”

That’s good, because the Trixie Chicks are excited to be associated with one of the top expositions in the region.

“We’re very excited,” Lauberth said. “New Mexico is one of my favorite places. The people there are a breed all their own as far as understanding rodeo and what we do.”

As a specialty act at the rodeo, the Trixie Chicks will be trick riding and showcasing their own style of horsemanship. Laubert said the difference between them and other similar acts is in how they push the envelope often and how they enjoy mingling with fans.

“One of the big things we pride ourselves on is to always be willing to push ourselves to go above and beyond,” she said. “We’re always trying to get faster horses and do bigger tricks.

“We love the crowd interaction. As soon as we’re done performing, we go back to the audience and sign autographs and take pictures. We won’t leave until the last person has had time to talk to us. We love that part of it.”

They should. The two are originally from Missouri, and Epperson still lives in Springfield. Both attended Missouri State University and were part of the equine department.

“We started in December 2012,” Lauberth said. “I now live in Mississippi, but we come together for our events. I’ll bring a whole herd of horses with me so that we can make it the easiest for our horses.”

They expect to have four to five in Lovington, and they’ll enjoy every moment. They chose this lifestyle because of their love for horses and their thrill-seeking personalities.

“I love the adrenaline rush of it,” she said. “It doesn’t matter what venue or how many people you’re performing in front of; being able to be with my horses and perform is a thrill. Being able to showcase your skills on a fast horse is why I do this.”

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