Core strength training puts barrel racer Tammy Key Fischer on top
––By Allison Stephan––
When Tammy Key Fischer sits in the alley waiting for the gates to open, she knows that she only has seconds to apply what has taken years to hone. Everything in barrel racing happens in a split second, and the mastered skills that have become almost innate are crucial because a correction in the arena can mean disaster.
Fischer has been barrel racing since she was a toddler and approaches her occupation with sheer determination. “I was raised on a horse and I’ve been doing this since I was two,” said Fischer. “My mom said that I could ride a horse before I could walk.”
Fischer, 41, who, along with husband Brian and stepson Jack, calls the south central Texas hamlet of Ledbetter home, has risen through the ranks of professional rodeo to become one of the highest rated barrel racers in the sport despite the horrific tragedy of losing her 18-year-old son Riley in an auto accident last year.
Her passion has earned her countless awards and accolades, in addition to a full ride through Blinn Junior College and Sam Houston State University, and now provides a good living and immense joy. She is a five-time National Finals Rodeo (NFR) qualifier, an NFR arena record holder from 2002-2008, the 2006 Houston Rodeo champion, Reno Rodeo champion, Calgary Stampede $100,000 winner, and is a Calgary Stampede arena record holder since 2002.
 “This is my work, but it’s also my passion,” said Fischer, who plans to compete in this month’s Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo. “I love my horses and I’m lucky enough that I can make a living doing what I love.”
If you believe that barrel racing doesn’t require athletic ability, Fischer says you’re flat out wrong. “Barrel racing is a sport and I have to be an athlete,” Fischer said. “Age plays a huge role now, and at 41, I have to do more than I used to.”
Fischer didn’t workout at all until about three years ago. “I didn’t think I needed to,” she says, “but just riding wasn’t enough anymore and I knew that the first time I went to the gym and found the only strong muscles were those that I use to ride.” Fischer hired personal trainer Alex Selvera, Jr., the only trainer in the nearby town of Giddings, and began to get serious about training.
“Barrel racing is all about timing and balance,” said Fischer. “You have to sit right in the middle of the horse and you need core strength to do that so that the horse doesn’t have to compensate for you. If you’re sloppy on the horse, you really hinder him.”
Fischer now spends four days a week in the gym–two with Selvera and two alone. “I work with Alex two days a week and we focus on balance and core strength,” she said. “We do push-ups, sit-ups, weights and BOSU exercises, changing things all the time with a focus on core strength and endurance.”
When alone in the gym, Fischer focuses on cardio to keep her endurance up and her weight in check. “Weight is a huge issue in my sport,” she says. “The horse can only carry so much.”
In addition to keeping her lean, the cardio has made a huge difference in stamina Fischer admits. “I actually run now. I run five minutes and walk five minutes for 45 minutes and it has dramatically increased my stamina.” While a race may last less than 15 seconds, stamina is critical in maintaining perfect form throughout.
The time Fischer spends training herself doesn’t compare to the time she spends with her horses. Fischer admits that she is essentially married to her horse. “I’d say the horse is 70 percent of the equation and the rider is 30 percent,” Fischer says. “You have to move as one. I have to know what my horse is thinking. There’s no room for error. We have to spend enough time together that he notices my subtle nuances in direction.”
Fischer admits taking much better care of her horses than she does herself. “The health and well-being of my horse is everything,” Fischer said. “They (the horses) have regular massage, acupuncture and extensive rehab for any injury, and they must travel in the utmost comfort.”
Upon arrival at the rodeo grounds, Fischer spends hours providing for the horses before her head finally hits the pillow, and she wouldn’t have it any other way.
Contributing editor Allison Stephan is a Houston personal trainer, Spinning instructor, cyclist and freelance writer.
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