Generations in the Saddle
The Brasher family’s shared love for horses and barrel racing
Words by Anna Lee Vaughn | Images by Ryan McGill
In Tommie Brasher's heart, the rhythm of hooves and the thrill of barrel racing pulse with an enduring vitality. This love affair with horses began in her childhood. She was inspired by her sister and her father, who shared the same affection for these majestic creatures.
"My dad loved horses, and we always had them growing up," Tommie recounts. "My sister, Deb, is 12 years older than me, so I got to watch her love for horses and barrel racing, and that inspired me. I wanted to be like her when I was little, and it just stuck. Barrel racing became a passion."
Tommie's weekends growing up were often spent in the electric atmosphere of horse shows, a tradition she eagerly continued with her children: Heather, Samantha, and Jared.
Tommie always knew she would raise her children around horses. Though times were often challenging and money was tight, she felt God always made it work. Her children fell in love with the lifestyle as quickly as she did, each soon finding their place within the competitive arena.
The kids began competing in Western Pleasure and Halter, disciplinary categories that encourage young people to learn true horsemanship and other equestrian disciplines. Although Heather and Jared eventually pursued different paths, the essence of horsemanship remained a familial bond.
Today, Tommie, her daughter Samantha Causey, and granddaughter Ella Mae Blackmon carry the torch of tradition. Together, they traverse the Southeast, participating in rodeos and horse shows. Ella Mae has already clinched state titles in peewee barrel racing, and Samantha finds solace and excitement in the sport, despite its challenges.
"I love riding because it's a stress reliever and so much fun! I have thought about quitting multiple times because I have three small children, and it can get complicated trying to juggle life, kids, and horses. My husband doesn't ride, but he is so encouraging and the main reason I haven't quit." says Samantha.
By day, Tommie works full-time as a legal assistant at a law firm in Birmingham, Alabama. Her husband, Mark, worked as a photographer and had very little exposure to horses before their marriage. However, he discovered his affinity for them through his and Tommie's shared life.
"I came to love horses. There is something very calming to me about being around them. I was surprised to know that every horse is different. They all have very distinct personalities as people do. Some are very gentle and kind, and some are belligerent and ill. tempered," says Mark.
The Brasher family's connection with their horses transcends mere ownership; it's a mutual bond of trust and understanding that develops over time. Tommie says that getting to know a horse is a two-way street. You must build trust in the horse, and the horse must build trust in you. It takes around a year to get to know a horse, consistently spending one-on-one time together: While some horses are gentle, others are more high-strung, specifically performance horses.
"I'm still learning and getting better at barrel racing. It starts as a matter of having a basic understanding of how to ride, but it takes a lot of coordination, balance, and repetitiveness. And most importantly finding the right horse, because not every horse fits you," she says.
Settling three years ago on a 38-acre property equipped with a barn and an arena, the Brashers are creating a haven for bolstering this shared passion. Tommie's path from an admiring sister to a matriarch of barrel racing encapsulates a profound narrative of family, perseverance, and the transformative power of equestrianism. As she continues to refine her skills and embrace the joy of competition, Tommie looks to the future with optimism, eager to pass on her love of horses for generations to come. 78