Yarnie King
All round cowgirl, champion barrel racer, coach, and the heart behind King Barrel Racing & King Saddle Co
A lifetime around horses, a love of barrel racing, and a practical approach to helping riders feel confident in and out of the saddle.
A Lifetime Around Horses
My horse obsession started early - very early.
From about one year old, I was sitting on my cousin’s mare, and I’d happily sit in her feed bin while she ate her hard feed around me. That same mare was later given to me when I was eight, and she took me through pony club, shows, and the beginning of a lifelong love for horses.
Built on Good Horsemanship
Growing up, I was lucky enough to have the most incredible role models in my riding instructor and her husband, where I also agisted my horses for more than 20 years.
I spent most days there and was made to feel like part of the family. Through them, I learnt so much about horsemanship, showing, breeding, and the care and patience that good horses deserve.
That foundation has stayed with me through every stage of my riding, competing, coaching, and saddle work.
From the Show Ring to the Rodeo Road
I showed and evented until I was 21, before starting to ride a friend’s Quarter Horse and competing in rodeos in undecorating. That was where my love for rodeo really began.
Not long after, my husband and I picked up a gelding for free because he was a bit of a handful. A year, a lot of work, and plenty of patience later, he won me my first state title.
That horse taught me a lot about trust, timing, feel, and what can happen when you give a horse the time they need.
The Horses Behind the Journey
Every chapter has had a horse at the heart of it.
Since then, I’ve been lucky enough to rodeo on many horses, but one of the most special will always be Chevy.
I loved her from the moment I saw her. Our partnership and trust in each other was something I’ll forever be grateful for, and together we achieved numerous state titles and wins. She was a once-in-a-lifetime horse, and a huge part of my journey both in and out of the arena.
After a long and happy life, I recently had to say goodbye to Chevy at 21 years of age. Losing her has been heartbreaking, but I feel incredibly lucky to have had the years, memories, and partnership we shared.
In this next chapter, I purchased a great mare, Bub, who was owned by a cowgirl I have always admired. She has helped give me my rodeo spark back, alongside the other horses in my team, Elvis and Presley.
I’ve also welcomed a young horse, Swagger, into the team. He’s part of the next chapter, and I’m looking forward to seeing where the journey with him leads.
A New Chapter
This year was meant to be my year of getting back on the rodeo road, but a breast cancer diagnosis early in the year changed those plans.
I’m now fit, well, slowly getting back into riding, and looking forward to the rodeos ahead.
King Barrel Racing clinics
King Barrel Racing lessons and clinics started a few years ago, when some fellow cowgirls asked for help with their horses.
I quickly realised there was a real need for practical, supportive guidance for people wanting to start barrel racing, improve their runs, or better understand their horses.
Since then, I’ve travelled throughout Western Australia running clinics, as well as teaching lessons from home in Byford.
My goal is to help riders build confidence, improve their horsemanship, and create better partnerships with their horses. Whether someone is just starting out or wanting to sharpen their barrel racing skills, I love seeing clients reach their goals and enjoy the sport I love so much.
King Saddle Co.
King Saddle Co. grew from the same place as my clinics - a love of good horses, practical gear, and helping riders feel confident in what they are using.
After years in the saddle, I know how important fit, comfort, feel, and function are for both horse and rider. Through King Saddle Co., I’m proud to help riders source saddles and tack that suit real horses, real riders, and real work.
For me, it has never just been about selling saddles. It’s about helping people find gear they can trust, ask questions without feeling silly, and feel supported in their choices.
