This week on Equestrian Performer Spotlight, please welcome Bec Circosta of the Riata Ranch Cowboy Girls! The Riata Ranch Cowboy Girls are known worldwide for their western performing arts including trick riding and trick roping and you can learn more about them here. Thank you to Bec for sharing your story of growing up with horses and becoming an equestrian performer!
At what age did you start riding, and who was your first teacher?
For as long as I can remember, I have been riding horses. When I was growing up, my parents had a few thoroughbreds that they were racing at the time and I was always trying to ride my older brothers little Shetland pony named ‘Bo’. It wasn’t until my brother lost interest in riding that Bo became my pony.
How did you get your start in equestrian performance?
My interest in trick riding began in 2007, when an American female trick riding team, the Riata Ranch Cowboy Girls, came to my home town of Perth, Western Australia, to perform in a horse spectacular called ‘Spirit of the Horse’. Not even knowing that trick riding was even a “thing”, I was totally blown away with their professionalism, athletic abilities and courage. I got to know the ladies on a personal level and managed to keep in touch with them when they returned back to the States. Jennifer Nicholson, the CEO of Riata Ranch, insisted that I would be a great fit in their trick riding program and extended the invitation to come to California. As soon as I turned 21 the following year, I applied for a 6 week holiday and ventured to California to experience the western lifestyle and learn the art of trick riding. My 6 week holiday slowly turned into a 3 month visit, where I had the opportunity to travel with the Riata Ranch Cowboy Girls travelling team and assisted where needed. In 2009, I came back for another summer of fun on the road with the team and had the opportunity to learn trick riding and help train the horses. Fast forward to 2016, I decided that I wanted to pursue my love for trick riding and training horses and sold everything I owned back in Australia. Since then, I have been a core team member of the Riata Ranch Cowboy Girls and been travelling around the United States, performing at some of the biggest horse events and rodeos around the country.
The first event or show you performed in?
During my initial year travelling with the team in 2008, my first introduction to American rodeos was the Reno Rodeo. If you are not familiar with the Reno Rodeo, it runs for 10 days and is the ‘Wildest, Richest Rodeo in the West’. Coming from amateur rodeos back in Perth, I had never seen anything like it. Although I wasn’t actually trick riding, since I was still learning the art, I did get the opportunity to stand on top of the ‘One Arm Bandit’s’ trailer (John Payne – wildest man you’ve ever met where he puts buffalo on top, of his trailer) and crack an Australian stock whip.
Your favorite performance ever?
In the last 5 years, I have been blessed to perform at some of the biggest rodeos. I would have to say my favourite has been Reno Rodeo, Pendleton Round Up and Cheyenne Frontier Days.
What is your favorite breed(s) of horse to work with?
I have always loved working with Quarter Horses/ Stock Horses, but in the last few years, I was given the chance to work with an American Mustang and train him from scratch.
How many horses do you own or work with? Tell us a bit about them.
The horses that we work with at the ranch are usually horses that have been donated to the Ranch and we then see if they will fit into our program. A few of the girls on the travelling team own their own horses but I have been working with horses that have been given to us. One in particular is an American Mustang, that I have been working with for the past 3 years. He has been my biggest accomplishment and shaped me into the horse trainer I am today. He is the one horse that has challenged me, made me laugh, made me cry, made me doubt my abilities and made me believe that I can do anything… He really has changed my life.
Who inspires you most in the industry?
There are a lot of people that I admire in this business but the first person that comes to mind, happens to be my best friend and travelling partner, Sarah Thompson. We pretty much spend every waking hour together when we are both here in the States (she is a fellow Australian but we live on opposite sides of the country), whether we are at the ranch training horses together, or driving the long hauls to our next rodeo. She is a huge reason as to why I have continued trick riding and pushes me to the absolute limit. She has been there with me through all my failed attempts and successes (not only in trick riding, but in life too) and has been my rock through the good, the bad and the ugly.
What are some ways you are looking to expand your equestrian performing career?
I would love to see my trick riding career take me to the big screen and possibly do some stunt work for some really cool actresses.
Which performances and/or opportunities are you most looking forward to in the future?
2020 is shaping up to be a big year for the Riata Ranch Cowboy Girls, which sees us performing at Salinas CA and Prescott AZ, two very big rodeos in our industry. Yet, anything can happen and just looking forward to the year ahead.
What is your favorite thing about what you do?
I love the training aspect of what we do, whether it’s training myself or my horse, but I have recently found a new love for performing. In previous years, I would find myself getting so nervous and not remembering what happened during a performance. It was like it was a total blur, and I couldn’t relive what had just happened. I thrive on performing now and get such a high. Some would say that we are ‘adrenaline junkies’.
What do you think has been most instrumental to your success as an equestrian performer?
My mentor and good friend, Jennifer Nicholson, has been the driving force behind my success. She has been the one who has given me the platform to showcase my talents in front of thousands of people and the opportunity to do so. There are tons of really good trick riders out there, but they have all had to build up their own reputation from the ground up. Jennifer gave me an opportunity to ride for a brand that has been established and in the public eye for 62 years, which I am super grateful for.
Advice to up and coming equestrian circus artists?
1. Believe in yourself and your abilities. I, for one, need to take my own advice, but if you believe in yourself and the product you are delivering to the fans, they will believe in you too.
2. Be who you are. There is only one YOU in this world of ~7 billion people. Don’t let anyone tell you you can’t do something or that you need to conform the the pressures of societies expectations. This is your life and you only get one. Make it worth it!
How can people follow your career and adventures? (include your social media, website, etc)
There are a few options:
The Riata Ranch Cowboy Girls have Facebook and Instagram ( Facebook – Riata Ranch Cowboy Girls, Instagram – @riataranchcowboygirls) but if you are wanting to follow me personally, my details are:
Facebook – Bec Circosta
Instagram – @bec.circosta
Fun questions…
What would your autobiography be called?
“This Crazy Life”
If you could be any animal, what would you be?
I have a fascination with the animals of the sea, so I think I would like to be an Orca (Killer Whale)
Guilty pleasure?
I have a huge sweet tooth so anything that is chocolate or candy.