Stories Related to Photos: Beaumont Barrel Racer Rides Into Her 7th Decade

While Shackelford is in a unique category of riders, more rodeo athletes are staying in the saddle well past the age of retirement. [...] people are staying more active, so you see more of them competing longer, said Ann Bleiker, media relations director for the Women's Professional Rodeo Association. Shackelford said she can be seen dancing behind Bud (John Travolta) and Sissy (Debra Winger) in one scene filmed at the famed Gilley's Club. While Shackelford has spent much of her life dedicated to barrel racing, she is temporarily out of commission while healing from a recent injury. Just before a Sulphur, Louisiana, event in January, Shackelford said she noticed her horse seemed uneasy and she was worried she might buck during a run. [...] she is working with a personal trainer and exercising regularly at the gym in hopes of racing again by year's end.