Loren Marchand:

When did you first compete in the Suicide Race and what horse did you ride?   Back in 2007, I rode Taz.   He is 13 this year. 

When was the first year you rode Taz?    2007

 

When does the trials start?    "They start two weeks before the race.  We start out with vet checks, hill test, swim test, be able to go up on top of the hill to practice, for the safety of the horses. "

What does Taz do after the race?   "He get’s to sit out in the pasture, graze.  Only job he has is the suicide race, I start training him 3 ½ months before the race."

What is his pedigree?  He is out of  Bunny bid, pedigree.  Quarter horse, sire side.  

How did you aquire Taz?  "A friend owned Taz, and sold him to us, we made a deal to train him for the Suicide race.  Jim Phillips owns him now."  

 

Do you think you’ll be riding and racing up to your 50’t or 60’s like a couple of the other riders this year who competed?   "I honestly don’t think so, I have to break Alex Dick 32 wins and I am at 19 wins".   I am trying to get more younger kids interested in the race.. and give them the opportunity and knowledge I was given from other veteran racers.. Like my uncle George Arnold Leroy and many other family and friends that I had the chance to watch and learn from.."

 

NFR Barrelman JJ Harrison works the Omak Stampede, how do you feel about a Okanogan cowboy who has become a famous successful rodeo clown, coming back to Omak every year to work the show?    "I think it’s great, I have known him from rodeos, he’s good entertainment". 


What animals do you own?   "I have other horses.  I team rope and I am a heeler".

 

Elgin Suicide race, Vaile Suicide race, both in Oregon, and Warrior Suicide race in Welpininit. 

Plans for 2014? 

 "Trying to stay healthy, keep Taz healthy, train and go out there and give it my best".