The Professional Barrel Racer and Texan Mom of Two, is Living Proof You Can’t Saddle Passion
Motherhood has a way of testing every limit; physical, emotional, logistical. But for Tillar King, those limits were never something that got in her way. As a professional barrel racer who’s competed in over 50 rodeos last year and just welcomed her second daughter, she’s not slowing down, she's recalibrating what thriving looks like in the chaos.
In this installment of How I Thrive, Tillar opens up about newborn life on the road, her red-light sleep hacks, and how a walk to the barn can turn her entire day around.
Needed: First up, tell us about you.
Tillar: I’m Tillar King, a professional barrel racer and mom to two little girls: Catherine (2 ½) and Alice (2 weeks old). I’ve been riding horses since I was two, competing professionally since 18, and I don’t plan to stop anytime soon. Some of my favorite memories are already watching my daughter cheer me on at rodeos and meeting other little rodeo babies along the way.
Needed: What’s one thing you wish people understood about your world?
Tillar: That balancing riding and motherhood is not glamorous—it’s logistics on top of logistics. I’m either racing to the barn before nap time or soothing a crying baby in the car en route to a rodeo. It’s exhausting, but I also think there’s beauty in my daughters seeing me do what I love.
Needed: How are you, really?
Tillar: I’ve got a 2-week-old and a toddler. So it's a little wild. Right now, getting both kids to the park and back in one piece feels like an Olympic-level achievement.
Needed: What does thriving look like for you right now?
Tillar: Honestly? It changes daily. Some days, it’s getting out the door in real clothes. Other days, it’s 10+ hours on the road, doing well at a rodeo, and having my daughter right there beside me.
Needed: What’s something that’s surprised you about your own endurance?
Tillar: The lack of sleep! Especially in those early days. But I’ve found that the things I love—riding, being outside with my girls—actually give me more energy than rest ever could.
Needed: Have you ever felt totally depleted?
Tillar: Definitely. When I feel that way, I go outside. A walk, time at the barn, or even grilling with friends resets me. Nature + quality time = energy.
Needed: Do you have a morning ritual that helps you feel like yourself again?
Tillar: Mornings are chaotic right now, but brushing my teeth and stepping outside with my girls, especially with the baby in the wrap—always grounds me.
Needed: Go-to movement or workout?
Tillar: Riding, always. It’s my constant. And walks when I can squeeze them in. I love a good strength training day, but they’re rare right now, and that’s okay.
Needed: What’s on your plate, literally?
Tillar: Postpartum is all about warm, nourishing soups—they’re easy to reheat and make in bulk. My forever snack is lactation bites, packed with Needed’s Collagen Protein. I eat way too many, but they’re fast and filling and make me feel like I’m doing something good for my body.
Needed: Favorite product or supplement that’s truly helping right now?
Tillar: Needed’s Prenatal Multi for energy and recovery, and their Sleep Support—I take it every night. It’s been my anchor for winding down postpartum.
Needed: Sleep, what’s working for you and your family?
Tillar: Red light everything. I use only red bulbs at night, and I swear it’s helped my newborn regulate her circadian rhythm faster. I even labored under red lights! I pair it with Needed Sleep Support, which makes a huge difference.
Needed: A mantra or mindset that’s helping you keep going?
Tillar: “This is just a phase.” Whether it’s a sleepless night or a tantrum, I remind myself it won’t last forever. That perspective saves me.
Needed: What’s one misconception about thriving in motherhood that you wish we’d let go of?
Tillar: That thriving means doing it all. It doesn’t. Sometimes it means saying no. Sometimes it means asking for help. Let’s stop glamorizing burnout.
Needed: How do you reset when things feel off?
Tillar: A five-minute walk, a visit to the barn, or even just cutting roses with my toddler. The tiniest outdoor rituals help me find my center again.
Needed: What are you most proud of in this season of life?
Tillar: Honestly, the little moments. Sitting in a hot trailer with both girls. Rainy days stuck inside. It’s not glamorous, but it’s full of love.
Needed: What’s bringing you joy right now?
Tillar: Perspective. As a second-time mom, I know how fast it all goes. Seeing my toddler next to my newborn reminds me to slow down and soak in the everyday moments.
Want more stories like this? Explore the full "How I Thrive" series at https://thisisneeded.com/blogs/all
