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Barrel Racing’s Big Inspiration: Shirley Blauser

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We are all SO lucky today! The fabulous Shirley Blauser is on The Barrel Racing Blog to give us all a little KICK in the butt. If you’re feeling a little down, unmotivated or tired, read on. Shirley went through a horrible and painful ordeal this winter, and she fought to be back on her feet and soon to be back in the saddle. 

Tell us about your accident. What happened, how did it happen, and what do you remember first after the crash?
I was at Waynesburg, Nov. 12, 2011 at a barrel race. As I came in to the arena and ready to turn the first barrel, a tiny twist of my body in my saddle blew my pelvis. When this happened, I tipped to the left. Honor (my horse) evidently thought I was going to fall off and he went to the rail. At the time I remember thinking ‘Why did I pull him to the rail?’ and then remembered I was hanging on to the horn with my left hand so I couldn’t have done it. After watching the video you could see that he did it on his own. (What a great horse!) We came around the barrel and I got him slowed down and went back to the gate. At this time I felt like someone had thrown a bucket of scalding water in my crotch area. Turns out that feeling came from the fact that my stomach muscles had exploded along with my pelvis. As soon as that pain passed, it was total numbness and no more pain. Bert Thompson came over to me and asked if I was okay. I said I need to get off this horse right now. She yelled for help and about 25 people came running.

I couldn’t get my right leg out of the stirrup so a couple of guys came around and took it out and walked it across Honor’s butt and stood it beside the left one. Then 3 guys held me by my waist and lifted me out of the left stirrup and set me down. They came up with an arm chair and set me in it and carried me to the restroom because of the feeling I had with the scalding water. I had felt soaked but I was totally dry. Then we bickered about calling an ambulance-I said NO ambulance. As luck would have it, Mari Beth Guido’s husband Albert had driven his car to the show that day so they loaded me in to it and Mari and Shayne took me to Waynesburg Hospital. One of the gals at the show worked at the hospital so she called ahead and they were waiting on me when we got there. The doctor took an xray and told me there was nothing he could do for me and that he was sending me to the Trauma Center in Pittsburgh. At that time my heart sank because I realized then that it was something really serious.

I spent the night there and they took me by ambulance Sunday morning to Pittsburgh. On Monday morning they did surgery. I had what they called an “open book” pelvic injury. It wasn’t broken, it had separated from my spine and had a 6 cm spread in it and my spinal cord was 2 cm away from being severed. The right and left sacroiliac joints were also fractured. I dread to think what could have happened if I had fallen off. I guess I prefer not to think about that!!! I just layed there on Sunday because no surgeries were done on Sunday. On Monday morning they took me to surgery.

The doctor had to put a plate and screws in my pelvis to bring it together. He couldn’t repair my stomach muscles so he called in another surgeon and she couldn’t do them either. A plastic surgeon was called at this time. The plastic surgeon would be there on Tuesday so they left the incision open and I went back to surgery on Tuesday morning. I now have mesh in my stomach holding the muscles together. I spent 12 days in the hospital and got to come home on Thanksgiving day. The orthopedic surgeon at that time told me I would be off my feet for 3 months and rehab for 3 more months.

On Dec. 8 I went back to the doctor for a follow-up and an xray. He told me it looked really good and to make another appointment for 5 weeks and he would start me walking. I’m thinking “WOW”. So on Jan. 12 exactly 2 months after the mishap he took another xray and said it was excellent and I could start walking. I came home ‘and started walking’. No walker, no cane, nothing. Even though I didn’t feel that I needed therapy because I had continued every day to exercise in my bed, determined not to lose my leg muscles I made an appointment with the therapist. The therapist after checking me and putting me through some exercises told me there wasn’t really any need for her. On February 1 I went back to my job which is driving school bus. I’m still a little stiff when I get up in the morning but I can handle that!! The doctor told me I can start riding in March after my follow-up visit with him and hopefully my last visit.

Who has helped you the most throughout this process?
My husband was my crutch through this whole time. For 2 weeks I think, he hardly left my side except to do chores and feed the horses. He cooked and did dishes, which is something he had NEVER done!!! The only thing he wasn’t good at was cleaning the house, but he told me that would wait on me. Oh well!! He was right, it did wait on me.
What have your grandbabies been doing to keep your spirits up?
As for my grandsons, Bryer and Trap, they spent a lot of time helping Grandpa in the barn doing the things that was my job. Bryer is Grandpa’s right hand man. And Shayne was my right arm always getting the things that I needed.

What is your goal for the next six months?
My goal is to be barrelracing by May if not before. Actually the horses got a well deserved vacation during this time. I feel that I’m a pretty lucky woman to be walking exactly 2 months after it happened considering it was to be 3 months down and 3 months rehab in the beginning.

I would have to say GOD was definitely looking out for me on November 12.

Thank you GOD!!!!!!!!!!And everyone else that helped in this time of my need.

What keeps you motivated to keep getting better?
My motivation for getting better is that I’m not a quitter. What do they say, “Quitters never Win” That’s my goal when I come back riding.

FarmTek Timers For Sale

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For Sale:
2 – complete sets of wireless FarmTek timers.
With tri-pods, and hand buttons for ranch sorting (if needed)
$600.00. ($975.00 plus tax and shipping new)
1 – 10″ LED Display board with wireless interface.
$1000.00. ($1400.00 plus tax and shipping new)

All of this equipment is in new condition. It was use for the AQHA World Show in November only.
For more information call Mike@ 419-208-1010

On the Road with Dawn and Clea: Musical Edition

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We thought we would share this wonderful story with each of you. I went to school with Courtney’s mom, Janet and I can tell you the apple does not fall far from the tree. Courtney displays the poise, talent and beauty of her mom.

Perhaps we will see Courtney at a barrel race sometime in 2012 entertaining everyone.

We hope you enjoy this story and the voice of Courtney Stewart.

We are sad to inform you that our closing “get your pet spayed or neutered” is not something we can conform to so we always say practice what your preach we must sign off with the following…

Enjoy your life, this ain’t no dress rehearsal and “Sakatini” (said with a strong Japanese warrior accent)

Clea and Dawn
On the Road with Dawn & Clea

“Sakatini” comes from the Wasabi Steak House Friday – January 13, 2012

Congrats to Megan Yurko and all PA/OH/WV IPRA Barrel Racers!

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Boy oh boy have I missed a lot. Major congratulations to IPRA Rookie Megan Yurko, who in her first run at the International Finals Rodeo in Oklahoma City last week took home a third place check worth $730! Also, big congrats to Laura Lee Thomas for two second place checks, and to Shanna Simmons for winning round three and running second in round two.

Here’s the rest of our interview we did with Megan Yurko before the IFR.

What’s your game plan for handling the pen and the ground in OKC?
My game plan is to just have fun, I ran Beea in that pen at the 2009 BFA so
it’s not new to us even though it will be set up different. I know she’s going
to love all the noise so I’m going to trust her and let her do what she does
best, RUN!!

What does making the IFR mean to you?
I can not describe what making the IFR means to me especially my rookie
year and being the youngest the whole thing is really quite overwhelming. There
are so many people to thank that has helped me and Beea get to the IFR: Amber
Mostoller and Heath Wyre, Teresa and Donnie Tyner, Stassi and Rob Pyne, Sherry
Sunden, Teresa Quay, Karla Arthur, Linda Jett, Laura Lee Thomas, Chris Bryant,
Melvin Byler, Virgil Templeton, I hope I haven’t forgotten anyone, I really just
want to thank you all!! Also my family and my sponsors LubriSyn, Buckeye
Nutrition and K.E.Y. Animal Hospital!!

Why would you rather rodeo than go to barrel races?
I LOVE the whole atmosphere, the noise, the crowds, the excitement, being
on the rode seeing so many new places and of course meeting new people that I am
happy to call my rodeo family!!

What is your goal for 2012?
I really haven’t thought a lot about 2012. Of course I would love to make
it back to the IFR, so I guess to continue to ride strong, keep Beea happy and
healthy and learn all I can from anyone and everyone that is willing to teach me
:)

Will Beea continue to be your mount, or would you sell her to move on to another
horse?
Beea will continue to be my mount, I can’t imagine selling her but you
never know I guess…

What is your pre-run routine?
My pre-run routine is pretty laid back I normally ride in the grand entry
then watch the rodeo till its time to get Beea ready. I stretch Beea a lot, lope
a few circles each way, I always say a prayer then let her go!!!!!

What are you most looking forward to at the IFR?
I just can’t wait to get there!!! I am looking forward to the entire
experience!!

Who will be going with you?
Beea and I are hauling out to OKC with friends and my mom and dad are
flying out on Thursday.

Who will you haul with in 2012?
My dad has been hauling me since school started back up but I would love to
haul with Amber Mostoller again this summer. Summer is a crazy time at K.E.Y.
Animal Hospital and my dad needs to be there so I guess anyone that is willing
to haul us I’m in, I can’t thank everyone enough, again, that helped and hauled
us this past summer I wouldn’t be going to the IFR if it wasn’t for all of
them!!

Megan Yurko: International Finals Rodeo Rookie

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Megan and Beea at St. Tite (Photo provided by the family)

This time last year, Megan Yurko stopped by The Barrel Racing Blog to check in before she headed off the World Barrel Racing Challenge in Perry, Ga. At the time, Yurko had won two classes at the Congress on her mare, Beea Stash of Money, and was looking forward to a year of barrel racing. Much has changed since her last interview, and this 14-year-old from Wheeling, West Va., has added even more to her barrel racing resume. In just a few short days, Yurko will be making her debut at her first ever International Finals Rodeo. We’ve got her here, though, over the next few days, to tell us all about her and Beea’s dream season on the rodeo road.

Tell us what the highlight of your 2011 year was, other than qualifying for the
IFR?
A huge highlight for me was going to St. Tite in Canada and ending up 13th
in the average out of 110+ girls. Even though they only took the top 10 back to
the short go I was psyched, Beea had a great run in the poring rain, she worked
her tail off (literally, lol) in the mud, I was so proud of her!! We will go
back next year for sure.

What was your worst run this year, and where was it?
I would have to say Sandusky, OH. This was the only rodeo all season out of
40+ rodeos that we hit a barrel and it was completely my fault :( Beea is a much
better horse than I am a rider, lol!!

What was your best run?
We have had so many good runs but Beea had a SMOKIN’ run in Dahlonega, GA
winning it by .3 tenths!!

What makes Beea such a talented rodeo horse?
Beea is super consistent and can run on any ground and she thrives on the
noise and excitement, the louder the better. Beea is also super easy to haul,
nothing really bothers her.

On the Road with Dawn and Clea from WB Ranch

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I send my apologies AGAIN that I’m getting this up so late! This was originally from November…Where the heck did December go?! 

Well hello Chels – It is a pleasantly warmer than we thought  Saturday morning and we are headed to the WB Ranch in Swanton, Ohio for the Winter Series.

I am still not riding but Clea is ready to roll with the pole and barrel horses. We load up Chili, Channing and Cracker to run and then Whitey (she got her name because of all the whites in her eyes) our 3 year old for Clea to exhibition. We are thinking she is going to be a nice barrel horse.  She has all the run in the world and as Clea says she is a ROCK STAR at home. Time will tell. We load up 2 of the dogs, Stuck and Clet and leave Kisses at home as she is prime this weekend to have babies and WE SO DON’T WANT THAT NOW next time will be fine.**

We roll out the drive Betty is in the driver’s seat and my leg is good enough to be Nelly Navigator from the front seat. Thank God!

We roll into Swanton about 10:30 and there are a lot of trailers there and looks like it is going to be a nice sizes show.  We open the doors to the truck and both decide it is a  little chillier at Swanton then West Salem–grab the jackets.

We get parked and head on up to the arena to get our stalls and exhibitions. Thank Goodness we did because everyone and their brother had their young horses there for exhibitions.  We got the last couple from Joe Johnson.  Joe and Heather Johnson are the young couple putting on the show. We get everything unloaded and settled in and go up to the arena to chat with everyone while we wait for Clea’s exhibition to come up.

 Brent Puhl was there and as always he has some awesome photos and items that he makes for sale.  If you have not seen some of the frames, award holders, coffee and end tables, or custom made items that he personally makes with USA products with his own hands you should take a look next time you see him.  If you are looking for a great Christmas gift–He has them. Brent is headed to Oklahoma to show case his items at the BFA and to see his son Tyler. Enjoy Brent and Best of Luck to you!

It is getting close to Clea’s time to expo so we take Whitey and Chili out in the back field to get on Whitey and let her get some energy out.  As we are walking around ( I can finally get my foot in the stirrup without too big of an issue) and we see this large hole in the back field that looks like you could lose a truck tire in it. I said to Clea “That looks like a Sid hole”  A Sid hole is a hole dug by The Guido’s dog Sidney. You think we are exaggerating – think again.  Seriously it is still there from September, Dam Dogs!

ON THE INJURED RESERVE

During exhibition Terri Phillips had a little accident – she is fine – but will be on crutches for a week or so,  Her horse came over on her in the shoot and she hurt her foot.  Terri you are a tough one and we wish you well and a quick recovery for the next show.  Denim you take care of your mommy!

Scott and Renee were at the show to watch Troy run their mare Bella prior to heading to Oklahoma. Renee is out of the scooter and onto one crutch – she will be starting PT this week.  She looked great.  It was so nice to see them both and talk to them for more than a minute.  Renee is so excited to get a puppy out of the next batch –keep in mind we left Kisses at home to avoid a sooner than wanted batch of puppies)- she was to get Becky Johnson’s little Gracie Rae but since she got hurt she passed Gracie Rae onto Becky and will wait for the next little pupper dog.  At one point in the night Clea was on Channing and I was out with her in the warm up pen waiting to get her bands on and saddle tight when Scott came over and started talking.  He was saying how he misses Renee and them being able to be a team (he says, you know like you and Clea) when it comes to things they do around the house.  He was saying about getting Christmas decorations out and it wouldn’t be the same this year without his team mate Renee.  It was so–not just cute–but respectable when he was talking about Renee. Today Renee had a post on FB how much she loves and appreciates Scott.  It was very fitting.

We were talking to Jeff Myers and he was just there to watch as he had a bad knee. We of course ask what happened thinking that something major horse thing happened and he tells us this story of how the female dogs were locked in  the kitchen with a  gate and as he was going into the kitchen, with 2 pizza boxes and a can of pop on top, he stepped over the gate and caught his foot in the it and he bit it falling flat out on the kitchen floor.  Without missing a beat he says “I only lost one piece of pizza.”  We laughed like goof balls as out of the entire story the rest of the night we kept saying : But he only lost one piece   Get better soon Jeff and rest that knee!

THE SHOW

This show series was something they had last year and it went well for them so The Johnsons are back this year for another go.  The first thing that you know is this is a show bill to allow people to show though the winter.  This show bill is clean and has a little something for everyone. There are awards at the end of the series that are a bonus for running all the shows.  This year Joe and Heather decided to run the points differently so that all could have a shot at winning no matter what division.  The way this is being done is very smart on their part and shows great initiative for a small but growing show committee.   We appreciate these 2 taking their time and putting their efforts into giving us a place to run in the winter.

Joe and Heather seem to be a young couple who help each other and enjoy the equine part of their live together.  This couple have a 4 and 5 year old that they are riding and doing that well. This is the first we have had the pleasure to meet them both personally, it was our pleasure.  We will look for them in the future as their Winter Series grow each year.

The show moved along really well for the number of exhibitions that put through.  Joe kept the expos going and then was the tractor man while Bruce ran the announcers booth.

TALENT AT THE SHOW

Poles would be first to run.  There were some good horses there and as always with WB there is usually a good number in the poles.  A 20.892 would win the class with a 21.2 not far behind.  The boy who won the pole class never set back his entire run and he was riding to win the entire time.  His horse came in as fast as it left the arena.  Next trip Clea and Cracker will get through those poles and leave them all up!  :)

Warm- Up would run next and then Youth and Open

As we get the horses ready for the Open we are in the barn talking to Katie McGrain–she is watering her horse about 10 stalls up from us.  If you have ever been to WB Ranch you know they have a long hose then entire length of the barn to get water to all the stalls.  We were at the end of the barn that DID NOT have the spigot.  So the 3 of us are walking towards the other end of the barn headed to the arena to see where they are with the class.  Katie has the hose kinked as she is dragging it with her to get to the shut off valve.  I am walking beside her and Clea is about 2 steps behind.  We are all chit chatting and I see out of the corner of my eye–Clea is eyeballing up the hose dragging behind Katie.  I know what is coming and before I can think about warning her or stopping Clea–Yep Clea steps on the traveling hose and Katie is thrown forward and stopped in her tracks.  Short of hitting the floor Clea takes her foot off the hose and Katie says, “Clea why are you so mean to me?!” Clea says, “Oh Katie (laughing evilly) because I love you.”  We all laugh!

The Girls would rock the Ranch this Saturday

Barbie Jimison and CC would show their mojo was back in the grove by winning the Open. Danielle Harropp and her horse were just a mega sec off of Barbie and Katie McGrain and Maggie were hot on both their her heels.  Amanda and Wilma were rolling through a set of cans in the warm up and open and left a set of tracks to following by the next racer.  Man is that Wilma fast!  Stacy Hartman would win the 2D with a beautiful run on her horse.   Sami Bear would lay down a nice run as well.

The woulda coulda run goes to:

Shane Yoder on his big bay horse, U Bug Me Frenchman – I said to Clea as we sat and watched him make his run. “That was a 16.011.” She said, “The hell it was.” I said, “Yes it was look,” she said “Holy crap.” It was beautiful of course with the exception of the downed barrel.  I went over to say WOW nice run–and this horse is huge, its withers were at my forehead. Kelly B was standing there as well and Shane said, “This is the horse Kelly rode all last year and did so well on.” I said, “Oh so that is why he is so talented.” Kelly quickly gave all the credit to Shane for getting the horse to where it is today,  Kelly Bowser you are a class act. 

 

Kelly and KaliAnne Jones came to the ranch to run around the cans.  It was great to see them and nice to see them make the 4 hour trip.

SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT

As I sat in the office waiting for Heather to return so I could get information on the awards and how they were set up, I sat in amazement with how one woman could complain so much about something that is a gift.  As she stood and complained to the office help – (now mind you this office help had nothing to do with this how the awards or show is ran, they are all volunteers to help Joe and Heather) it was all I could do to keep my mouth shut until I knew the entire story. ( I did at one point say, “You really need to calm the hell down, gosh dang ”) – at that point I left the office. J

Anyone who barrel races or pole bends needs to think about ‘the show committees.’ I am not talking about the huge IBRA or the huge NBHA shows that have shows that they make a living on–I am talking about the little gals and guys who put on shows for the love of the sport. They may cover their cost of their fuel to get to the show they are putting on and Maybe just Maybe pay for their arena rental–So to have someone stand and complain about how the show committee is doing things but not have a dime or a hand lifted in it… not cool IMO!

 

We want to encourage EVERYONE to thank your show committees for all their hard work, time and effort.  Remember these committees are the ones that keep us doing what we love very weekend.

 

THE FOOD

Lisa has the food booth at WB Ranch tasting great.  From breakfast to dinner there is a huge variety of good food.  The gals in the kitchen were hopping this weekend.

On a personal food note – We want to thank Becky Johnson for the homemade veggie soup.  She offered us some at Congress and we never made it over to get it.  Of course when she said she  had veggie soup for us because we did not get any at Congress, Clea said “it isn’t the same soup is it?” Becky said “no you smart ass”  THE SOUP WAS SOOOOOOO GOOD!  Thank you!

 

 

THE GROUND

WB Ranch – in our opinion – has the most consistent ground and has good ground.  Joe and Heather made sure it is safe and consistent for all riders this weekend.

All in all it was a great weekend and a great show.

We also have the dates for “The 2nd Annual Best of the Best Invitational Charity Barrel Race 2012″ on the books for 2012.  This race will be in conjunction with the 1st Annual  On the Road with Dawn and Clea Productions 3 day show.  Watch The Barrel Racing Blog for additional details on the big money added for poles and barrels  September 21- 23, 2012 at WB Ranch!

 

Next we will be traveling to Henderson Arena or Circle G for the Thanksgiving Weekend show!

 

As always “get your pet spade or neutered”

 

Clea & Dawn

On the Road with Dawn and Clea

 

PS Oh and by the way when we got home Kisses was so glad to see Clet that we will be having puppies in January DAMN IT!   We really need to change our closing line –  As always “get your pet spade or neutered” to If your dog is in heat make sure the TV is off and we are paying attention to the dam dogs”

Kick Ass Cowgirl Jackie Luffey Harris: Part 3

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Today, we’ll finish our series with Jackie Luffey Harris. And today, you’ll learn a few ways to get involved. Jackie is doing more than just raising money–she’s meeting the children and giving them a night out at the rodeo. To my friends in Denver, Jackie will be bringing a little girl in need and her family to the National Western Stock Show and Rodeo, and I know there will be plenty of us in the industry there who can help make this special for her. So, in the Christmas spirit, read Jackie’s interview today and think about how you can help make this world a better place, one rodeo at a time. 

Has your horse rodeoed before? If not, what’s your game plan to get her ready to compete?

Sis has rodeoed a bit. Back when Jeanie owned Hart-Bow ranch I ran in several rodeos there as well as some Bulls and Barrels here and there. My game plan for bigger rodeos, with more distractions, is just to get there early, ride her around and get her acclimated to her surroundings. Typically, once she is in the arena running, not too much distracts her. I am going to work with her this winter as well doing some of the Parelli techniques to get her used to flags, etc, in case I am asked to carry one-as we’ve not had to do so up til this point. All I can do is prepare her the best I can, and then go for it. Every rodeo horse starts somewhere I imagine. I will do as much preparing as I can over winter.

What support have you gotten so far from friends and sponsors, and how can people get involved?

I have gotten great support from my friends and family. They all helped me to win the Kick Ass Cowgirls, which started my bank account for fuel/entry fees for 2012. My boss, Franco Harris will be a money sponsor as well as my sister and husband, Peoples Gas, BB Flenory, Franco’s brother Giuseppe Harris, and The Settle Inn. I’ll use sponsorship money for fuel hauling to events, and anything remaining will be donated back to the charities. I have had a couple companies donate saddle crosses, Cowgirlz Flair and Deuces Wild. Thankfully, I have a hat sponsor as well, Brad at Star of the West Hat Company is designing me a hat-as my hat has seen it’s day! I had it since I was on the youth team at the Quarter Horse Congress back in the 80′s! So, no doubt, I was in need of a new one!

People can get involved with my Race for a Cause, by becoming a money sponsor, or donating items that I will need along the way. More saddle crosses are always needed as they are filling up quickly with initials.

My biggest hope, is for more barrel racers to join me in the “Race for the Cause”, by either joining the Kick Ass Cowgirls “Race for a Cause” contest where they can win prizes in the end, or just to designate a race or two on their own to donate their winnings that particular day to a charity close to their heart. You’ll be amazed at how good you will feel when you come out of the arena with a smoking run knowing you did it for somebody else. I know my donations will only be a pebble dent in what is needed.

Anybody that has placed initials on my crosses can follow my 2012 season either here on Facebook, or I made a blogspot for those that don’t have Facebook.

Now, tell us about your newest venture involving children in need. 

I kinda added more to the “Race for a Cause.” I have decided after watching the NFR and all the commercials about St. Judes and kids fighting cancer–to make it a little more personal as far as who I am trying to raise money for–to meet some families. Therefore, I am going to start taking kids to the rodeos where I compete. But, since I was headed out to Denver for work and going to the National Stock and Rodeo, I thought I’d start the new year off meeting a family.

I will be taking Amy LeClaire–a 10 year old little girl and her family. I have a ton of gifts to go in my goody bag as well. One of my sponsors is giving me a gift card to send with the tickets as well–for the family to go to dinner that night. I can’t wait to meet her! I’ve been getting such overwhwelming support from people wanting to include something for her in the goody bag-to make this a special evening.

If you’d like to get involved, let Chelsea know and she’ll put you in touch with me!

Kick Ass Cowgirl Jackie Luffey Harris: Part 2

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Yesterday you got to meet Jackie and learn a little about her mission. Today we’ll introduce you to her friends and her horse and tell you how riding for a cause has changed her life and her barrel racing career.

Will you have a hauling partner for the 2012 season?

My hauling partners will remain the same for the most part as we go to IBRA and Penn Ohio Shows. I haul normally with my good friends Jeanie Bowersock and Darenda McNeely. We always have a great time together and can tease each other like crazy and make fun of each other without getting upset. Natalie Davidson and I have discussed hauling together next year to the rodeos as Jeanie has a young horse not ready for rodeos and Darenda isn’t getting her IPRA card. Natalie and her horse Jeeter have been on fire these last few years so we are both excited!

How is this changing your outlook on life and barrel racing?

It is changing my outlook on life as I have realized how much I do have already and doing something for others has a certain level of pride and confidence that I carry with me now. I have always admired and respected people that did “pay it forward” with their successes in life. I feel really good about doing this for those I lost and for anybody out there that have lost the fight or who is still fighting. I also, typically am quiet, and would never be too outgoing if I did not know somebody. Somehow, with this, it is making me open up more to people I don’t know and is making it possible to make new friends.

As far as how it’s changed my outlook on barrel racing, I noticed that once I determined I was going to do this, I started riding harder. More aggressive, as I feel I am doing it for others. Therefore, I started to consistently have those 1D times. For me, it’s a hobby, it’s not how I make my living. So of course while I wanted to do well, place and succeed which I did, I didn’t have that aggressiveness or determination that I feel I have now. I look down at those crosses filled with names, and want to do each and every one of those names proud. To place as high as possible, win some money to donate, to help those organizations research and help find cures.

Tell us about your horse. (Age, name, breeding, running style.)

Sis (Watch Joe’s Lil Sis) will be 13, and came from Oklahoma. I’ve owned her since she was 4. We’ve had our ups and downs, as she can be quite the handful at times. She isn’t bred for barrels. She started training as a cutting horse. Her Sire is Mr. Watch Joe Doc, outta Mr. Watch Joe Socks, outta Watch Joe Jack and dam Charlies Glory, outta Scooper Lo outta Scooper Joe. Her running style is very close rimming each barrel. She can run so hard to the first barrel you don’t think you’ll wrap it, but she manages. Her first barrel is my favorite. I have to keep her going fairly hard to the 2nd and 3rd barrel, as she turns so close, that if she loses momentum, she wraps so tight, her hip hits them coming out. She’s very easy to ride, and a push style horse. She knows her job well, and never has tried me on pattern. She’s very honest inside the arena and works every time.

Kick Ass Cowgirl Jackie Luffey Harris: Part 1

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Jackie on her Race for a Cause mount, Sis.

Jackie Harris has been through hell and back, and her life experiences with death, disease and despair have taught her never to stop swinging. Now that this Western Pennsylvanian cowgirl has made it through her own rough patches, she’s on a mission to help others in a way that hasn’t quite been done before in the world of barrel racing. With the help of Kick Ass Cowgirls and lots of friends, Jackie is riding for a cause. Find out all of the good things Jackie is doing in our three-part interview, just in time for the holiday season. If you’re looking for a way to make an impact this time of year, look no further! 

Tell us how you got involved in Kick Ass Cowgirls, and what you’re doing with them now.

I got involvedwith the Kick Ass Cowgirls by chance. I just happened upon their page on Facebook one day. I read about all the great things that were happening there–how they would always “pay it forward” and help others in need. I loved everything about them and how they supported each other through hardships and difficulties–or just gave each other a kick in the ass at times. At that time, they were trying to raise enough funds for a new saddle for a little girl with Retts Syndrome. I started checking every day, and helping anybody that was in need. Then, I noticed they had a “Cowgirl In Need” Contest. Described as, “Any up and coming horsewoman who needs a little extra push to get into the spotlight, get down the road to victory or is just plain down on her luck, let us know about her.” With my plans for 2012, I thought it could be a way to help me raise some funds for fuel for 2012, a friend, Beth Penland, nominated me along with several others-and I won!

I became their “poster child” for their newest contest “Race for a Cause” for 2012. I helped them put some ideas together, they wrote up the rules and are out there getting tons of awesome sponsors and prizes. The basic outline of the contest: You pay a membership fee, which gets you into the contest, a members only tshirt and a decal. You race in the same arenas you always do throughout the year. You designate a percentage (10%-100%) to go to your favorite designated charity. You keep track of your winnings and turn them into KAC. The “points” go off of your total earnings for each quarter, not your donated amount. There are four regions. Each region will have a winner/top money earner every quarter. So prizes will be given out 4 times a year to each of the four region’s. Then there will be a BIG winner for end of the year with all regions combined.

It is a great way for barrel racers to donate to a charity close to their heart and have a chance at some Kick Ass prizes as well.

What inspired you to start riding for this cause?

The thing that inspired me to race for a cause is losing my step father to cancer in October 2010 after a year long battle, then my father three months later to a heart attack in January 2011. I had several other friends and family struck with the same diseases, and always would see on Facebook friends with loved ones that were struck as well. I felt so helpless. I wanted to do more. Of course I prayed for each and every one, but I wanted to physically do something for them. My mare started improving these last several years, becoming more consistant. Seemingly, I would come home with paychecks every time I went out. I have waited for this caliber of horse since I had started barrel racing at the age of 12. One day while waiting to enter the arena, excited at my success this year, the thought came to me-I could take these winnings and donate it to The American Cancer Society and American Heart Association, and of course because I volunteer at several animal rescues, some to those organizations as well. I feel fortunate enough to finally have the horse, a great family, to have all that I need in order to participate in this sport I love so much and to spend time with my friends. I have found out in the last year or so, that life really is too short, I am thankful for what I have, and want to pay any extra I receive forward. I have started to put away the money from my last several races as well into my “fuel fund”- the way it made me feel, racing for others, is so much better than just racing for myself. I started a saddle cross collection as well, where friends and family can give me the initials of loved ones they know that are fighting, lost fight or won fight to cancer or heart disease. I feel in a small way, I am racing for them as well. I saw a quote once by Margaret Meed it stated, “Never doubt that a small group of citizens can change the World. Indeed it is the only thing that ever has”. So, I will do my best in 2012, and hope to raise as much money was possible for the charities.

What associations do you plan to compete in?

I plan on competing with the IBRA, Penn-Ohio BRA, and getting my IPRA card as well to compete at some of the rodeos in the area or a reasonable distance. It’s been a dream of mine to get my IPRA card, but if I didn’t have a consistent enough horse, I wasn’t about to do so. Again, life is short, so I’m going to do so this year while I “Race for a Cause”!

I’m Sorry!

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Hey ladies (and gentlemen out there who read this, too)!

I’ve dropped the ball lately around here. When I got done with my Spin To Win Rodeo and CINCH responsibilities in Vegas, I had zero energy left to get anything up here. (Did y’all see any of the videos we did? Let me know what you thought of them!)

For that, I’m sorry. But there are a few things I want to share.

First and foremost, I’ve got a post from the very fabulous Dawn and Clea I want to get up ASAP. Second, I’ve got an interview with Jackie Harris on her Kick Ass Cowgirls deal, and somewhere in my email is an interview I did with Brent Puhl. And when I say an interview I did, I mean Brent did the asking and for once I did the answering : )

Second, I am thrilled to say I got to be in the press room when Lindsay Sears came in after receiving her second gold buckle. I’m saying this because I want y’all to know: She’s the real deal. Lindsay is a reflection of every little girl who has ever loved her horse. When she talks about Martha, she reminds me of so many friends I know that have worked so hard to keep their horses sound, healthy, and happy. It’s a business for her, but not one that’s centered around gold buckles. It’s centered around her and that horse. She’s one of us up there, who gives glory to Martha before all else. I couldn’t be happier for her. Check out our January issue of Spin To Win Rodeo to find my story about her win and some quotes from her that will leave you impressed with what a young woman she is. I wrote before the Finals that Lindsay wouldn’t let Martha’s remarkable comeback be for naught…and I was right. Lindsay and Martha were on a mission those 10 days in Vegas.

Lastly, I miss you all and hope to see you while I’m home over the holidays. If you’re in Western PA, look me up! I’m in Apollo Dec. 23-30, and I’ll be a little bit of everywhere. Call me if you’re around!

I’ll get back on a roll shortly.