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There's lots to tell, but it's best to check out www.thebarrelracingblog.com or www.chelseatoy.wordpress.com to find out!

LubriSyn: The Barrel Racing Blog Review

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ImageIf you know me, you know Onyx. She’s the mare that’s kept me in the game at just about every stage of my life so far. And at 19(!) this year, she’s still going. 

She’s been through just about everything with me, and with life being super stressful out here in Colorado these days, I really need her to keep me heading to barrel races and making competitive runs on the weekends. 

ImageWhen I was at the NFR this year, I ran into Alex Hassinger, who is a rep for LubriSyn. We talked about Onyx… her navicular, her arthritis, all of her many other injuries over the years (a shattered stifle in 2000, a fractured hip in 2002, a fractured coffin bone in 2005, a fractured navicular bone in 2007…the list goes on). 

Alex smiled, because he knew he had a product that would help her. There’s no curing her at this point, just keeping her happy and running sound. If you’ve been around Onyx and me at all, you know she’s never run on anything that masks her pain, not even bute, so making sure she’s truly sound and comfortable is a major priority. And that’s what we’ve managed since she’s been on LubriSyn. 

She’s coming back from a minor soft-tissue injury, and it’s actually been refreshing not to worry about her navicular. She’s been moving freer and having fewer and fewer “stiff” days. 

I’ve noticed so much of a difference with her on LubriSyn that I just started my 14-year-old and 9-year-old mares on it, too. 

I know, so many of you have been using LubriSyn for years. I’m late getting on board, but I’m sure glad I am.

It’s active ingredient is hyaluronan (HA), but unlike other supplements on the market, it’s higher molecular weight formula ensures the integrity of the synovial fluid–the key component for the protection and lubrication of the joints of all mammals. 

It costs about $1.43 per horse per day, and so far it’s been worth it (for my mental health as well as my horse’s health) to have her on the supplement. 

If you’ve got questions about LubriSyn, feel free to call at 1-800-901-8498, and check out their website at LubriSyn.com. 

Check-in With Charlie Cole and Moss Me Moe

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Charlie Cole has trained well over 50 AQHA world champions, and has ridden such Western Pleasure and Western Riding greats such as Harley D Zip and Vital Signs Are Good. But he’s trained and owned some top barrel horses, too, like Rockette Ta Fame, who recently claimed an AQHA world title of her own with PJ Burger aboard. 

So when news got around that Cole was buying Moss Me Moe from Ohio’s Cody Powell after Cody and Moe’s 2011 breakout Congress, everyone was excited to see what Moe’s life would be like in Pilot Point, Texas, with one of the greatest trainers of our generation. We caught up with Cole last week to find out what the two have been up to, and we weren’t disappointed. 

What was it about Moe that interested you in the first place?

Actually I’d never heard of Moe until just after Congress. At Congress I saw Kelly Riley, I had bought Brannon Riley’s great pole mare Miss N Fantasy from him a few years ago. I saw Kelly and mentioned I was looking for a new horse. Almost every nice barrel and pole horse I’ve had I bought outta Ohio, Kentucky, Indiana and Illinois. So right after Congress Kelly called and told me about Moe. I then called Cody Powell who wasn’t really that interested in selling Moe.

How does his style fit your own?

Moe’s style is so fun and easy. He can be a challenge getting in the arena but he’s not dangerous he just wants to go!

Will Moe be rodeoing much in 2012?

Moe ran at his first ProRodeo at the San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo in February. He made a good run with PJ Burger riding and was 1 out of a check. He may go to a few more rodeos but I bought him for me to run and I already have Rockette Ta Fame on the rodeo circuit with PJ.

What are your goals for Moe this year and beyond?

My goal this is is to run Moe at the AQHA shows and some 4D’s and then the Congress and World Show.

How does Moe fit in at High Point with all of your awesome pleasure horses/hunters and mares and studs? Do you have many geldings, and is showing a gelding refreshing?

Moe fits right in at High Point, he’s a great horse. I prefer geldings for show horses and speed horses but I ride several really nice mares and stallions.

You’re a trainer by nature…have you had to do any tuning on Moe to get him used to your style, or do you just let him work?

Moe is a finished barrel and pole horse, so the only real training I’ve done is that when I got him he would only take his left lead when warming up, so I asked Cody how to pick up his right lead and he said, “I don’t worry about leads.” I got a laugh outta that and being a horse trainer leads are important, so the first few weeks of riding I worked on teaching Moe to pick up his correct leads. He’s good now.

What’s Moe’s life like when he’s not competing?

When Moes home I ride him to keep him fit and he goes on our horse treadmill 3-4 days a week. It keeps him fit and conditioned.

Tell us about the best run you and Moe have made so far.

I’d have to say my best run so far was winning the enior poles at Houston and being second in senior barrels at Houston outta 60 head. It was a very tough barrel race with several NFR girls and top horse, Moe ran hard and I almost tipped the second barrel but grabbed it, it was a wild but fun run.

Would you rather run barrels or poles on Moe?

I’ve always preferred barrels over poles but Moe does make running poles fun.

Do any of your students ever get tempted to try barrel racing?

I have one student who has started barrel racing but I don’t claim to be a barrel horse trainer , it’s what I do for fun and I own 5 riding age barrel horses and do it for my own enjoyment.

The Best of the Best in Ohio Barrel Race Showbill and Qualifying Info

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It’s here it’s here! I’ve been a slacker lately and haven’t had much time for anything other than work work work, but I’ve got plenty to give you now! Here’s all of the info on The Best of the Best in Ohio Barrel Race and our three-day weekend barrel race and pole bending this September.

This year we’re doing the qualifying a LITTLE differently, and we want you to be sure to get your 1D placing in to be eligible to enter The Best of the Best. Make sure you head to the MVP show to try to get qualified.



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!