Category Archives: Congress

Cody Powell Takes Home Two Congress Championships

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Cody Powell and Mo winning one of their two Congress championships this year.

Cody Powell and Moss Me Moe were perhaps the most dominating force in barrel racing and pole bending at the All American Quarter Horse Congress in 2011. The team took home the titles in the Senior Pole Bending with a smokin’ 20.087 and in the Youth Barrels 14-18 with a 15.108. We grabbed Cody for an interview as soon as he got home from his whirlwind week at the Congress, and he’s here to meet The Barrel Racing Blog’s readers today!  

Tell us about Mo. How is he bred, how old is he, and who started him?

Mo is a 9-year-old gelding. He’s got Easy Jet in him and had a lot of Thoroughbred in him which explains his height. He was started by Dave Eget in partnership with Tom Snyder of Blue Lakes Farm.

How long have you been running Mo?

I’ve been running Mo for 3 years going on 4.

About how long did it take before Mo started clocking like he did at the Congress?

It took me and Mo about 2.5 years to start clocking like we are now.

What would you say Mo’s running style is?

Mo’s running style is he likes to be driven hard to the pockets and runs hard. He’s pretty automatic but if you don’t ride hard, you won’t get a good run out of him. When I run Mo in barrels and poles, I try and give him as much free rein as possible. Hes pretty easy to stay balanced on.

What were your goals going into the Congress, and what do you think of how you ended up?

My goals going into Congress this year were to bring home the win since it was my last year as a youth at Congress. How I ended up was exactly how I wanted to! Two champion runs!

What has been your biggest win before the Congress this year?

The biggest win I had before this year at Congress was getting Reserve Champion in Novice Youth Poles 14-18 last year at Congress.

What bit do you run Mo in? Do you use the same bit for barrels and poles?

When it comes to running Mo, I don’t use a bit. I use a hackamore. He gets ran in it in both barrels and poles.

Do you have an pre-race routines or superstitions?

Before a race I usually practice the pattern a couple times but not that much because he gets too hot headed.

What feed/hay/supplements does Mo eat?

Mo’s feeding is he gets Natures Blend sweet feed with Dumor joint supplement. He also only gets first-cutting hay that we made this year.

Does Mo require any vetting?

When it comes to vetting, Mo only goes to the vet if he gets hurt.

Do you prefer running poles or barrels more? And which does Mo prefer?

When it comes to choosing a favorite between barrels and poles, I can’t. I enjoy them both. Mo on the other hand enjoys poles more I believe but who knows, I’m not a horse whisperer haha.

What does the future hold for your barrel racing and pole bending career?

My future in barrel racing and pole bending is to do well in the years to come. Wouldn’t mind being like the big-dog barrel racers and pole benders like Charlie Peoples, Troy Crumrine, and Jud Little, but I can live without being like them also.

What does the future hold for you and Mo, and will Mo ever be for sale?

The future for me and Mo is more racing and more bonding time as a great team. I doubt I will ever put him up for sale. If anything ever changed, the price tag would have to be able to change my mind into selling him. I like the horse too much to sell him cheap.

What do you do when you’re not barrel racing or pole bending?

When I’m not racing, I’m usually working around the barn or going on trail rides. I also enjoy hanging with friends.

Best of the Best in Ohio Barrel Race Videos and Photos

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Yikes! I’ve been so swamped at works folks, I’ve been MIA on here lately. And my cohorts on the editorial end have been even busier catching up with everything. Dawn and Clea have been working, running and making some around-the-barn improvements, so we’ve all let you down lately.

We’ll be catching up for sure in the coming weeks, but for now, we’ve got all of your multimedia coverage from the Best of the Best in Ohio Barrel Race! Again, we want to send a huge Thank You! to our awesome sponsors, Greeley Hat Works and Rod’s Western Palace, Rock and Roll Cowgirl and Panhandle Slim, Chick’s Saddlery, Cowboy Militia, G4 Ranch, and everyone who sponsored our Chinese Auction!

Champion Anne Johnson and Show Me Some Glory

Reserve Champion Regan Henning and Story Tellen Flower

Third-place finishers Barbara Jimison and Miss Secret Memories

Highest-placing male, Justin Theado and An Angels Treasure (6th place)

And now, check out their winning runs! First is Anne Johnson.

Here’s second place winner, Regan Henning:

And here’s Barbara Jimison’s third place run:

The Best of the Best in Ohio on the News!

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Thanks again to our third place finisher Barbara Jimison for being an awesome PR rep and getting the Channel 13 news to the Best of the Best in Ohio last week! Check out the awesome video coverage by clicking right here. 

And now, here’s the second part of our interview with Anne Johnson! 
What does this win mean for you in your career?

This win gave me more confidence, and I plan on hitting some of the bigger shows next year. I’m even considering getting my WPRA permit and seeing how we can do on that circuit.

We hear you’re running the Sweepstakes at the Congress. What’s your gameplan for that pen?

The great thing about my mare is that surrondings and footing never really seem to bother her. I plan on just riding and working her as usual.

What bit do you run in?

I run and ride her in a hackamore. She is extremely well broke and sensitive so she responses to the slightest of pressure. And I believe in riding a horse in the softest bit possible.

What saddle do you run in?

I run in an NBHA trophy saddle I bought off of Dave Burgess about 7 years ago. I have had a whole bunch of other saddles but that one is my favorite. It’s really well made and fits perfectly. I finally won one of my own this year!

Does Jules need any tuning throughout the week?

No. She knows her job and does it well so the only riding I do during the week is to keep her in shape. We do a lot of trail riding so we don’t get bored.

Has she needed any major vetting?

Last September she got a really bad infection in one of her back legs. It swelled up to twice its normal size, and she wouldn’t stand or eat for days. We thought we were going to lose her. I really thought her racing career was over. I had picked out a stud and was ready to breed her. But my vet had told me not to give up yet. Around March it started to look really good so I started riding her again and took her to her first show at the end of April. We won by 5 tenths of a second! I have worked very close with my vet, Dr. Brandy Snedden of Flying Horse Vet Services, to keep her in tip top shape but other than those few months, she has never taken a lame step. She is one tough mare!

Phew, Checking in After the Best of the Best

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From left to right: Me, Clea, Marley and Dawn

Wow, it’s Tuesday already!? These last few days have been a whirlwind, and I’m just now barely getting to catch my breath.

All I can say is THANK YOU from the bottom of our hearts! Dawn, Clea and I can’t express how much we appreciated everyone coming out, hanging with us through the night, spending your hard-earned money and cheering on the Best of the Best in Ohio Friday night! Dawn and Clea are still counting the oodles of money we raised to go to United Cerebral Palsy, and Team Marley is so grateful for all of your donations! We can’t wait to see you rocking your Best of the Best in Ohio shirts at the Congress, the BFA, IBRA Nationals and every show along the way.

We can’t forget to say a huge congratulations to Anne Johnson on her smokin’ run Friday night that earned her the win out of our 24 horse field! For her win she earned $500, a gorgeous new hat from Greeley Hat Works and Rod’s Western Palace, a championship jacket from The Barrel Racing Blog, a trophy halter from Chick’s Saddlery and a gift certificate worth $100 for a pair of Rock & Roll Cowgirl jeans.

Anne also won the Open that night but improved her time by three tenths to win the Best of the Best just a few hours later. After that, she packed up and went home for the weekend :)

We’ll have photos from Puhl’s Photography as soon as Brent heads home from IBRA Nationals this week – talk about one busy guy!

Again, thanks to everyone who came out and supported our race!

Meet the Best of the Best in Ohio: Penny Baker

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And here’s our last interview! Meet Penny Baker in Shilohs Matrix, who will be smokin’ down the alleyway tonight at the Best of the Best Barrel Race in Ohio on her homebred and trained horse. 

Tell us about the horse you’ll be running in The Best of the Best in Ohio Barrel Race. (Name, bloodlines, style, age, owner, any other fun details.)

My horse’s name is Shilohs Matrix. His bloodlines are Special Effort and A Sharp Leo on the top side, and Easy Jet, Hoodwink and Sugar Bars on the bottom. His style is just quick and powerful. I’m the owner.

What is the biggest race this horse has won?

The biggest race Matrix won was the first go at the Jackson Flyer Futurity. He fell the second go.

What is your biggest win as a barrel racer?

The biggest race I won was a sweepstakes about 10 years ago.

Have you ever run at the WB Ranch before? (If so, what did you think of the facility and the ground, and how did your horses work there?)

We have ran at WB Ranch several times. We always enjoy going there. The ground is good as long as there is enough water on it. Matrix fell flat the first time there, but the groung held good the second time we ran him there.

Tell us one little-known fact about you or your horse. 

Matrix was born and raised at the farm. We own the stud and the mare; we raced him 1 time as a 2 year old then trained him for barrels.

This race is all about charity – What’s the biggest cause you believe in and why?

Cancer seems to be the biggest killer anymore, but we also have friends with other diseases that are just as bad. This barrel race for charity is a very meaningful thing, I really am greatful to be a part of it.

Meet the Best of the Best in Ohio: Hannah Shirey (and a Bonus Interview with Jenna Shirey!)

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The Shirey family has the most competitors of in this race of any family in the state, with a stunning three members that qualified. Hannah will be running, but Jenna will have to take a medical redshirt because of an injury she sustained a few weeks ago. Individually, each of the Shireys has earned a spot in this race, but as a family, they are a dominating force. Learn more about Hannah and Jenna below. 

HANNAH

Tell us about the horse you’ll be running in The Best of the Best in Ohio Barrel Race. (Name, bloodlines, style, age, owner, any other fun details.)

I will be running Sissys French Guy, or we call him Pierre. He is the beautiful gelding of Smug Sissy and Frenchmans Guy. He is 6 years old and definitely acts like it. My Grandpa Dan actually owns him but has let me pretty much have him. He is my little boy and I think I love him more than I have any other horse!

What is the biggest race this horse has won?

I believe the biggest barrel race he has ever won would be the NBHA point shows here in Ohio. He did place at the Great Lakes National though!

What is your biggest win as a barrel racer?

I won the Colonial Nationals three years ago.

Have you ever run at the WB Ranch before? (If so, what did you think of the facility and the ground, and how did your horses work there?)

I like WB alot, we do not go there often because we live so far but I really like it. Pierre did well the one time I took him there, we won the youth and placed in the open.

Tell us one little-known fact about you or your horse. 

Pierre is probably the most rotten horse, we go hand-in-hand. :)

This race is all about charity – What’s the biggest cause you believe in and why?

The cause I believe in the most would have to be helping children in need and definitely giving animals homes.

JENNA

Tell us about the horse you’ll be running in The Best of the Best in Ohio Barrel Race. (Name, bloodlines, style, age, owner, any other fun details.)

My horses name is Tiny Bit Of Fashion; she is a 10-year-old mare. Her dad is Leaders Luck and her mother is Fashions April Jet. She is a super quick mare who tends to get ahead of me lol…but she is a blast!! Brad and I have owned her for about five years.

What is the biggest race this horse has won?

I have done really well with her at our state shows, and got second behind Barbara in the first go this year! Brad and Hannah have also won a lot of local shows with her as well.

What is your biggest win as a barrel racer?

I can’t say that I have won a huge barrel race, but I have placed high at many. Running second behind Barbara and Miss Secret Memories is probably my proudest moment.

Have you ever run at the WB Ranch before? (If so, what did you think of the facility and the ground, and how did your horses work there?)

I have only run Fashion once at WB but she did well. It’s a great facility with good ground. A very nice place to have a show.

Tell us one little-known fact about you or your horse. 

I have only been running barrels since I met brad, he has taught me everything I know. He has blessed me with good horses and teaches me new things all the time. He always tunes Fashion when she needs it and runs her occasionally. I wouldn’t even be considered for this if it wasn’t for him. We are very blessed to own Fashion, she fits in well with us. She is happy here. I am very honored to be a part of this, thank you all!

This race is all about charity – What’s the biggest cause you believe in and why?

I don’t have a favorite cause, if it has anything to do with helping people that are in need I’m all for it! This is a wonderful thing they are doing for this little girl!!

Meet the Best of the Best in Ohio: Katie McGrain

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Katie and Maggie

Katie McGrain and Maggie have already proven that they can shut the clock off at the WB Ranch. Perhaps they’re a dark horse for the calcutta? This might just be a good bet! Find out more about this smokin’ fast duo here!

Tell us about the horse you’ll be running in The Best of the Best in Ohio Barrel Race. (Name, bloodlines, style, age, owner, any other fun details.)

Maggie’s name is Quik Six N The Straw. She is 8, and I own her. Her style is free running, and her bloodlines are by Quickstraw out of Six Moon Magic by Andy Sixes. She goes back to Strawfly Special on top and Streakin Sixes on bottom. Maggie came from Danielle Harrop who started her and Kelly Bowser finished her. She gets her speed from her dad who is one of very few horses to run AAA at all five distances on the track. Consequently Maggie is crazy fast, big-hearted, and tough as a tank. Maggie has a beautiful black yearling stud colt out of a stud by Dash Ta Fame.

What is the biggest race this horse has won?

Maggie’s biggest win and my biggest win was at WB beating #190 head.

Have you ever run at the WB Ranch before? (If so, what did you think of the facility and the ground, and how did your horses work there?)

WB has an amazing facility. The ground is always good and Maggie runs best there.

This race is all about charity – What’s the biggest cause you believe in and why?

One of the biggest causes I believe in is the Katie Lambert Foundation. They are advocates for manufacturers to attach safey mechanisms to heavy furniture. Many families are not aware of the dangers that heavy furniture can pose to young children.

I would like to thank Kelly, Danielle, Mom, and Frank for always helping me!

Meet the Best of the Best in Ohio: Haley Patterson

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Haley and Val

This is another horse in The Best of the Best in Ohio with a Congress championship under his belt. Haley Patterson and Vals Alive might not have been together as long as some of the other teams in our race, but in a short time have laid down some of the nicest runs this side of the Mississippi. This is our #1 horse out of the chute, so watch for this team at the beginning of the race tomorrow!

Tell us about the horse you’ll be running in The Best of the Best in Ohio Barrel Race. (Name, bloodlines, style, age, owner, any other fun details.)

The horse that I am running at the best of the best is 9-year-old Vals Alive, by Dashing Val and out of Grandmas Alive. I own him. His style is as we say “crazy,” you never know what he’s going to do. He’s one of kind, and always keeps you on your toes especially in the gate. I consider myself to be one luckiest girls to have a horse like him even if he has his moments. I couldn’t have asked for a more incredible horse. If you want fun stupid details he has a thing were when you cinch him up he makes this really loud farting noise with his lips. It will make anyone laugh.

What is the biggest race this horse has won?

Val won the Youth 14-18 at the Congress 2 years ago with Jesse Wagner.

What is your biggest win as a barrel racer?

Myself my biggest win wasn’t even a win. It was just placing third behind Janice Wagner and Lance Graves at the Kentucky State Fair. I consider that my biggest win.

Have you ever run at the WB Ranch before? (If so, what did you think of the facility and the ground, and how did your horses work there?)

I have never been to WB before.

Tell us one little-known fact about you or your horse. 

We haven’t been together for very long but as some say we were made for each other. And I’d say were probably the underdog for this race

This race is all about charity – What’s the biggest cause you believe in and why?

There are a couple causes I believe in:
1. Breast cancer awareness. I have had good friends and family have this and it is very close to home in my world. I also believe we are so close to finding a cure for it .
2.Cerebral Palsy I have met many kids and families that are affected by this and they are so strong and positive I love that about them. I did a huge report on this in high school and learned so much it affected me very deeply to learn about it and have a better understanding.
3. My final cause is one that is not displayed everywhere and known to a lot of people, but it is one that I’m truly a huge part of: Helmet Awareness!!!! This is something that I am truly an advocate of and try and pursue wherever I go. So many people don’t wear helmets when riding and they always have an excuse to why they don’t wear one, whether it be it looks funny, or I’ll never get bucked off, or it will bother me when I’m running. I have known a couple really close friends that have been in horse accidents and died due to head trauma. The doctors said if they would have had a helmet on they would still be alive. In the case of my former boss she wasn’t bucked off in fact she was simply walking her horse on a loose rein when it tripped and couldn’t regain its footing. I always say, “You were born with two arms, two legs, two eyes, but only one head why not take care of it?” People don’t realize how important this is and how your life can change in a blink of an eye. I have a friend who as of right now is in a coma for 2 months from a horse accident at her house. Nobody knows what happened, just the fact they found her unconscious in the riding arena. She didn’t have a helmet on. This isn’t a cause were donations are made, it isn’t about money; it’s about how much you care about yourself and protecting yourself. Nobody wants to get hurt and most certainly nobody wants to die so why take the chance? Even if you look goofy at least your more safe. Anyways I could go on and on about this all day long!

Meet the Best of the Best in Ohio: Abi Ringer

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If she’s not busy winning the Congress, Abi Ringer is setting the pace at a local or regional show with one of her smokin’ mounts. The quickest of her mounts is Missin Eudie, and it’s aboard Eudie that Abi has earned her spot in The Best of the Best in Ohio Barrel Race. 

Tell us about the horse you’ll be running in The Best of the Best in Ohio Barrel Race. (Name, bloodlines, style, age, owner, any other fun details.)

Her name is Missin Eudie, by Missin James. She’s 9 years old, and I own her.

What is the biggest race this horse has won?

The Ohio NBHA Youth state finals and the Quarter Horse Congress Youth twice.

What is your biggest win as a barrel racer?

$1800.00 at Colonial Nationals last year in Virginia.

Have you ever run at the WB Ranch before? (If so, what did you think of the facility and the ground, and how did your horses work there?)

Yes, and this is one of our favorite places to run and all our horses ran great there.

Tell us one little-known fact about you or your horse.

The previous own said I would never be able to ride her, and he kept telling my mom no that I couldn’t come up and try her. Finally he let me and we had a great run the first time. It was great and we’ve been together ever since and Eudie will be with me always.

Meet the Best of the Best in Ohio: Lisa Bowser

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Lisa and Chaney winning the Congress Amateur Barrels in 2006

Lisa Bowser and Chaney have been hot hot hot for the last few years. With a Congress championship and reserve championship under their belts in 2006 and 2007, this team didn’t stop there. In 2011 they clocked the fastest time at the Midwest Match Race, bringing a win to team Ohio and an average win to themselves.They will run lucky #13 in the Best of the Best in Ohio Barrel Race on this Friday, and will undoubtedly bring in some dollars for charity in our calcutta! 

Special thanks to Chick’s Saddlery, Cowboy Militia, Greeley Hat Works, Rod’s Western Palace, and Rock & Roll Cowgirl for their sponsorships! 

Tell us about the horse you’ll be running in The Best of the Best in Ohio Barrel Race. (Name, bloodlines, style, age, owner, any other fun details.)

Horse’s name is Queens Chicdelite (Chaney) By Luckgay Chicdelite and Queens Payday. She was purchased as a 2 year old by Doug Chaney (hence, her name). She was trained by Kevin Niekamp. She is 15 years old and I have had the pleasure of running her since she was 4.

What is the biggest race this horse has won?

The biggest barrel race we have won was The All AMerican Quarter Horse Congress, Am. Barrels 2006 and Reserve 2007 in the same class. I have not ran there since due to personnal matters.

What is your biggest win as a barrel racer?

Lisa and Chaney winning the Midwest Matches in 2011

The most fun event I ran with her was the 2001 Midwest Matches, in Indiana, when she ran the fastest time and our Ohio Team won the Match event.

Have you ever run at the WB Ranch before? (If so, what did you think of the facility and the ground, and how did your horses work there?)

We’ve ran at WB. Excellent facility, great food, and I see friends and family from the area.

Tell us one little-known fact about you or your horse.

Chaney has helped me accomplish many goals and obtain numerous wins. She also about broke my wrist when she kicked me a year and a half ago on a freak accident.

This race is all about charity – What’s the biggest cause you believe in and why?

I like to support breast cancer awareness because it affects so many women. I also work in mental health and donate to this cause especially during holiday time when they are less fortunate.

Good luck to all the competitors. May this event bring, not only money, but awareness to Celebral Palsy.