Category Archives: IPRA

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.

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”!

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!

Best of the Best in Ohio Winner Anne Johnson

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Anne and Jules during the calcutta (Congrats to Mari Beth Guido for her winning bid!)

Anne Johnson smoked the competition on her breeding stock Paint at the Best of the Best in Ohio Barrel Race, after she won the Open that same night. We’ve got her here on The Barrel Racing Blog to talk all about her awesome run, what the competition was like, and even some of her secrets to success! Stay tuned over the next two days. Plus, we’re busy counting all the money raised for United Cerebral Palsy, and we’ll have those figures ASAP! 

Why did you decide to run the Open Friday night?

I have never ran at the WB before and I really wanted a chance to get in the arena to check things out before the big race. And the more runs Jules makes the faster she gets so I knew my second run would be faster than the first.

After your win in the Open , how was your confidence going into the Best of the Best?

Getting that first run out of the way really helped. My horse seemed to like the ground and the pen so I felt like I could just go out and have fun!

Walk us through your run, barrel by barrel. How did Jules work and what was each turn like?

It’s really tough looking back on my run because after I turned first barrel I knew I had a good one going; it was all about pushing her after that. She worked just like she always does, down in four-wheel drive position…but even this run surprised me. She really ran her heart out. I think she wanted the title as much as I did.

Did you think your time would hold?

It was really hard to tell. The competition was so tough, however extremely supportive. One good run can change everything, anyone that has ever ran a 4D knows that. So basically I just stood next to Hannah Shirey and Justin Theado and waited it out. It was nice to be amongst friends back there.

What was the best part of your win?

I guess knowing that we could do it. Anyone who puts time in on a horse knows that there is no better feeling than a win, a goal reached or problem conquered. And all the support from everyone.

Meet the Best of the Best in Ohio: Ashley Hopkinson

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Ashley and Zan

Ashley Hopkinson and Zan are one of the few rodeo teams in this race. They’ve made their mark in the amateur associations as well as in the big barrel races, and we’re excited to see what they can do in The Best of the Best in Ohio Charity Barrel Race! Also, we want to send a major thanks out to some of our sponsors: Chick’s Saddlery, The Classy Cowgirl Couture Tack Store, and G4 Ranch! These are not our only sponsors, just a few we’re mentioning today. We’d love it if you’d send them a BIG thank you for their help with this awesome cause! 

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 Zan (Up To Par Joe), is a 12-year-old Quarter Horse out of Mr. Zan Pressto and Show Nifty Reed. I have had him since he was a 3-year-old. Zan was broke out by Rick Cox as a 2-year-old. He definitely has a mare’s personality and picks up on his rider’s mood. His running style is a push style, fast making up his time coming out of the barrels. This year I started to rodeo on Zan, and we have qualified for the Mid States Finals Rodeo in the top 5 as well as currently leading for Rookie of the Year.

What is the biggest race this horse has won?

My biggest win with this horse would be either my run at an NBHA show at WB Ranch this year running a 16.2, or else my run at the IPRA and Mid States Rodeo in Bluffton, Indiana last weekend winning 2nd (my toughest rodeo to place at this year).

What is your biggest win as a barrel racer?

These wins would also be my biggest wins as a barrel racer.

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 ran at WB Ranch before (too many times to count). The ground is good. My horse works decent there and has been very consistent this past year. Although, I am not a fan of big pens because of his running style!

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

One little-known fact about my horse is that he is awesome at pole bending and loves to team pen.

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

The biggest cause that I believe in would have to be any type of animal protection or adoption agency. I used to foster dogs for a local agency to get the dogs adopted out to good homes.

Kickin’ Off My Favorite Things: COWBOY MILTIA

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You probably could have guessed it – I definitely wanted to start off my week-long party of giveaways here at The Barrel Racing Blog with some of my best friends in Western fashion, the great people at Cowboy Militia. We’ve been working with them almost as long as The Barrel Racing Blog has been in existence. This company stands for everything that rodeo and barrel racing stand for: Competing to Defeat, no matter what the odds.

This year, the company has rolled out a new logo, loads of great new hats, a line of jewelry, bikinis, and lots of more awesome tops that Cowboy Militia has made its name designing. The company’s line of bikinis has sold like crazy, with a uniquely Western but still modern and fashionable look.

Not only is Cowboy Militia one of the hottest young national brands, the company is also a huge supporter of the Western lifestyle. From sponsoring top rodeo athletes to promoting emerging musicians, Cowboy Militia can’t seem to go wrong. Their awesome customer service and innovative fashion puts Cowboy Militia firmly in my Favorite Things. Learn more about the company through the words of CEO Jason Trosper and Warehouse Manager and Accounting Extraordinaire Kristen Oakley. Then, find out how to win a t-shirt or hat sent straight to you from Cowboy Militia!

Cowboy Militia has grown a lot in the last few years. What has sparked the growth?

Cowboy Militia's Armour Women's Tee

We noticed a need for a cross over action sports brand in the Western market in 2004. We fill that void.

What does the Cowboy Militia brand represent?

The core ethics of the American Cowboy are about honor, heritage, and tradition. It’s about being the best you can inside the arena and outside the arena. Compete To Defeat!

Tell us about the inspiration for your newest logo.

Action sports has influenced the Western market in a big way. We wanted a logo that would be accepted in any sport. Little known fact: The original logo was created on a napkin by CEO Jason Trosper.

What is the inspiration behind your 2011 men’s and women’s line?

We wanted to integrate the new logo with our original logo – the new logo is geared toward youth as well but is school friendly

What are the goals for the company’s growth?

We want to continue creating apparel for the customer that carries the Compete to Defeat attitude. No matter what life throws at them, they always give it all they have.

You’ll soon be coming out with Trevor Brazile’s line of Relentless tees. Why do CM and Trevor Brazile go so

The Fallen Angel Bikini

well together?

Trevor is truly a living legend; his core values have made him the champion that he is. Trevor exemplifies everything that Cowboy Militia stands for and was founded on. Life is about working hard for what you believe in.

What types of Western events does CM sponsor?

Horse shows, bull riding, cutting, roping, barrel racing, country music.

How does your style fit into the lifestyles of barrel racers across the country?

Barrel racers are competitive, and work hard at achieving their goals.  Cowboy Militia represents that lifestyle of hard work and dedication.

 

Now, what you’ve all been waiting for! You can win a shirt or hat from Cowboy Militia by answering this question below in the comments section beneath this post. You might have to look back in earlier editions of The Barrel Racing Blog to find the answer, but we’ll start with an easy one to kick off the week. Remember, subscribers who answer the question correctly are entered twice to win! You’ll have until midnight EST tonight to comment, and we’ll announce the winner here at 10 a.m. Tuesday morning! We’ll use random.org to draw the winner.

Question: Which barrel racer claimed both the IPRA Barrel Racing Championship and Rookie of the Year honors in 2010? (Hint: After her big win, she did a multi-part interview here on The Barrel Racing Blog!)

First Barrel Racing Horsemanship Clinic by Teresa Quay & Laura Lee Thomas

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If you’ve been needing help solving problems with your horse or perfecting your runs, you couldn’t turn to two handier women for help. Laura Lee Thomas and Teresa Quay have been at the top of their games for years, making their own tough horses and helping other riders along the way. They are now getting together to put on a clinic at the Rittenour Equine Center on May 28 and 29.

These two cowgirls both have claimed some awesome titles this year, as Teresa won the SEBRA Barrel Racing Championship and Laura Lee won the APRA Barrel Racing Championship and the APRA/IPRA Horse of the Year titles. Both ladies qualified for the IFR this year, and over the years have amassed countless titles.

From person experience,  you won’t find two better ladies or two better horsewomen to help you with whatever training problems you’ve got.

Here’s more info on the clinic: