Category Archives: mental

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: Mikayla Conklin

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We’ve just got reigning champs of major associations everywhere we turn in this barrel race! Mikayla Conklin is our current IBRA Ohio 1D Youth Champion, and she’s riding one of the few Paint horses in the race. She and Junior have built a reputation as a top horse and rider combo in the state, and they’ll look to continue their outstanding season here at 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.)

The horse I will be running is a 7-year-old Paint gelding by the name of Docs Painted Treasure. He is a grandson of Treasured. My mother owns him. We got him late in his 5-year-old year. My mom spend that following winter and spring training him on barrels. I thank my mom for producing this nice horse and giving me the opportunity to ride him. Junior is his barn name. He has quite the character. I call him my major ADHD child. He always has to be figiting with something and you may have to do things a couple of times with him before he’ll learn :) but I love him!

What is the biggest race this horse has won?

The biggest race I’d have to say Junior has won would be going 3 for 3 last year Thanksgiving weekend down at Henderson’s Arena. We won the youth, ladies, and open class that day.

What is your biggest win as a barrel racer?

This year we were the IBRA Youth 1D Champion!

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

The charity I believe most in and would like to give to is St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital. It’s internationally recognized for its pioneering research and treatment of children with cancer and other catastrophic diseases. I feel no child should have to go through any life threatening illness alone. And I hope for a cure someday in the near future.

Thank you Dawn&Clea for this opportunity to be a part of this great barrel race!

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: Rhonda Dowell

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Rhonda Dowell and Levi have been on a hot streak, with big wins at tough races like Henderson’s Arena. With some smoking bloodlines on this awesome horse and top training, too, Rhonda and Levi will be firing away come Friday! This duo will run #6 in the draw at The Best of the Best in Ohio Barrel Race, and will surely bring in some big bids in our Calcutta (which will pay out 70/30, with 30 percent going to United Cerebral Palsy). 

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.)

Purified By Fire is an 8-year-old gelding. He is by Pure D Dash, and his dam is Smooth Firewater. I bought him through Fackler Performance Horses as a 2 year old. He is a free runner with so much heart and loves his job.

What is the biggest race this horse has won?

It was at Jackson this year in june won the warm up and the open with a 15.6.

What is your biggest win as a barrel racer?

The Martha Josey clinic in Wilmington, Ohio because it was my first year of barrel racing.

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 been there once, and it seemed to be a nice place.

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

He loves to play ball. He has a big ball in the arena, and he loves to chase it, and sometimes he will jump on it.

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

I believe that all charities are important. Each one of us has had someone in our lives to have a cause for whatever reason. We all are doing something to help one another. I have no one cause because all causes need help and are very important so I will support this charity and levi will too. We are so proud to be a part of this and good luck to everyone!

Meet the Best of the Best in Ohio: Regan Henning

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Regan and Daisy receiving their Congress awards.

You’ve met this little dynamo a few times before on The Barrel Racing Blog, but here 9-year-old Regan Henning is again to talk all about her and her awesome mare, Story Tellen Flower. And of course, check out the video of this team below! 

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.)
Name: Story Tellen Flower “Daisy”
Bloodlines: Sire: Juanito Flower Dam: Story Style
Style: Push Type
Age: 19
Owner: Joel Henning
Other fun details: When she is outside, the only person that can catch her is me!

What is the biggest race this horse has won?

The biggest thing that we have ever won on her is the Barrel Racing Sweepstakes at the Quarter Horse Congress in 2010

What is your biggest win as a barrel racer?

It was neat to win the 2nd go at the 2011 NBHA Youth World, but the Congress Sweepstakes is by far the best!

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 run there a few times, the ground has always been pretty good!

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

I had a borrowed horse that was taken back and Daisy was just an old broodmare that was to get me through the winter until I could find a replacement.

This race is all about charity –– Tell us the cause you believe in the most.

The biggest cause I believe in is The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. The Light the Night Walk! My Paw died 3 year ago from AML Leukemia at the age of 59!

Meet the Best of the Best in Ohio: Crystal Haskins

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Crystal and Dixie

Crystal Haskins and her mare Dixie are one of our “self-made” teams competing in The Best of the Best in Ohio Charity Barrel Race on Sept. 30. This duo has come a long way together with a whole lot of success, and they’ll look to continue that success in two weeks at our show. They’ll be one of 25 teams gunning for one of these jackets, but they are there first and foremost to support Team Marley and to raise money for United Cerebral Palsy. 

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 Dixie (Sheza Streakin Bully) is out of Bully Bullion and a Shawne Bug mare. I bred, raised, and trained Dixie. She is 7 years old already, wow how time flies! She can have an attitude and be a real handful sometimes.

What is the biggest race this horse has won?

The biggest race Dixie has won is various open barrel races.

What is your biggest win as a barrel racer?

Dixie as a weanling

As a barrel racer my biggest win was in 2009, when Dixie and I were 1-D Champions for NBHA OH-07 and voted Horse of the Year. (This was our first year competing together.) Also in 2007 I placed in the top ten at the All American Quarter Horse Congress with my gelding.

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 I have ran at WB several times and I love it! The ground is always good and my horse seems to like it also.

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

One fun fact about my horse is that she loves to drink beer right out of the can!!

This race is all about charity –– Tell us the cause you believe in the most.

The charity that I believe in the most is the American Cancer Society. I know several people (family & friends) that have fought against this horrible illness, some were strong and lucky enough to over come it and others were not. I hope and pray someday there is a cure!!

Meet the Best of the Best in Ohio: Barbara Jimison

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Photo by Brent Puhl

This morning we met Justin Theado, and tonight we’ll meet Barbara Jimison, who had major support from her fans when it came to our nomination period! Barbara and this special horse have laid down some amazing runs at the WB Ranch (one of them is shown below) and their looking to continue their dominance of that pen on September 30! 

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 Miss Secret Memories aka CC. She is a Leaving Memories on top and Our Miss Z Whiz on the bottom. She is 8 years old quarter horse I have owned her for 2 years now. I bought her from Lisa and Tom Wylie. She was born in Texas, was started on on the track and now has turned into an amazing barrel horse and companion. She is a very push-style type horse yet she loves to run. The more I work the more she gives. CC is a very expressive horse. I’ve learned to read her body language and know what she wants. She is very spoiled : )

What is the biggest race this horse has won?

The biggest race CC has ever won would have to be the 4th Annual Super Open Show located in Unadilla, Georgia at the Southeastern Arena out of 260 some head.

What is your biggest win as a barrel racer?

As a barrel racer that would probably be my biggest race also that I have won. I placed 9th in the finals at NBHA Youth Worlds in 2010.

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, I love running at WB. The facility is amazing, the ground is always good, and my mare loves running at WB Ranch.

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

Barbara's "Team Marley" (and CC biting her tongue!)

A silly fact about CC is that she loves to bite her tongue, most of the time after we run a race or when she is bored. CC always gives me a 110% when we run, she has one of the biggest hearts.

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

The American Cancer society is one of the biggest organizations and causes that I believe in. I have had friends and family fight cancer, some living through it and others have passed away. Raising money for any kind of cancer is a great charity.

I would like to thank my family and friends for always supporting me. Also, The Wylies for selling me such a great horse. I have met so many amazing people in the world of barrel racing and look forward to meeting many new people! Good luck to everyone.

Meet the Best of the Best in Ohio: Justin Theado

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We’ll get started with one of the young guns in the Best of the Best in Ohio Charity Invitational: Justin Theado. He’s certainly not the youngest (that title goes to Miss Regan Henning, who you’ll hear more about shortly) but he’s definitely an up-and-comer to look out for! Learn all about why Justin earned a spot in the slot race by reading his interview below. And, catch a video of this pair at the end of the interview. 

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 Andy (An Angels Treasure), is a 10-year-old Paint horse out of Treasure Too. I’ve known him since he was a yearling and I’ve ridden him since he was four. He was trained by Cathi Jones. He is definitely Mr. Personality. He only lets me or my sister ride him. Anyone else he pretty much tries to yard dart. He gets very low going around the barrel and makes his time up between them. He always gives 110% when he runs and never let’s me down.

What is the biggest race this horse has won?

The biggest barrel race I’d say we’ve won was the Youth Finals at the 2011 NBHA State Show this year.

What is your biggest win as a barrel racer?

That is probably also my biggest win 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 went to WB February of 2010 with the Shirey family–that was my only time there. It was a nice place from what I saw and the ground was good, but since it was about 10 degrees out and 30 mph winds, we spent most of the time sitting in the truck with the heat on, lol. Andy did okay. It was early in the season so he wasn’t 100% there yet.

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

A small fact about me is I probably could never let Andy go for any amount of money. He’s treated me way too well and I couldn’t stand to see him at another home.

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

I think the biggest cause I believe in is cystic fibrosis. For some reason it just sticks out to me and means something. I also know a few people who have it and it’s just hard thinking how different their lives are from ours and how they have to think their life will only be half as long as the rest of us.

Making Lemonade in the Barrel Racing World

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This weekend was one of those “Why am I doing this to myself?!!” weekends at a barrel race.

I went to a Mile Hi Barrel Horse Association show in Brighton, Colorado, and from start to finish it was not a good day. A lot of shows out here prefer that you pre-enter the barrel race, but this broke kid never knows if she’s got enough money to show on the weekends until that Friday night (and sometimes that Saturday morning!) so pre-entering never makes sense. So, I rolled into the show Saturday morning to a $15 late fee plus a $20 office charge, all on top of a $50 entry fee for a $500 added 4D. Now, I’m not saying the show wasn’t a great show and expertly run with awesome ground and a nice set up, I’m just saying that gets really pricey. Needless to say, I only brought one horse.

When my run went South, I packed up and headed home with a major boo-hoo outlook on this whole barrel racing thing. (It’s funny how one bad [and costly] run can make us forget the 9 great runs we had the weekend before on all three of our horses!)

I took Sunday off and did something so non-horsey that I got to see how the other side lives – I went to Water World and rode water slides all day. This was definitely the “splash of cold water in the face” that I needed.

As it turns out, my friend that I was enjoying the water park with had two-time World Champ Kelly Kaminski’s phone number, who just happens to be in Fort Collins, Colorado, for the summer. This friend suggested I give Kelly a call and ask if she’d be willing to give me a lesson. So, I did, and Kelly said to come up Monday morning.

So, I did, and I turned the $50 I’d have used to go to the barrel race again into a 1-hour (plus lots more chit-chat time) lesson with Kelly Kaminski. Talk about a good decision – I learned so much in that one hour. It gave me direction – kind of a place to start with for improving my riding and my horse’s style. AND it was a whole lot of fun.

If you’re in Colorado or anywhere close, I definitely suggest you try this awesome deal I got. Email me (chelseaetoy@gmail.com) and I’ll put you in contact with her! It’s the best way to turn one bad weekend into one super productive one – making lemons into lemonade.