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 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
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.
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!
Well here we are 2 a.m. We are back in Columbus AGAIN for the 2nd time on this cold Tuesday night (now Wednesday morning).
So we are thinking is we will be able to park about where we were last year, as this is a great place for the dogs and it is a little quieter etc… Well as we roll into the fairgrounds and stop at the stall office–where the pleasant people are–we find out that they have made changes this year and we can be in tents 1-7 but not the barns… Being the law breakers we are–break in the law break in the law…(oK that was a Bevis and Butthead throw back phrase)–we figure well we will at least look in the barns and see if we have someplace to park! That is a negatory! So we walk about 35 minutes deciding where we want to have the horses and then yes WHERE TO PARK THE BIG RIG!
It’s about 2:45 a.m. There are some people getting their steeds out to get them in the arena for a bit before the break of day. We start the hunt for the dreaded Congress stalls. You know findingfour stalls that have a minimal amount of poop and a huge amount of sawdust.. that you paid $150.00 for to stay 3 days! Just a Reason to LOVE CONGRESS.
So we find a spot to park and we start to back into the spot, but we have to watch the tree on the left and the cement sidewalk blockers on the right. Well let’s just say although the Dear Baby Jesus Prayer worked as we didn’t ruin anything but we did have to readjust that parking spot. At one point Clea says, “Can you move those cement things…?” I grab it like it is a piece of paper and get ready to move it and it does not budge. I looked right at her and said, “AHHHH NO.” We laugh and we both know we are so tired but we get the rig in without killing each other or anyone else, and it is now 4:30 a.m. and we are ready to drop. The dogs get out and we all get back in the trailer and hit the hay.
So Wednesday morning would bring a little drizzle and us getting up and about only to get numbers, checked in and then a nap of course for the day… Oh my we were exhausted. We decide we are going to walk up to the store just outside the fair grounds to get ice then Becky Johnson to the rescue. She said, “Take the golf cart.” So we roll on up to get the ice, and last I remember we were at Becky’s trailer and she was giving me a Sneaky Pete! Let this gal tell you if you ever get a Sneaky Pete from Becky you may loose a little time the night you drink it. I lost about 3 hours but I will tell you I must have had fun, everyone the next day said I had a blast. Thank you Becky for the drink and the golf cart.
Kelly Bowser, I don’t think that I was really going to jump from the golf cart and on top of you like a spider monkey. Jesse Meeks I still do love your hair. Joel Henning well Joel at least you didn’t have to pay for the dance. Brad and Ryan what can I say! Cody Powell and Mikalya Conklin I am glad I could be your source of entertainment! LOL I think I had fun. Oh and to our Woot Woot neighbors thanks for being so fun.
Clea and I ran each day and although we both walked away with medallions we both were a little disappointed with ground over all. We all know that Congress is what it is and we all keep going back so we can only hope that next year if the same people are doing the ground they will learn from the 2011 year at Congress.
Matt and Becky Payne, Helen Chambers (Giddy Up), Becky Johnson and Hubby, Josh and Crystal, Shuggie, The Bouchers, Sara, Mari, The Meeks, The Shirey’s, The Whitesels, The Hennings, Doc Guery and his family and all the rest of the great people at Congress always makes the week in Columbus, Ohio worth going.
Chelsea had some great interviews with some of the contestants and we had great fun with a lot of friends at Congress.
We did want to say Thank You to the medic and all the people who helped get me out of the arena after Golden Boy bit the dust. Mari Beth Guido you are the best. Not only for trying to jump a 6 foot fence when you are 5 foot tall but for just being you. (Editor’s note: Hahahahaha.) Clea and I love you and thank you!
So Chels we have another blog following this that is the norm. We are back on the road and cant wait to get to the next show.
As Always – Remember those pets Let’s not over populate.
…and that’s just the beginning with this Texas cowgirl. Kaci Riggs has made some of the most popular and stylish hats in the barrel racing (and Western) world, and that’s a combination that’s not always easy to create. Her Charlie 1 Horse hats have popped up everywhere from the National Finals Rodeo to the IBRA Nationals, and every barrel race and roping in between. (And quite a few Best of the Best competitors looked fabulous in them this fall!)
Kaci’s taken her knowledge of the fashion industry and combined it with her in-the-arena know how to produce some of the finest hats we’ve ever seen. Whether she’s jet-setting across the West or kicking the boys’ butts in the roping pen, Kaci is looking fabulous in one of her designs.
Tell us about how Charlie 1 Horse started, and how you came aboard to create these hats. Charlie 1 Horse started in 1978. It was HUGE during Urban Cowboy. Many, many celebrities have worn Charlie 1 Horse; the list is long. It’s so cool to look back at the old stuff. They are TRULY works of art. Richard Petty, Kid Rock and Eddie Montgomery still wear the old ones.
I was hired as an assistant to the Resistol designer, Bob Posey. In spare time, we worked on C1H styles. When I was hired, we just didn’t sell many of the fancy ones. I chose to make a few things I thought I could relate to and wear. I kept the competitive cowgirl in mind, but I also had to consider the business woman who needed to look fabulous at a Cattle Baron’s ball. We started seeing a lot of success within the barrel racing industry and fashion industry.
What is your background in the horse industry?
I grew up in 4-H, junior rodeos, high school, amateur and college rodeo…. I ran barrels when I was little. I rode English for a couple years. I started roping when I was 11; my dad needed a heeler ;-D
My senior year of high school, I qualified for the National High School Finals Rodeo in the breakaway roping. I placed at Nationals that year in Gillette, Wyo. and received some scholarship money. That helped me continue my education and attend Sam Houston State University in Huntsville, TX with additional rodeo scholarships. I qualified for the College National Finals Rodeo in Casper, Wyo. my senior year of college. Since college, I have always continued to rope. No matter where I was in my career, I have always continued to rope. I feel very fortunate that my career allows me to cross over into many disciplines of the equine industry. I’m passionate about the western lifestyle.
How does that background affect your designs?
My background really helps me to know how important the FUNCTION of a hat is. When you compete, you can NEVER have to worry about losing your hat. It has to fit, be comfortable on your head, stay on during competition and you have to feel good wearing it. It has to fit your personal style and not make you feel awkward…. And it has to be affordable. I believe your horse, your rig, your entry fees have a higher priority than fashion. That is why Charlie 1 Horse is committed to making the most FABULOUS~LOOKING hat at the most affordable price.
When you’re making a hat, what kind of cowgirl are you thinking of as you design it?
I’m thinking of a cowgirl with the most original style. She wants a look that is her OWN. She DOES NOT blend~in. She’s a leader; not a follower – she blazes trails…. She respects the lifestyle, but she likes to put a modern TWIST on her own personal look. Her appearance is important to her and her hat is how she expresses her eccentric personality. I have to make a hat that appeals to a variety of women – I personally prefer the more core-western styles, but I also design some that are completely outlandish. You gotta give ‘em what they want….
So far, what has been your favorite moment of your career?
Gosh, that’s tough… I enjoy each moment. I guess seeing it come full-circle is best. It’s really fun to see C1H published in magazines. I love when girls WIN BIG who wear our hats – I LOVE seeing C1H in win-picts. I love seeing the flag girls at the NFR totally blinged-out wearing our stuff. I love getting tagged in photos on Facebook of little-bitty girls that look SO gritty and tough wearing Charlie 1 Horse – it makes me laugh! I guess the most rewarding part is to see how happy the hats make people.
Tell us about your all-time favorite hat, either one you’ve made or otherwise.
Hahahaaa… that’s like asking a mother to pick her favorite kid! LOL!!! I really love the tonal trimmed felts. I’m not a HUGE fan of flashy…. I love the tacky leopard prints, but they’ve been hard to make. Honestly, my favorites change each season we launch a new line.
What do you do when you aren’t busy making hats or working for Hatco?
I try to spend a lot of time with my family, but I’m sure my family would attest that I ROPE every chance I get! There are a handful of ropings that I like to go to each year. The Open to the World, the Windy Ryon, our Resistol Roping and the USTRC Finals…. I guess I travel a lot and spend a lot of time with friends. I’m all about a road trip…
What is one style tip that every hat-wearing cowgirl should know?
No matter what you think, if it’s creased right, you look GREAT in it. Women are SO UNCOMFORTABLE in hats. It drives me crazy…. They just aren’t used to wearing them, or they don’t wear the right one. I could pick a hat for any woman and I promise she would look great in it! A flattering crease makes all the difference. Don’t EVER just wear it straight out of the box. All brims need to be hand creased.
What is your favorite outfit to rock your Charlie 1 Horse with?
You didn’t really just ask me this…. Every day is a fashion show for me, you know. I’m all about dresses with cowboy boots…. Maybe funky tights? I love my cowgirl suit too!!! (CTC jeans & Barranada shirts) Whatever it is, it CAN’T overpower the hat!!! IT’S ALL ABOUT THE HAT. Sorry, but I just can’t answer this one directly…..
What is next for you and Charlie 1 Horse?
I have a new commitment and dedication to Hatco in product development for Stetson, Resistol, Wrangler, and Dobbs brands. Charlie 1 Horse will always be the most creative and fun line to design and will continue to surprise us each season. You will see a handful of fedoras with western twists (inspired by a fellow cowgirl fashion diva). They are for the cowgirl who wants to cross over into fashion without forgetting her roots ;-D I’m so excited about the new felts we will launch in January at Denver Market. Some can be found at NFR in December with ML Leddy’s.
Charlie 1 Horse has set some pretty high standards…. We will keep moving forward!
Our friends at Rod’s Western Palace in Ohio carry Charlie 1 Horse Hats, as do many fine retailers across the U.S. For a great deal on a Charlie, download and print this coupon!
The classic headline, “Local Boy Makes Good,” would be fitting for this story. Pete Oen is originally from Wapakoneta, Ohio, but has gone on to become one of the most revered trainers and competitors in the barrel racing and futurity world. This year, he came home to Ohio and put on a show at the All American Quarter Hors Congress, taking home the Sweepstakes Finals win and being crowned the Reserve Sweepstakes Champion, aboard the stand-out gelding All Bull No Fame. So, what better place for Pete to talk about this Congress than the only place that covers barrel racing in Ohio, Pennsylvania and West Virginia: The Barrel Racing Blog.
We’re thrilled to have Pete here for the first (but not the last) time!
Tell us about the horses you ran at the Congress (names, bloodlines, age, owners, running styles).
Both of the horses I competed on at the All American Quarter Horse Congress are by the great, late Dash Ta Fame. Famous Blue Eyes is out of a daughter of Disco Jerry (TB) and All Fame No Bull is out of a daughter of Bully Bullion. He is a full sibling to Famous Silk Panties, all-time money leading barrel racing horse in the history of the event. They are both 4-year-old futurity horses this year. Famous Blue Eyes is now owned by clients of mine from Quebec, Canada Charles and Catherine Jobin. They purchased her this past spring from me. I own All Fame No Bull myself. Famous Blue Eyes is more of a push style horse and All Fame No Bull is very much a free runner.
What classes did you place in at the Congress this year?
I ran Famous Blue Eyes and All Fame No Bull in the Junior Barrels and the Barrel Racing Sweepstakes. All Fame No Bull was Reserve Champion and Famous Blue Eyes placed 7th in the Junior Barrels. All Fame No Bull fell completely down in the first round of the Barrel Racing Sweepstakes, which was our first run of the week. I was concerned about the rest of our barrel racing competition, but it sure got better. He ended up placing 6th in the second round of the Barrel Sweepstakes, bringing him back to the finals in the 6th fastest position as well after both qualifying rounds. He won the final round posting a 14.890, the fastest run of the week of all classes! Unfortunately we had an exact tie for the average and the Champion of the Sweeps, first time in the history of the event. We didn’t want to run our horses again, considering they are only 4 year olds and that was their 4th run so far that week. We had no say in what was to be done. The AQHA rule is that there is to be a run off in the event of a tie for a championship. There really wasn’t any time to regroup or prepare for the run off. I was to run first. My horse gets a bit on the silly side after a run and it takes him a bit to calm down.
We saw you run in one of the most dramatic finishes in Congress Sweepstakes history. What was going through your head going down the alleyway to make your run in the run off?
As I mentioned there was not much time for this to take place. As I got back on him and headed to the alley I told myself to “make a strong, clean run” and “See what happens?” Unfortunately I got a little bit past the first barrel and tried to make up some time, cutting it a lil close at the second barrel, knocking it down. So, unfortunately the outcome was that we were crowned the Reserve Champs. Still completely something to be proud of, because we ran two clocks that proved to be the Champions.
What is it about your horses’ styles that made them so good for the Congress’ tough arena?
I thought All Fame No Bull had a bit of an advantage over Famous Blue Eyes going into the competition before it even started. He can handle firmer ground than her, and he doesn’t mind running up into a wall, as she tends to like it a bit deeper and the barrels off the walls.
What was your strategy going into the Congress this year?
They only strategy I had going into the congress was to try and prepare my horses to be at their peak performance, and to make sure they were healthy and strong. The Congress is not always the easiest thing to prepare for… The ground can change from day to day or from 50 riders to the next 50 riders.
What was your goal for the 2011 Congress, and did you reach it?
I didn’t really have a goal for the Congress. We always want to win so I guess that was my goal. I really wanted to place in the top proving my horses and not letting them down. And this is a big family- and back-home, old-friends kind of crowd I no longer get to see very much. So I wanted them to see the talent that both of my horses have and see how much I have grown as a trainer and competitor.
What is your goal for All Fame No Bull’s career?
I don’t have any real “goals” for All Fame No Bull. I would love for him to win something big before the year ends. He as been reserve champion on 3 occasions at big competitions. He is a great horse and I think he needs a Championship to his name! Most important of all is for him to continue to be a great barrel horse for many years to come… Bo Hill, good friend of mine has set a goal for me… to win $100,000 this season. Famous Blue Eyes has won $37,000 and All Fame No Bull has won $30,000 so far. I will have to let you know if my horses and I reach it as a team.
Tell us what it’s like going off on your own training venture. What have been the biggest challenges, and what’s been the biggest reward?
I have been a bit on edge and unsure going out on my own this past year. It sure has been an experience. My biggest challenge I thought was getting people to send me horses to train. Fortunately that has not been a problem. Guess someone is looking out for me… Best thing is that I have the two very best horses of my barrel racing career and have won the most money in a single season of my career this year!!! A special thanks goes out to my parents, sister Carey, Kyle Leleux and Bo Hill. I am proud to tell everyone that my horses came from Bo Hill and Jeff Switzer as they raised and started both of them.
What colts do you have coming for 2012 that you’re truly excited about?
I have a couple nice colts for the 2012 season. I have the full sibling to Famous Nadine, his name is Power Fame. He is entered in the $100,000 slot race at the BFA World Championships in December of this year.
What has been the biggest win of your career?
The biggest win of my career is difficult for me to determine. I would have to say it’s placing two horses in the top 10 in the same year at Old Fort Days Futurity. Famous Blue Eyes placed 5th and All Fame No Bull placed 9th. I was the only one who placed two horses in the top 10 this year. But a close second is between this Congress Sweepstakes win or Reserve Champion at the Jud Little BFA futurity. All which I consider where we ran with the “cream of the crop!”
Tell us about the greatest horse you’ve ever run.
The greatest horse I have ever ran is All Fame No Bull. He is truly a gifted athlete and has talent that with all the training in the world, you can’t teach other horses!!! And to top that off he is unbelievably fast!
How did you get into barrel racing, and how did you learn to train?
I started barrel racing when I was 6 years old and it has been an addiction I can not go without. My parents’ best friend was a horse trainer and we used to go ride at their house. Next thing you know we had horses and we were doing what we thought was the right thing. We learned things the hard and easy way over the years of barrel racing. I learned to train a lot by trial and error as a youngster. Then I worked with a couple of the professionals that were older and more advanced than me for several years. Ultimately ending up where I am today, on my own doing what I love most, training barrel horses!!!
What are your ultimate goals in barrel racing?
I have set some really high goals for myself. I may never reach them, but if you are going to set goals, set them high. They are to win an AQHA World Championship, BFA World Championship Futurity, NBHA World Championship, and other high profile events throughout the World. Possibly extending into foreign countries such as Italy, Brazil, and China.
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.
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!
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.
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.
Beea is a much
