Category Archives: top horses

Barrel Racing’s Big Inspiration: Shirley Blauser

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We are all SO lucky today! The fabulous Shirley Blauser is on The Barrel Racing Blog to give us all a little KICK in the butt. If you’re feeling a little down, unmotivated or tired, read on. Shirley went through a horrible and painful ordeal this winter, and she fought to be back on her feet and soon to be back in the saddle. 

Tell us about your accident. What happened, how did it happen, and what do you remember first after the crash?
I was at Waynesburg, Nov. 12, 2011 at a barrel race. As I came in to the arena and ready to turn the first barrel, a tiny twist of my body in my saddle blew my pelvis. When this happened, I tipped to the left. Honor (my horse) evidently thought I was going to fall off and he went to the rail. At the time I remember thinking ‘Why did I pull him to the rail?’ and then remembered I was hanging on to the horn with my left hand so I couldn’t have done it. After watching the video you could see that he did it on his own. (What a great horse!) We came around the barrel and I got him slowed down and went back to the gate. At this time I felt like someone had thrown a bucket of scalding water in my crotch area. Turns out that feeling came from the fact that my stomach muscles had exploded along with my pelvis. As soon as that pain passed, it was total numbness and no more pain. Bert Thompson came over to me and asked if I was okay. I said I need to get off this horse right now. She yelled for help and about 25 people came running.

I couldn’t get my right leg out of the stirrup so a couple of guys came around and took it out and walked it across Honor’s butt and stood it beside the left one. Then 3 guys held me by my waist and lifted me out of the left stirrup and set me down. They came up with an arm chair and set me in it and carried me to the restroom because of the feeling I had with the scalding water. I had felt soaked but I was totally dry. Then we bickered about calling an ambulance-I said NO ambulance. As luck would have it, Mari Beth Guido’s husband Albert had driven his car to the show that day so they loaded me in to it and Mari and Shayne took me to Waynesburg Hospital. One of the gals at the show worked at the hospital so she called ahead and they were waiting on me when we got there. The doctor took an xray and told me there was nothing he could do for me and that he was sending me to the Trauma Center in Pittsburgh. At that time my heart sank because I realized then that it was something really serious.

I spent the night there and they took me by ambulance Sunday morning to Pittsburgh. On Monday morning they did surgery. I had what they called an “open book” pelvic injury. It wasn’t broken, it had separated from my spine and had a 6 cm spread in it and my spinal cord was 2 cm away from being severed. The right and left sacroiliac joints were also fractured. I dread to think what could have happened if I had fallen off. I guess I prefer not to think about that!!! I just layed there on Sunday because no surgeries were done on Sunday. On Monday morning they took me to surgery.

The doctor had to put a plate and screws in my pelvis to bring it together. He couldn’t repair my stomach muscles so he called in another surgeon and she couldn’t do them either. A plastic surgeon was called at this time. The plastic surgeon would be there on Tuesday so they left the incision open and I went back to surgery on Tuesday morning. I now have mesh in my stomach holding the muscles together. I spent 12 days in the hospital and got to come home on Thanksgiving day. The orthopedic surgeon at that time told me I would be off my feet for 3 months and rehab for 3 more months.

On Dec. 8 I went back to the doctor for a follow-up and an xray. He told me it looked really good and to make another appointment for 5 weeks and he would start me walking. I’m thinking “WOW”. So on Jan. 12 exactly 2 months after the mishap he took another xray and said it was excellent and I could start walking. I came home ‘and started walking’. No walker, no cane, nothing. Even though I didn’t feel that I needed therapy because I had continued every day to exercise in my bed, determined not to lose my leg muscles I made an appointment with the therapist. The therapist after checking me and putting me through some exercises told me there wasn’t really any need for her. On February 1 I went back to my job which is driving school bus. I’m still a little stiff when I get up in the morning but I can handle that!! The doctor told me I can start riding in March after my follow-up visit with him and hopefully my last visit.

Who has helped you the most throughout this process?
My husband was my crutch through this whole time. For 2 weeks I think, he hardly left my side except to do chores and feed the horses. He cooked and did dishes, which is something he had NEVER done!!! The only thing he wasn’t good at was cleaning the house, but he told me that would wait on me. Oh well!! He was right, it did wait on me.
What have your grandbabies been doing to keep your spirits up?
As for my grandsons, Bryer and Trap, they spent a lot of time helping Grandpa in the barn doing the things that was my job. Bryer is Grandpa’s right hand man. And Shayne was my right arm always getting the things that I needed.

What is your goal for the next six months?
My goal is to be barrelracing by May if not before. Actually the horses got a well deserved vacation during this time. I feel that I’m a pretty lucky woman to be walking exactly 2 months after it happened considering it was to be 3 months down and 3 months rehab in the beginning.

I would have to say GOD was definitely looking out for me on November 12.

Thank you GOD!!!!!!!!!!And everyone else that helped in this time of my need.

What keeps you motivated to keep getting better?
My motivation for getting better is that I’m not a quitter. What do they say, “Quitters never Win” That’s my goal when I come back riding.

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!!

On the Road with Dawn and Clea from WB Ranch

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I send my apologies AGAIN that I’m getting this up so late! This was originally from November…Where the heck did December go?! 

Well hello Chels – It is a pleasantly warmer than we thought  Saturday morning and we are headed to the WB Ranch in Swanton, Ohio for the Winter Series.

I am still not riding but Clea is ready to roll with the pole and barrel horses. We load up Chili, Channing and Cracker to run and then Whitey (she got her name because of all the whites in her eyes) our 3 year old for Clea to exhibition. We are thinking she is going to be a nice barrel horse.  She has all the run in the world and as Clea says she is a ROCK STAR at home. Time will tell. We load up 2 of the dogs, Stuck and Clet and leave Kisses at home as she is prime this weekend to have babies and WE SO DON’T WANT THAT NOW next time will be fine.**

We roll out the drive Betty is in the driver’s seat and my leg is good enough to be Nelly Navigator from the front seat. Thank God!

We roll into Swanton about 10:30 and there are a lot of trailers there and looks like it is going to be a nice sizes show.  We open the doors to the truck and both decide it is a  little chillier at Swanton then West Salem–grab the jackets.

We get parked and head on up to the arena to get our stalls and exhibitions. Thank Goodness we did because everyone and their brother had their young horses there for exhibitions.  We got the last couple from Joe Johnson.  Joe and Heather Johnson are the young couple putting on the show. We get everything unloaded and settled in and go up to the arena to chat with everyone while we wait for Clea’s exhibition to come up.

 Brent Puhl was there and as always he has some awesome photos and items that he makes for sale.  If you have not seen some of the frames, award holders, coffee and end tables, or custom made items that he personally makes with USA products with his own hands you should take a look next time you see him.  If you are looking for a great Christmas gift–He has them. Brent is headed to Oklahoma to show case his items at the BFA and to see his son Tyler. Enjoy Brent and Best of Luck to you!

It is getting close to Clea’s time to expo so we take Whitey and Chili out in the back field to get on Whitey and let her get some energy out.  As we are walking around ( I can finally get my foot in the stirrup without too big of an issue) and we see this large hole in the back field that looks like you could lose a truck tire in it. I said to Clea “That looks like a Sid hole”  A Sid hole is a hole dug by The Guido’s dog Sidney. You think we are exaggerating – think again.  Seriously it is still there from September, Dam Dogs!

ON THE INJURED RESERVE

During exhibition Terri Phillips had a little accident – she is fine – but will be on crutches for a week or so,  Her horse came over on her in the shoot and she hurt her foot.  Terri you are a tough one and we wish you well and a quick recovery for the next show.  Denim you take care of your mommy!

Scott and Renee were at the show to watch Troy run their mare Bella prior to heading to Oklahoma. Renee is out of the scooter and onto one crutch – she will be starting PT this week.  She looked great.  It was so nice to see them both and talk to them for more than a minute.  Renee is so excited to get a puppy out of the next batch –keep in mind we left Kisses at home to avoid a sooner than wanted batch of puppies)- she was to get Becky Johnson’s little Gracie Rae but since she got hurt she passed Gracie Rae onto Becky and will wait for the next little pupper dog.  At one point in the night Clea was on Channing and I was out with her in the warm up pen waiting to get her bands on and saddle tight when Scott came over and started talking.  He was saying how he misses Renee and them being able to be a team (he says, you know like you and Clea) when it comes to things they do around the house.  He was saying about getting Christmas decorations out and it wouldn’t be the same this year without his team mate Renee.  It was so–not just cute–but respectable when he was talking about Renee. Today Renee had a post on FB how much she loves and appreciates Scott.  It was very fitting.

We were talking to Jeff Myers and he was just there to watch as he had a bad knee. We of course ask what happened thinking that something major horse thing happened and he tells us this story of how the female dogs were locked in  the kitchen with a  gate and as he was going into the kitchen, with 2 pizza boxes and a can of pop on top, he stepped over the gate and caught his foot in the it and he bit it falling flat out on the kitchen floor.  Without missing a beat he says “I only lost one piece of pizza.”  We laughed like goof balls as out of the entire story the rest of the night we kept saying : But he only lost one piece   Get better soon Jeff and rest that knee!

THE SHOW

This show series was something they had last year and it went well for them so The Johnsons are back this year for another go.  The first thing that you know is this is a show bill to allow people to show though the winter.  This show bill is clean and has a little something for everyone. There are awards at the end of the series that are a bonus for running all the shows.  This year Joe and Heather decided to run the points differently so that all could have a shot at winning no matter what division.  The way this is being done is very smart on their part and shows great initiative for a small but growing show committee.   We appreciate these 2 taking their time and putting their efforts into giving us a place to run in the winter.

Joe and Heather seem to be a young couple who help each other and enjoy the equine part of their live together.  This couple have a 4 and 5 year old that they are riding and doing that well. This is the first we have had the pleasure to meet them both personally, it was our pleasure.  We will look for them in the future as their Winter Series grow each year.

The show moved along really well for the number of exhibitions that put through.  Joe kept the expos going and then was the tractor man while Bruce ran the announcers booth.

TALENT AT THE SHOW

Poles would be first to run.  There were some good horses there and as always with WB there is usually a good number in the poles.  A 20.892 would win the class with a 21.2 not far behind.  The boy who won the pole class never set back his entire run and he was riding to win the entire time.  His horse came in as fast as it left the arena.  Next trip Clea and Cracker will get through those poles and leave them all up!  :)

Warm- Up would run next and then Youth and Open

As we get the horses ready for the Open we are in the barn talking to Katie McGrain–she is watering her horse about 10 stalls up from us.  If you have ever been to WB Ranch you know they have a long hose then entire length of the barn to get water to all the stalls.  We were at the end of the barn that DID NOT have the spigot.  So the 3 of us are walking towards the other end of the barn headed to the arena to see where they are with the class.  Katie has the hose kinked as she is dragging it with her to get to the shut off valve.  I am walking beside her and Clea is about 2 steps behind.  We are all chit chatting and I see out of the corner of my eye–Clea is eyeballing up the hose dragging behind Katie.  I know what is coming and before I can think about warning her or stopping Clea–Yep Clea steps on the traveling hose and Katie is thrown forward and stopped in her tracks.  Short of hitting the floor Clea takes her foot off the hose and Katie says, “Clea why are you so mean to me?!” Clea says, “Oh Katie (laughing evilly) because I love you.”  We all laugh!

The Girls would rock the Ranch this Saturday

Barbie Jimison and CC would show their mojo was back in the grove by winning the Open. Danielle Harropp and her horse were just a mega sec off of Barbie and Katie McGrain and Maggie were hot on both their her heels.  Amanda and Wilma were rolling through a set of cans in the warm up and open and left a set of tracks to following by the next racer.  Man is that Wilma fast!  Stacy Hartman would win the 2D with a beautiful run on her horse.   Sami Bear would lay down a nice run as well.

The woulda coulda run goes to:

Shane Yoder on his big bay horse, U Bug Me Frenchman – I said to Clea as we sat and watched him make his run. “That was a 16.011.” She said, “The hell it was.” I said, “Yes it was look,” she said “Holy crap.” It was beautiful of course with the exception of the downed barrel.  I went over to say WOW nice run–and this horse is huge, its withers were at my forehead. Kelly B was standing there as well and Shane said, “This is the horse Kelly rode all last year and did so well on.” I said, “Oh so that is why he is so talented.” Kelly quickly gave all the credit to Shane for getting the horse to where it is today,  Kelly Bowser you are a class act. 

 

Kelly and KaliAnne Jones came to the ranch to run around the cans.  It was great to see them and nice to see them make the 4 hour trip.

SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT

As I sat in the office waiting for Heather to return so I could get information on the awards and how they were set up, I sat in amazement with how one woman could complain so much about something that is a gift.  As she stood and complained to the office help – (now mind you this office help had nothing to do with this how the awards or show is ran, they are all volunteers to help Joe and Heather) it was all I could do to keep my mouth shut until I knew the entire story. ( I did at one point say, “You really need to calm the hell down, gosh dang ”) – at that point I left the office. J

Anyone who barrel races or pole bends needs to think about ‘the show committees.’ I am not talking about the huge IBRA or the huge NBHA shows that have shows that they make a living on–I am talking about the little gals and guys who put on shows for the love of the sport. They may cover their cost of their fuel to get to the show they are putting on and Maybe just Maybe pay for their arena rental–So to have someone stand and complain about how the show committee is doing things but not have a dime or a hand lifted in it… not cool IMO!

 

We want to encourage EVERYONE to thank your show committees for all their hard work, time and effort.  Remember these committees are the ones that keep us doing what we love very weekend.

 

THE FOOD

Lisa has the food booth at WB Ranch tasting great.  From breakfast to dinner there is a huge variety of good food.  The gals in the kitchen were hopping this weekend.

On a personal food note – We want to thank Becky Johnson for the homemade veggie soup.  She offered us some at Congress and we never made it over to get it.  Of course when she said she  had veggie soup for us because we did not get any at Congress, Clea said “it isn’t the same soup is it?” Becky said “no you smart ass”  THE SOUP WAS SOOOOOOO GOOD!  Thank you!

 

 

THE GROUND

WB Ranch – in our opinion – has the most consistent ground and has good ground.  Joe and Heather made sure it is safe and consistent for all riders this weekend.

All in all it was a great weekend and a great show.

We also have the dates for “The 2nd Annual Best of the Best Invitational Charity Barrel Race 2012″ on the books for 2012.  This race will be in conjunction with the 1st Annual  On the Road with Dawn and Clea Productions 3 day show.  Watch The Barrel Racing Blog for additional details on the big money added for poles and barrels  September 21- 23, 2012 at WB Ranch!

 

Next we will be traveling to Henderson Arena or Circle G for the Thanksgiving Weekend show!

 

As always “get your pet spade or neutered”

 

Clea & Dawn

On the Road with Dawn and Clea

 

PS Oh and by the way when we got home Kisses was so glad to see Clet that we will be having puppies in January DAMN IT!   We really need to change our closing line –  As always “get your pet spade or neutered” to If your dog is in heat make sure the TV is off and we are paying attention to the dam dogs”

On the Road with Dawn and Clea from the Congress

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Hello Columbus Ohio!

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.

“On the Road with Dawn and Clea”

Clea and Dawn

On the Road with Dawn and Clea (Catch Up!)

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Dawn and Clea did in fact do their homework and write this long ago… I’ve just been SO hectic lately I haven’t gotten it up. So, the wait is over! Here it is. 

Before and After the almighty All American Quarter Horse Congress

Oct 18th found us at the last show at 4T’s Arena in Ashville, Ohio, at the Theado’s.  As always it was a great turn out and fun was held by all. We sold the last of the T-shirts and would like to thank Jordan Burg for being the model for the cause.

The next weekend would take us to Ruggles. We took this photo as there was so many people at Ruggles we were not sure we were at the right place. With the BBR at Henderson going on and the fact that it was Ruggles we were surprised but happy for the Ruggles Arena and we hope that they can continue to have bigger shows. We only took the pole pony, Cracker, so Clea could get a run in before Congress. There was plenty of talent there for running poles. Exhibitions had its moments; Brannon, Kelly and Clea did have to set the gate lady straight when she wanted to cut off the exhibition poles.  Unfortunately this is a common thing that happens during pole exhibitions; show committee’s do not leave enough time for the pole exhibitions that are usually ran after barrels. We would hope to see in the future enough time allotted for pole expos so we can see this event brought back strong to Ohio and surrounding areas. Just like Dustin Whitesel is bringing sexy back we want to see poles brought back STRONG!  When you have talent like Clea Remington, The Riley’s, Trent Tobin, Tara & Stacey Henkel, Amy Snyder and Cody Powell just to mention a few, this talent should not be wasted! The Theado’s were there as well. Always nice to see them. Kelly, Matt and the gang from up north were there as well. It was a cold windy October day but nice with no rain.

The next trip we would take would be to Columbus, Ohio. When I say we have been nonstop (like everyone I am sure) I mean nonstop. Monday, Oct. 24 would find me at the office and Clea headed to the hardware store on an unexpected trip to get parts to finish up the waterline then an afternoon trip to Columbus to meet Bryan Ford to pick yet another young horse. Instead of heading to Oklahoma AGAIN we caught this one a ride with Bryan.  (Thank you!)

On our last trip to Okieland we saw this horse and another and did not have room for either at the time but later decided on the way home that YES we would take them. So we needed a ride for them.  We did have a ride for both of them earlier in the month (you know to get them home and settled before Congress, yah that really didn’t work out)  But in the long run we were able to get them to Ohio before we left (well the day we left for Congress). So it’s Monday and our week has gotten started… Clea gets her (we call the new horse Grey–I know very inventive huh!) home, I get home from work and as we are admiring her beautiful grey colorings we both say, almost in unison “Do you remember her head being so big?” then we laugh. She settles in and we finish out the night with the norm.

Tuesday would bring a beautiful morning and thank God for that as we are leaving to get to Congress Tuesday night about 10 p.m. and we have to get the waterline finished and finish packing the trailer, the horses cleaned up blah blah blah… oh yes and we have to meet Cody Bauserman in Columbus at 10:30 p.m. to pick up the other young horse that we needed to get home from Okie. Now we have a different timeline–what’s new we always do! So we get all the water line in and we rope off all that we can so the horses can not get in to any trouble while we are gone. So it is about 8 p.m. I run to town to get a few items at the store and Cody calls that they are about 1.5 hours out from Columbus, so I hustle home and get Clea and we head out to get the 2nd horse. This is a sister to the grey. We head to meet Cody–I am exhausted Clea is exhausted. We meet Cody and Stephanie by the fairgrounds he pulls the horse off the trailer, and we do a Dear Baby Jesus prayer that she is going to get back on our trailer to head back to West Salem. She hops right on.  Thank you Baby Jesus. THANK YOU CODY and STEPHANIE for getting that horse up to us. Oh and we call her Bay–yep you guessed it she is a bay.

So on the way home I say OMG I am so tired I need a 5 minute nap then I will be fine. It is 11:15 at this time and we should have been in bed about 2 hours ago. So I curl up in the seat–think I will never be able to sleep in this seat, so 65 minutes later I am awake… oooopppps so much for Nelly Navigator…I knew she knew where she was headed so that is why I took a little snooze. We roll into the driveway with Bay and get her off the trailer and it was like dejuvu’ “Man I don’t remember their heads being so big!” We laugh like crazy and decide we better get some things finished packed up and hit the road as we are headed back to Congress.

Well it is now 1:15 a.m. Betty has the Pete started and I start loading the dogs. Lynn, Clea’s Mom is trying to go to sleep as we are in and out of the house getting ready to leave.  We leave her with 8 horses, 2 dogs and a water leak! Yikes that woman must love us! We sure love her. Well horses are loaded, dogs are in, we are pulling out the drive and we both look at each other like WTH are we thinking… Well I will tell you… Is it easier to park a 66 foot rig when there is little to no traffic at Congress OR WAIT til there are people everywhere?  WE ROLL ON!

We are headed down 301 thru West Salem and of course Betty has the peddle to the metal (well like 40) through town and little did we know they had done a little resurfacing of the road we hit that road and you would have thought we were on the rail road tracks at Canal Winchester again. We bounce through town it wakes us up for sure and we hit I 71 with the cruise on and get going to Congress!

…to be continued! 

Meet Ohio’s World Champ: Owner Kristine Nagy and Lightning Starnbars

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Kirby's World Championship trophy

It’s not often we can all call one of our own a world champion. This year, the Penn-Ohio area can claim Kristine Nagy’s Kirby in that elite group of locals to earn that distinction. We caught up with Kristine right after Charlie Peoples jockeyed Kirby to the AQHA Senior Pole Bending World Championship, and we want to share that interview with all of you. 

Just a special editor’s note: I’ve counted Kristine as a good friend and person to look up to since I was 14 years old. She always showed up at Penn-Ohio shows in the area, and we always exchanged encouraging words in the alleyways at Sundance, Buckhorn and other local shows. This win couldn’t have happened to a nicer lady, and I’m thrilled for her! Special congrats Kristine. 

Tell us about Kirby–how old is he, where did he come from, who started him, how long you’ve had him and been running him, how is he bred, what has he won, and any other details we need to know!

Kirby is 10 years old. Charlie Peoples started him on poles as a 2 year old.  He is an apppendix gelding, out of a TB mare and Lightning Sugar Bull. Charlie bought Kirby as a 2 year old.  He trained him, and showed him as a 3 year old in the Junior Poles at the Congress and won it. He then sold him to Brad Wagner. Kirby had several owners after that, Brad got him back and that is who I bought him from two and a half years ago.
Kirby has won a lot since I have had him.  He won the National Pole Bending Assoc. slot race in 2010. He also won the Kentucky State Fair Senior Pole Bending and finals in 2010 and 2011.  He won the Ohio IBRA Masters 1D buckle in 2011 and has placed at the Congress several times. He also has run two 19.4′s in the poles, as well as several 19.6′s.  He was in the top 5 in the nation in senior poles last year and is there this year as well.  Kirby is also a really good barrel horse.
How long has Charlie Peoples been running Kirby and why does he run him?
When I got Kirby, we had some difficulties.  He can be a little strong and was wanting to go faster than I did!  I knew Charlie had owned him, and asked him for help. He has ran him off and on for the last three seasons. It took about 6 months for Kirby and I to become a team. We have done well together, but we have never become the team that Charlie and Kirby are. They just click! So, I run him on a weekly basis, but Charlie runs him at the big shows. He just does a better job than I do!

Kirby's championship buckle

Talk us through your season this year. Has Kirby been on fire all year, or did this run come out of nowhere?

Kirby is always on fire! It has taken me three years to get some of the fire out of him. He has been running good all year. The only thing that we did differently this year, than in the past two, was have Charlie take him home for two weeks before the Congress. In the past, Charlie just hopped on him at the shows and ran. In the last month, Charlie has made 8 pole runs on him, and only knocked once. So, they were on a roll! It is always amazing to watch them run.
What do the next few months hold for Kirby? Will he have the winter off, or will he be run more?
Kirby is now on vacation. I don’t plan on running him again. I have several interested buyers and am probably going to sell him. I will be very particular about where he goes, and it has been a really tough decision, but it is the right one. He is a once in a lifetime horse, and those are hard to let go of.
What bit does Kirby run in and why?
Kirby runs in a lifter bit, with a simple snaffle mouth and a loose curb chain. He runs harder in a Bobby Stivers hack, but he also catches a few more poles with it. So we went to the lifter bit this year for a little more safety. He is actually really well broke and light mouthed.
What supplements does Kirby get, and what feed and hay do you feed?
Kirby is fed ADM SeniorGlo. It is a low starch feed. I believe in feeding very little grain, and lots of hay. I feed second-cut, mixed hay. Each horse gets nearly a bale a day, but only about 1-2 lbs of grain. The only supplement that Kirby gets is MSM. He is also on Adequan. I do the full loading dose with each horse and then they get a dose sometimes every other week, depending on how much they are competing.
Has Kirby ever had any major injuries?
Kirby has not had any injuries or lameness issues since I have owned him, other than one cut that required stitches. He is really tough and really sound.
Does he need any regular chiropractics or vetting?
Kirby has never had the chiropractor and has had minimal hock maintance.  His left hock is fused, so we only have one to deal with!  He is really a tough horse and does not let you know if he is sore ~ you have to be really aware of him and how he goes to be sure he is not hurting.
What makes Kirby the champion he is?
Kirby is a champion at heart. He is easy because he travels well and nothing bothers him.   He is mischeiveous, difficult, funny, playful, annoying, and most of all, too smart!  He will challenge you on anything, but once you earn his heart, he will do anything for you.  He love treats and loves to play.  He enjoys people and loves attention. He has more personality than any horse I have ever owned.  He also bites!  He is just too smart for his own good.  Like Charlie says at the end of his AQHA interview, “He is just a good horse….he’s just one of those good horses.” That really says it all!

Kaci Riggs: Charlie 1 Horse Hat Designer

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…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! 

On the Road with Dawn and Clea (Part 2)

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Champion Anne Johnson and Show Me Some Glory

Well now for The Best of the Best

I could type til heck wouldn’t have it but I am going to give you the run down on the show and we want to tell everyone THANK YOU THANK YOU from the people who bought T-shirts to the people who sponsored a class, we could not have done it with out you!

If you were not there here is how it rolled: We arrived early on Friday as we wanted to get all the auction items set up and ready for what we were hoping to be a nice-size crowd. We knew the stalls were sold out so it was a sign that the crowd was going to be a half decent size. WOW we had no idea…

Chelsea Toy was getting in to the airport at 1:30 and we had to get her picked up and back to the ranch so she could meet The Best of the Best Riders and help with the auction. We pulled into the one-horse airport and as Chels walked out she looked like a walking fashion cowgirl diva! She can rock the hip western look FOR SURE. (Editor’s note: I’m shaking my head at you two, who also looked fabulous.) 

Meantime back at the ranch! We wait for the NBHA 07 Friday Night Show to be over – and it was a long night – but Marley and her family hung right in there.

Well it is after 11 p.m. and we are ready to start – Oh did we tell you that earlier in the day Channel 13 from Toledo came out and interviewed us for a small piece on the nightly news? Then at midnight the SUPER REPORTER who worked 19 hours came back out to film the riders and get more intel for the morning show! It was awesome. We owe Barbie Jimison for emailing and calling the station about the event! U ROCK BARB! We love you for that and love you for the fabulous person you are!

So we gather every one in the back of a borrowed Dodge truck because there were so many vehicles on the grounds that everyone was blocked in. At one point Clea took this picture from the top of our trailer which did not even show a smidgen of the people there. They were parked out on County Road B just to come watch The Best of the Best!

So with the Rickly Family in hand and Chase Marshall driving, we enter the arena to the announcing of Ellen McKee. The music is playing and she is introducing Marley THEN… you guessed it things were going way too good. We had issues with the announcing system. As Clea and I look at each other like ARE YOU KIDDING ME!? We just roll with it. Hollie Horn – A very special friend – read a heart-warming writing that she wrote from Marley’s view. Of course I cried – that is what I do – and yes you guessed it Clea did too! Thank you Hollie your words will be with us forever. We love you!

We start the calcutta and things roll right on. We are now ready for the race to begin. Marley gets a few photo ops and then hits the hay! THANK YOU MARLEY and the entire family for staying up for the race to begin.

As the Best of the Best race starts we are anxiously awaiting the 1st horse to cross the timer line, but first we must give our attention to Eddie Gibson. He got the race started with singing our national Anthem and a moment of prayer for a safe trip for each participant. He did an awesome job and we were so blessed to have him with us! THANK YOU EDDIE

And the race begins!

Haley Patterson running her horse Val is the first to enter the pen Poker Face by Lady GaGa playing in the back ground Haley lays down a 16.213 – A great start to the race. Next to enter the arena is our rodeo gal Ashley Hopkinson with a fitting song Country Girl with a deep first barrel she clocks a 16.864, Nice Job Ashley! Next to run before the drag is Taylor Schnitkey running to the song Stockyards. Taylor lays down a respectable 16.621 These ladies set the pace for the next drag

Next in on the top of the drag is Regan Henning who chose the song Dynamite to blaze up the shoot to and that she did. She showed that her 2010 Congress win and many other races on her horse Story Tellen Flower is why she was in the Best of the Best. She puts the winning time at this point of 16.101 on the board. Next in to try to take the lead is Abi Ringer jamming to Eye of the Tiger she has a little difficulty and clocks a 17.229 but always nice to see Abi roll into the arena to do her best. Last in the drag is Rhonda Dowell on her horse Levi. Rhonda made us proud with a clean 16.763 Rocking to Bruce Springsteen’s Glory Days. These are all of our glory days! Any day here is a Glory Day!

6 horses down and 18 to go! The mood in the back is great. The young riders are so pleased to be with the veteran riders and most said after the race – they were just happy to be invited and be able to run with the best in ohio! Made our day!

Drag 3 in rolls Justin Theado and his smoking Paint horse An Angels Treasure. He came in like a fighter plane running to Top Guns theme song. This team posted a smoother than Tom Cruise run of 16.334. WAY TO GO JUSTIN. Next in would be Natalie Davidson on Jeter Bug and although she is sweet enough she came in with Pour some sugar on Me playing in the back ground for about 16.353 seconds. Mikayla Conklin would be next in with “I like it” from Madagascar and although the song was rocking unfortunately so was one of Mikayla’s barrels. She gave it a great effort and showed she belonged right there with the rest of the Best!

Drag Time number 4 – Reagan still leads it with Haley 2nd.

Enter Crystal Haskins who had to substitute her horse Dixie because of injury issues for a young horse her and her husband Josh have trained. She rolled in to Rock & Roll all nite and put a talented 17.186 on the board. So proud of you being there Crystal. In next is one of the youth that will be sure one to watch over the years to come Hannah Shirey on Pierre her song Bad to the Bone fits her to a T. Hannah clocks a 16.460 with a deep barrel. Way to go banana! Next enter the ever talented Penny Baker with a little CCR Down on the Corner playing. Penny and Matrix scream up the shoot with the crowd cheering and lay down a time of 16.280. Time for our favorite tractor driver Tom Theado.

Lisa Bowser and ACDC’s Thunderstruck is the next to run. Her great horse Chaney carried Lisa to a 16.708. Next in would be Macie Davidson running to Lady Gaga’a On the Edge of Glory. This little gal and her horse Tuff are on the edge and tough. Macie ran a 16.020 but unfortunately with a barrel down it became a NT. Macie you and your partner are going to be a team to be reckoned with. Tausha Schneider and Ted were jammin to “I Like Big Butts” (I know you all are singing this right now!) as she blazed through the timers with the same luck as Macie she would have a NT. Both of these gals from down Salem way were still a joy to watch.

Drag Time- Reagan is still sitting in on top the leader board.

Cheyenne Niekamp which is Lisa Bowser’s daughter was thrilled to be running in the company of the other riders and did an outstanding job on her horse MP Sugar Baby posting a 16.466. Well now we have Anne Johnson, all 96 pounds of her, running to Smooth Criminal, and she would prove to be at this point the best. On a run that almost wasn’t due to a mailing issue Annie and Show Me Some Glory was shown the money after posting her 16.022. This would move her into the lead. Morgan Henning would be next to run on Perky and running to Welcome to the Jungle (which seems fitting now as they do live by Zanesville) but the barrels would prove to be a little tipsy and Morgan would leave the arena with a NT

Drag time Now we know that Anne is sitting first and Reagen second.

Katie McGrain – a local to this arena – comes in the arena to Katie Wants a Fast One and a fast one she would have running a 16.372 would get her in the top 10! Next in is a favorite of ours Brad Shirey running to Mr Good Time and the song fits. He and Schrek would post a NT for the race but would still prove to have a great time for the weekend. Sarah Boucher and Happy would be next in and unfortunately would have the same issue as Mr Good Time a downed barrel marking a NT. Both of these Besties had a little bad luck in this race but are still on our list as the best!

Last Drag Right now it sits Anne, Reagan, Haley

Some always say that you leave the best for last… WE like to think that all the riders in the race are the best. We will tell you that the next 3 riders are the best in one sense or another.

As Ellen announces Kelly Bowser the tune Wild Thing starts to play! If you have ever cheered for Kelly while riding you will see him talk to you and cheer back as he rounds any barrel. Kelly and Snoopy would have the same fate as Brad and Sarah but would leave the arena with a smile. Next would be the million dollar man Troy Crumrine running to I wanna be a Rockstar – HE IS!! Him and Hoosier would following the past 3 riders footsteps to receive a NT! Last in would be a crowd favorite and a local to the area and arena. Barbara Jimison had the tune Girls Just Wanna Have Fun playing as her and her horse Miss Secret Memories (CC) would come in the arena in style as this team always does and they would post a time good enough to take 3rd in the race overall!

THE RACE IS OVER! The night was long but the outcome was to say the least unforgettable!

Annie wins it all and not far behind is Regan Henning, Barbie Jimison, Haley Patterson, Penny Baker and Justin Theado (Kudos to Justin he was the only male rider that left them all standing and finished 6th! Rock on Justin. For his win, he earned THREE shirts from Panhandle Slim!)

Everyone got in for the group photo and prizes were handed out. After the group photo everyone scattered as it was late and I assume everyone wanted to get to bed – well some of you – we still had some salsa from JPT Salsa Company to hand out. Well let me tell you this was a prize that everyone would want so the next day we tracked every rider down and they got their salsa! Thanks Jodi and Peyton!

The Calcutta paid off greatly for a few! For those of you who have never been involved in a calcutta at a barrel race here is how it works.

A horse and rider team steps up to the auction block and the auctioneer starts to place bids on the horse and rider. Whomever buys the horse stands to win a fist full of money of their horse/rider team comes in 1st 2nd or whatever places they are paying in the calcutta payout.

Mari Guido hit the jackpot with buying Anne Johnson for $120.00 and won over $900.00 Dave T spent a couple hundred and won twice that and Mr. Loder took a chance on a Best of the Best team and came out ahead by $250.00.

As you can see if you have never participated in a calcutta auction you might want to in the future. May just put a little cashola in your pocket!

Daryl Karnes was our auctioneer and we were so happy to have him be part of the event. THANK YOU DARYL

Our total amount that we collected on behalf of Team Marley was $2,877.50 which we thought was pretty darn good for something that was put together in 40 days. It was not the ark but it was touched by the hand of the Good Lord, just like everything is! We want to thank everyone for their support in this race, and we are already looking forward to a bigger and better show for next year. We know we will be doing a 4 or 5D and some additional races as well as The Best of the Best! Might be only Ohio might be Ohio plus another State! Stay tuned for with The Barrel Racing Blog for all the details!

Well Chels – that is it for the Best of the Best Blog! There was a million things we could have listed, said or told you about but we must get this one in and the one for congress started! We feel like we are back on track and not chasing our tails!

Have a great week and we miss you dearly!

Until next time – remember “don’t forget to have your pet spayed or neutered.”

Dawn and Clea

On the Road with Dawn and Clea

Have a great day…… Dawn

On the Road with Dawn and Clea (Catch Up!)

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The ladies have much to catch up on after a few months off (“off” sounds like they’ve been slacking, but that’s not the case). Check back throughout the week to get the full story, and for now, here’s part one!

‘Bout damn time huh!?

Seems like forever since we’ve been writing on the blog between getting ready for The Best of the Best and all the stuff after The Best of the Best that we finally finished the following.

We were at Vail Meadows in September as it was Stacy Hartman show, and because she allowed us to piggyback The Best the Best on her show Sept. 30, we definitely wanted to support her other shows. We sold Kisses and Clet’s puppies at Vail Meadows. I cried like a baby! But they all have great homes and we are happy about that!

The next weekend found us at the Hollow in Wooster, Ohio, at the “Wayne County Saddle Club.” Christine Scott and her sidekick Bob put on a great show; if you haven’t been to Wooster for a while by next year the ground should be awesome. They’ve done a lot of work to the ground and put countless hours in to the club grounds. It’s definitely worth going if you like a big outdoor pen. For those of you who used to run at Wooster and run the wee hours of the morning, I think that’s a possibility to have “that-days-gone-by  show” there again. It brought out a lot of different people, and they Calcutta’d which was something you don’t see to often.

Chase Marshall graced us with his presence. During his run going to the first barrel, we were screaming “All the way, all the way!” Sure enough he went all the way to the fence, and he came out laughing. We said, “Have you been schooling your horse to get past the first?” With a chuckle, he said, “Yes…” We say, “You are the first man who ever listened to us!”

Chris and Bob did a great job at the show and had a nice turn out. With all the hard work it should be a great place to show and bring back all the cowboys and cowgirls who used to run there. Keep an eye out for shows there in 2012.

The following day after Wooster we went to Simmons Equestrian Center. It was nice to see some old faces and visit a little with people we don’t see that often. We sold Homer so we delivered him to Lora White. Clea hated that horse LOL Melissa Kelly was there too I loved seeing her. She was asking about The Best of the Best and how that was going. Mari Guido was selling some of our T-shirts to help with The Best of the Best which we thank you so much Mari. It was a really good weekend. No to much traveling and home each night! Sometimes those weekends are great ones.

Next would be The Best of the Best weekend. Oh wait we went to Oklahoma for a weekend. We were headed to Jud Little’s for his barrel bash but with The Best of the Best weekend after being in Oklahoma we decided to leave the horses at home, bypass the Barrel Bash and just head to Oklahoma to pic up our new little gal “Classic High Hope.” We visited with a couple friends, got to see the quarter horse races and then headed on home. It was a good trip and honestly we now say, “Oh hell we can just run down to Oklahoma and pick that horse up!” LOL

Check back tomorrow for more on The Best of the Best! 

 

Pete Oen Talks About His Stand-Out Congress

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Pete and All Fame No Bull

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.