Ariat Giveaway from The Barrel Racing Blog and Head West Outfitters

Posted on May 21, 2012 by toy9207

Today starts The Barrel Racing Blog’s new partnership with Head West Outfitters, and to celebrate we’re kicking it off with an Ariat Rodeobaby Rocker boot giveaway!

Each month, we’ll be featuring more goodies from Head West Outfitters. So to get y’all acquainted with them, we want to give you something special : ) These Ariat boots are MEGA comfy in and out of the stirrup, and they’ve been hugely popular. Click on the picture of the boots to get rolling!

And while you’re at headwestoutfitters.com, check out their whole selection of boots, shirts, jeans and much more. They even carry my FAV Charlie 1 Horse Hats (Try the Plume Crazy for summer. Trust me on this!) and of course Stetson goodies, too.

So, get to entering, and we’ll announce a winner June 1!

Win Justin Bent Rail Boots from Langston’s Western Wear

Posted on April 9, 2012 by toy9207

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Justin Bent Rail Women's 13" Boots - White/Black

Who doesn’t want a free pair of Justin Bent Rail Boots from Langston’s Western Wear? If you don’t, I’m pretty sure we aren’t friends and you probably aren’t reading this post anyways. So, read on to find out how you can win them : )

A few months ago, Langston’s Western Wear sent me over this pair of Justin Bent Rail Boots to try out. After wearing them through Colorado’s winter and spring mud season, I’ve got to report that these boots held up to everything I threw at them, both in the saddle and in the office. I wear my boots from the office to the barn every day, and I need a pair of kicks that can polish up like new after every ride. These boots still look good as new, but they’ve broken in to be super comfortable riding boots, too.

I even wore them to Frozen Dead Guy Days with a rockin’ Charlie 1 Horse fedora and got tons of compliments on them…even in a not-so-cowboy kinda crowd. (Enjoy the video clip… though it has nothing to do with boots and everything to do with coffin races.)

So anyways, I loved the boots. And so did everyone who saw me in them, because they are just a sharp looking boot that really rides well, something Justin Boots has built a reputation on.

And to keep things rolling right along, you can win a pair of Women’s Justin Bent Rail Boots or Men’s Justin Bent Rail Boots straight from Langston’s Western Wear right here only on The Barrel Racing Blog!

Here’s how you win. In the comment section on this very post you need to tell us the dates for this year’s Best of the Best in Ohio Barrel Race and September Showdown in Swanton, Ohio. After you post the dates, tell us one reason you’re looking forward to making it to that show! (And if you can’t come, you better tell us a darn-good excuse.)

So, you can win a pair of Women’s Justin Bent Rail Boots or Men’s Justin Bent Rail Boots from Langston’s Western Wear simply by following these very simple instructions! We’ll randomly select one winner on Wednesday at 3 p.m. MST, so get to commenting if you want a pair of rockin’ boots!

…But one more thing. Even if you don’t win, we want to hook you up anyways. Head over to Langston’s Western Wear and use coupon code goround to save 15% on any order over $50, just for being a loyal reader of The Barrel Racing Blog. You’ve got to use that by April 11, so get shopping.

Check-in With Charlie Cole and Moss Me Moe

Posted on March 19, 2012 by toy9207

Charlie Cole has trained well over 50 AQHA world champions, and has ridden such Western Pleasure and Western Riding greats such as Harley D Zip and Vital Signs Are Good. But he’s trained and owned some top barrel horses, too, like Rockette Ta Fame, who recently claimed an AQHA world title of her own with PJ Burger aboard.

So when news got around that Cole was buying Moss Me Moe from Ohio’s Cody Powell after Cody and Moe’s 2011 breakout Congress, everyone was excited to see what Moe’s life would be like in Pilot Point, Texas, with one of the greatest trainers of our generation. We caught up with Cole last week to find out what the two have been up to, and we weren’t disappointed.

What was it about Moe that interested you in the first place?

Actually I’d never heard of Moe until just after Congress. At Congress I saw Kelly Riley, I had bought Brannon Riley’s great pole mare Miss N Fantasy from him a few years ago. I saw Kelly and mentioned I was looking for a new horse. Almost every nice barrel and pole horse I’ve had I bought outta Ohio, Kentucky, Indiana and Illinois. So right after Congress Kelly called and told me about Moe. I then called Cody Powell who wasn’t really that interested in selling Moe.

How does his style fit your own?

Moe’s style is so fun and easy. He can be a challenge getting in the arena but he’s not dangerous he just wants to go!

Will Moe be rodeoing much in 2012?

Moe ran at his first ProRodeo at the San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo in February. He made a good run with PJ Burger riding and was 1 out of a check. He may go to a few more rodeos but I bought him for me to run and I already have Rockette Ta Fame on the rodeo circuit with PJ.

What are your goals for Moe this year and beyond?

My goal this is is to run Moe at the AQHA shows and some 4D’s and then the Congress and World Show.

How does Moe fit in at High Point with all of your awesome pleasure horses/hunters and mares and studs? Do you have many geldings, and is showing a gelding refreshing?

Moe fits right in at High Point, he’s a great horse. I prefer geldings for show horses and speed horses but I ride several really nice mares and stallions.

You’re a trainer by nature…have you had to do any tuning on Moe to get him used to your style, or do you just let him work?

Moe is a finished barrel and pole horse, so the only real training I’ve done is that when I got him he would only take his left lead when warming up, so I asked Cody how to pick up his right lead and he said, “I don’t worry about leads.” I got a laugh outta that and being a horse trainer leads are important, so the first few weeks of riding I worked on teaching Moe to pick up his correct leads. He’s good now.

What’s Moe’s life like when he’s not competing?

When Moes home I ride him to keep him fit and he goes on our horse treadmill 3-4 days a week. It keeps him fit and conditioned.

Tell us about the best run you and Moe have made so far.

I’d have to say my best run so far was winning the enior poles at Houston and being second in senior barrels at Houston outta 60 head. It was a very tough barrel race with several NFR girls and top horse, Moe ran hard and I almost tipped the second barrel but grabbed it, it was a wild but fun run.

Would you rather run barrels or poles on Moe?

I’ve always preferred barrels over poles but Moe does make running poles fun.

Do any of your students ever get tempted to try barrel racing?

I have one student who has started barrel racing but I don’t claim to be a barrel horse trainer , it’s what I do for fun and I own 5 riding age barrel horses and do it for my own enjoyment.

On the Road with Dawn and Clea: Musical Edition

Posted on January 24, 2012 by toy9207

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 hope you enjoy this story and the voice of Courtney Stewart.

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

Kaci Riggs: Charlie 1 Horse Hat Designer

Posted on November 15, 2011 by toy9207

…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 (Catch Up!)

Posted on November 7, 2011 by toy9207

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!

Schedule for the Best of the Best in Ohio Barrel Race

Posted on September 26, 2011 by toy9207

And here’s the full schedule and details on the calcutta and awards!

Meet the Best of the Best in Ohio: Ashley Hopkinson

Posted on September 13, 2011 by toy9207

Ashley and Zan

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

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

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

What is the biggest race this horse has won?

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

What is your biggest win as a barrel racer?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Meet the Best of the Best in Ohio

Posted on September 8, 2011 by toy9207

Over the next two weeks, we’ll be introducing you to the Best of the Best in Ohio Charity Barrel Race competitors. They’ll tell us about the horses they’ll be running as well as their own background as a competitor. There are some in this race you might know, and others you’ll be meeting on The Barrel Racing Blog for the very first time!

Stay tuned for the start of this series next week! We’ll be posting two interviews each day so you can meet everyone before the slot race on September 30.

Front of shirt

And now you can really be a part of the race – buy a t-shirt from Dawn Shirey for $15, with all $15 going to United Cerebral Palsy in honor of Miss Marley Rickly, who you met Tuesday on The Barrel Racing Blog! Check out these photos of the shirt, and then email Dawn and Clea at g4horseranch@gmail.com to order your shirt. Remember, all money goes to UCP.

T-shirt Bonus: If you’re seen at a show with one of these shirts on, you could win a $50 gas card courtesy of On the Road with Dawn and Clea!

Back of shirt

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