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!

Barbara Jimison and Miss Secret Memories

The kick-A team of Barbara Jimison and Miss Secret Memories (a.k.a. CC) has been on FIRE lately, and we haven’t gotten to brag on them nearly enough.

This duo made their first run back after a layoff at The Best of the Best in Ohio Slot Race last September to turn in a reserve finish, and then went on to win the Open the next two days of the race. All winter and spring this duo has been HOT HOT HOT wherever they go, and I’m pretty sure I want them to make Colorado their next stop!

Check out the write up on Barrel Horse News’ site!

Betty Big Rigger has her foot to the floor to try to make up some time, and I am on the iPad searching the web. We get through Columbus and we always get a little confused headed to Henderson at 2 different areas on which way to go. Good Lord Betty hates that drive. All the stop and starting down 23. I don’t mind it as much as she does but it is a little tedious. Soooo to make it a little more interesting I decided I had to go to the bathroom and could not wait. (Genius idea for me to drink a huge thing of water while on the road.) So instead of stopping we decide there are enough lights along the way that I will jump out at one of the lights, run to the back and pee, then at the next light I will jump out of the trailer and back in truck.  OK soooo I get back there ok, and as I go to step out to get back to the truck–you guessed it–Green Light and there are no more lights. So of course Betty has to pull into the Marathon so I can get back in the truck.  For the record it would have worked with one more light.

There were a few people there for exhibition Friday night and stay overs for Saturday but most of the people came Saturday for the added money.

Joel Henning (you remember Joel from his fall down the stairs) brought the kids down for the exhibition only on the young horses as they were giving the open horses time off to get ready for the trip to Josey Junior World. Joel decided after exhibition he would come over to the trailer to visit a bit and have a couple brewskies and some of our special juice that is only at The Bloomer Bar. Well about an hour went by and he was still at Hotel Bloomer, and we ask, “Where’s Bobbie and the girls?” “Oh they are in the truck waiting for me.” We laugh and say, “They are going to kill you.” Just then Jessie and Kelly stop by to say hello, figuring we would be in bed. It was after 10:30 you know. They were not there for 10 minutes when knock knock – John Hanning rolls in to visit for a spell. That guy cracks us up. We just love him. About 20 more minutes go by and the door opens and Bobbie Henning says, “There you are!” She comes in and we visit and of course Bobbie gets the video out to show Jessie and Kelly. Oh we laugh laugh laugh. About 35 minutes later Regan comes in, “LETS GO GUYS!” Joel is now 4 sheets in the wind, Bobbie will be driving home and the kids will be sleeping like Joel before they get out of Henderson’s driveway.

Clea and I give Bobbie the “Wife of the Year Award.” Joel you are one lucky guy!

The Shireys were there with their trailer full of smoking horses and the most important one “Stevie the Pony” for Nina. We got Ninnner a little pair of pink cowgirl boots and delivered those to her. They looked so cute. Always nice to see the Shirey gang.

Saturday morning would bring a nice day but rain was in the near future. We got up early took care of the kids and relaxed watching a couple of movies while exhibition was going on. Ahhhhh those relaxing mornings at the shows, gotta love them.

Later we would venture up to sign up and visit with a few people. Doc Gruery was there with the grandkids and his lovely wife Bonnie. The devoted grandparents and barrel racers they are, Bonnie left early Saturday morning to go get Reagan from her ball game so she could run at the show. A 4 hour trip and well worth it the little gal did not disappoint she had some smoking runs.

John Hanning was lucky Doc was around for him this weekend. It would appear that John’s recent accident would leave him in need of pain medication – which John had- Had being the operative word here. It appears Johns medication (Vikes) dropped out of his pocket sometime Friday night and Doc found it.  John thinking that someone took it he immediately went to Kelly Meeks- for assistance in finding it of course, John so glad Doc was there for you.

Justin Theado was there and as soon as we made eye contact with him he said, “Well did you hear?” Not “Hello girls.” Not “Hi how are you?” We were like – “Hear what?” Well the Theados are leaving 4T Arena and moving to a new home in Mt. Sterling (I think). We are happy for them and sad for all the barrel racers that will have one less place to barrel race this summer. Thank you Theados for your time and all the effort you always put into the ranch for us to have a place to race. Just one more reason Clea and I think we need to have an arena at our place. – Build it and they will come – ummmmmmm. Justin could be seen throughout the barrel racing saying the same to all, “Well did you hear?” It was nice to see you too Justin. ; )

We ran into Barb the Tack Lady from Henderson we just wanted to give a shout out to her. She is one of the nicest people and always willing to help. Thanks Barb for your help over the weekend and we hope to see you soon.

Eddie Gibson was there with his grandson who placed at the show this weekend. Way to go buddy–make your granddad proud! As Clea and I sat in the bleachers watching Eddie enter the arena we both thought, “Did he get a new horse or is that Dan?” We saw no evidence of the plastic bat, the horse was walking in the arena, sure enough we thought he did. About 30 minutes later we see Eddie again in while the tractor is dragging and he is warming up his horse and with each circle the horse gets faster and faster and in our heads we hear Sawyer Brown’s song www.youtube.com/watch?v=EqzTFa9aLRY  The Race is On – just as we are watching and giggling Eddie runs that horse run to the fence and with an abrupt stop Eddie can now be seen on the wrong side of the saddle horn. He gets right back in the saddle heads to the chute and clearly he still has Dan as he clears the shoot on both side then heads up the shoot for 1 right turn, 2 lefts and a hurry home. Always entertaining that Eddie! We look forward to his church services this season.

The Review

The Arena was as always a great place for a show – this particular show was the 15^th anniversary of the spring show at Henderson. The show committee did a great job. Double C Ranch and The Counts did a great job. The announcers and office staff were on top of their game. The show ran very smoothly.

The Ground was just right. There were no slips/falls and that is the main thing about ground in our opinion.  Ground will not always please everyone or suit everyone’s horse but as long as it is safe then we think it is good ground.

The Food – well this is Henderson’s people it is always great. It is not fast food – meaning you are not going to get it fast, but it is good food.

The Riders – Oh and were there riders! This weekend introduced us to Summer Schaffer. She is about 70 pounds soaking wet – she rides like a young Martha Josey and wins like a champ! Summer took first, second and third in the youth this weekend. And would show she could ride with the best of them in the Open. Summer Schaffer bought her horse High On A Stone from Tallmadge Green 1 year ago out of the great state of Mississippi. She is from Ironton, Ohio, and we are sure we will be seeing more of this name in the future.

Peyton Theado was a smoking little rider this weekend as well as her brother Justin. Peyton would be all smiles at one point in the weekend as she ended up 12^th over all – all though she did not draw a check she was in the top 15 of the entire class. Look out Summer.

The open would prove to be the class to watch. With $800 bucks added to the class and over 180 horses entered it would be a true race to the finish. The leader board first lit up with Justin “Well did you hear?” Theado, then that would change with Brad Shirey and his horse Mission – they would hold the board for awhile but not long enough before Jhonda Cox would roll though the pattern with poise and style bigger than a supermodel. Jhonda would hold the lead until the 3^rd to the last drag then enter Summer Schaffer- you remember Summer she was 1^st, 2^nd and 3^rd in the youth. Well she would change the leader board one more time and she would change it enough so that you could hear an arena full of sighs as the hope for a 2- 3- or 4D check just went out the window. The girl went in there on fire and came out in a blaze of glory.

Clea and I are in the warm up pen as she still has our 4 year old to run so we talk a bit to Summer as she walks her horse off and collects her thoughts about sitting 1^st on the leader board with only a few head to run. We tell her about The Best of the Best and let her know we hope to see here there. As the last drag is announced and the riders are getting in the shoot area Summer and her horse High On A Stone go to the rail to see if she will hold the lead with her 15.670. Clea and I are right there waiting as our Stud Muffin Brad Shirey is one of the riders in the last drag. As a matter of fact he is the last rider in the drag. – Did they save the Best for Last? Brad and Shrek would be the last team of the day. Right now this team is on fire no matter where they go. As he is on deck you can see Shrek getting his game face on. Brad would sit tall in his saddle with his long legs almost touching the ground as he holds Shrek back with enough pressure to tell him, “We are almost ready to go big guy,” then with a right turn up the chute they go as fast as they run in they run around the can Shrek gets by the barrel by ¾ horse length – Clea and I both let out a little sigh and say maybe not today then as if someone shot Shrek with a lightning bolt his speed went from 97 to 127 to the second barrel and then to the 3^rd and as he turns the 3^rd and bows out (that is how Shrek rolls), he is headed for home and with the crack of the whip Shrek digs in stretching his front feet further and faster than before. They would cross the timer line with a time good enough for a champion. They did indeed save the best for last. Congrats Brad and Shrek!

All in all it was a great weekend. We decided to stay as the show was not over til late and it was dark and rainy – although Betty and I can in deed drive that rig wherever and whenever if we HAD to, but it is nice to have a choice to stay the night and drive in the daylight. We must say thank you to The Shireys for having a gas tank of fuel with them as we originally thought we would have enough in the generator for the weekend and we would be going home Saturday night but that was not the case. We asked Brad, “Hey do you have a gas can we can borrow to go get gas?” He said, “I have one but it has gas in it.” He finishes up with “Who’s your man?!” Clea says, “You are the man Bradley!” Thank you thank you!

On the way home I ended up with a dose of vertigo and just sick from of all things my tooth. Yes that damn tooth reared its ugly head again! I was down for a couple of days with it and it was a rough ride home. Oh and remember how I got out at the light on the way down? Well on the way home I was on the phone talking and all of a sudden I got a rush of sickness over me and we are in downtown Columbus in rolling traffic and I say, “Pull over.” Clea says, “What?” I say, “Pull over I am getting sick!” Clea says, “Now?” I say, “Yes!!!” So she whips it off an exit I am sick as a dog and she comes back to check on me I say, “You might as well keep driving for awhile.” She did and at the next rest stop about 20 miles up the road I am still sick as a dog but get up front – she gets me home and after a vertigo pill 6 hours of dead sleep I finally was alive again. Of course then my tooth got dry socket! Holy Hell it was a rough week. Clea is a trooper though she took right care of me and we are back to the norm.

The norm being that we are getting ready for The Best of the Best. If you have never been to the WB Ranch for a race you won’t want to miss The Best of the Best! Saddles, Buckles, Jackets prizes and fun for all.  This is all for a great cause. Team Marley and UCP! And this year we will be helping The March of Dimes as well. Not sure if you will like the arena – the ground – the food??? We think you will. You can do a trial run in June. WB Ranch is putting on a 3 day show with over $3000 added. See attached show bill!

Poles and Barrels. Remember The Best of the Best will have $1000 added Poles and $3000 Open Barrels and $1500 to The Best of the Best!

Are you on the fence about going coming to the 2^nd Annual Best of the Best Charity Barrel Race? What would be the deciding factor for you to make the trip to WB Ranch? We want to know… we want you there we want to raise twice as much as we did last year for Team Marley and the March of Dimes.

If we get 240 individual comments on the question above for this post (it can be a smiley face that is a comment – no middle fingers please) by the 21st of May we will have an On the Road with Dawn and Clea “OW OW High Roller Beotches Watch!” as a give- a- way at the WB Ranch Super Show June 15-17^th.  You can sign up at the show and win the Bling Bling! Drawing will be Sunday Morning at the start of the show- details will be by the entry booth! Watch for signs! For those of you who don’t know what this watch is – here ya go!

It’s got the name from the one and only original Skinny B%^#h.  Natalie Davidson!

The watch

Why 240! That is our magic number that we want in the open at The Best of the Best!! It is a challenge from a fellow barrel racer!

240 is our magic number for the Open $3000 (at press time) added barrel race!!  We are hoping to add more money and prizes as the show draws closer! We will keep you posted.

We hope you have all had a great month of May so far and this post finds you healthy happy and wise.

Until the next time – be kind to one another!

Dawn & Clea

The Cowboy Academy is hosting a clinic with 4-time world champ Kristie Peterson and other top rodeo stars. This timed-event camp offers everything from first-class rodeo instruction to Christian leadership. It’s a great weekend of skill building in tie-down roping, breakaway roping, barrel racing, team roping and goat tying. Check out the website and this flyer for more info!

World Show Junior Barrels 

This video makes the list because it’s got some of the hottest barrel racing talents all in one clip. Check out the best up-and-coming young horses ridden by Lance Graves, Pete Oen and Kelly Yates. At the six-minute mark you can see Kelly’s smoking run on Fiesta Del Rey, the run that won her and “Wizard” the World Title.

Lance Graves and Seis So Sweet Congress Sweepstakes

After an unprecedented run off, this pair would become the Congress Sweepstakes champs.

Pete Oen and All Fame No Bull in the Congress Sweepstakes Finals

Oen and All Fame No Bull ran the fastest time of the Sweeps Finals and all the barrel racing at the Congress this year. They stopped by TBRB after their smokin’ week to answer our questions, so check them out here.

Carlee Pierce and Rare Dillion Setting the Thomas & Mack Arena Record

Eek. I have to say, I was here to see this in person, and I was lucky enough to get to spend some time in the press room with Carlee after she made it. Talk about flying high. This girl is as sweet as can be and deserves all the good that comes to her. People who buy great horses always get some crap, but it takes true talent to be able to get with a horse of Dillon’s caliber, and great determination to be able to keep him healthy and running this consistently in all kinds of pens. She’s sitting second in the WPRA world standings after a smokin’ winter.

Lindsay Sears Round 7 NFR Win

When Lindsay went into Round 7, it wasn’t quite decided yet that she’d be the champion of the world. Even after this smokin’ 13.56-second run, it wasn’t official. Sherry Cervi and Brittany Pozzi still had a shot. But as Lindsay ran home on Martha that night, I turned to my friends in the press room and said, “Nobody is going to catch her.” Martha was so on, so honest, so great. Lindsay rode her so well, the two seemed like the most perfect match in barrel racing history. And after her run, as always, Lindsay gave all the glory to the great mare, Sugar Moon Express. I’ve put the run and the interviews after on here, because they both need to be seen.

And Last but NOT Least…Anne Johnson Winning the Best of the Best in Ohio

Of course I’m not going to forget Anne Johnson smokin’ through the pattern to the biggest win of her career, topping some of the country’s best horses at The Best of the Best in Ohio Slot Race!

So here we are on a Tuesday Night  I am getting ready to do some office work, Clea is cleaning up dinner dishes from our delicious dinner and we are chatting about the day, enjoying the evening.

Clea’s phone dings in with a text. It’s one of our favorite people, Joel Henning.  He sends us a message that says, “I sent my entries for Gifford to u today to send with yours and oh I fell down the steps this morning, of course no one checked on me but it was on FB before I was home from work.”

So we both pull up Facebook and sure enough there it is.   \His daughters and wife wasted no time pulling up the video from their home surveillance and putting it up for all to see. Of course before we hit the play button we say “ Poor Joel.” Then once we see he did  not lay in a heap we have not stopped laughing.  It is like a bad car wreck you can not help but watch it over and over again. Each time we either laugh harder or we see some little detail in the video that we didn’t see before.

Our first time – OMG OMG OMG giggle giggle He looks bald at first glance. blahahahahaha

Our 2^nd time – blahahahahahahahaha

Our 3^rd time – man good thing he grabbed the rail

Our 4^th thru 10^th – blahahahahahahahahah

Our 11^th time- just like a true barrel racer he never looked back

Our 12^th time- blahahahahahahahahahahahah

Our 13^th time- Morgan sounds so evil.

Our 14^th time- blahahahahahahahahaha

Joel now you know we love you and we only share this with all to see so you can lift someone else‘s spirits because you sure lifted ours.

Until next time – Be kind to everyone – Ok so maybe that is not a good sign off line for this particular write up…But it is a grand idea for all to be kind.

Clea & Dawn

On the Road with Dawn & Clea

Anyways, I want to let you know about a great barrel race for a really great cause. The folks at Blue Lakes Arena in Newbury, Ohio, are hosting a $350 NBHA-sanctioned show to benefit the Chardon Healing Fund. I received this note from Amy Snyder on her race:

On 2/27/12, tragedy hit NE Ohio at Chardon High School as you know NBHA is made up of districts, Geauga County is the heart of my district where Chardon is located.  This shooting has affected a lot of my members, especially my youth members, and they came together and wanted to take our first show and turn it into a fundraiser. 

We will be having Krystal Dyer singing Amazing Grace at 1 p.m. before our cake walk, we are having a lot of the general public along with barrel racers supporting this event. It is open to the public. During the day we will be having a silent auction in our lobby, we have some great items already donated by Bar N LLC, Need for Bling, Cowgirls are Forever, Big Dee’s, Tommy’s Jerky,  All American Car Wash, Winking Lizard, Cortland Western Reserve COOP, True Belue Kristine Nagy and many more I don’t even know about at this time. 

Here’s the showbill:

An added note: the idea of running for $250 added in an open class with only a $20 EF boggles my little mind. Almost every $200 jackpot sanctioned here in Colorado by our main association has a $47 entree fee with a $5 office fee. Y’all are barrel racing on the CHEAP and I’m WAY jealous!

Well the week started out with a busy start as usual. Just like everyone we are no different with a million things to do before we pull out of the drive. Thursday night it is about 9 and we are both surprised to have everything in order. Usually it is about 11 and we are both saying “Screw it lets go to bed, we will get it in the morning.” But not this trip… Hopefully this is a good start to the season.

Anyone who knows us knows we are about an hour behind wherever we go but this morning we would pull out of the drive with 2 rigs, 7 horses, 3 dogs and a whole lotta “time to get away from the daily grind good times are headed our way” feelings.

Betty is in the big rig and I am in the baby rig. Someone ask us who drives what, Betty replies, “We both can and do but she’s on the phone too much on a Friday to drive it.” Oh so true I think I was on it the entire 3 hours. But I was on the way to a barrel race and not in the office so I will take that.

We are looking forward to seeing everyone that is headed to the show. We pull in, unload and get parked. We are parked across from Diane and Loren Altma and they are always such great people to see. We chatted with them off and on over the weekend and saw some nice runs from these two ladies. We look forward to seeing them over the summer.

Our boy Brad Shirey and his girls were there to run the cans, The Whitesels, Doc, Donny and the Gruery’s were there. Kelly, Danielle and a new addition Henrietta their baby lamb graced us with their presence. The Penlands, Guidos, Sarah and the Stoneman’s were all out supporting the MVP gang.

Friday night would prove to pull good numbers for the MVP show committee. Over 175 horses ran through the gates trying to collect one of 35 checks for the night. Over 200 horses on Saturday and close to 190 on Sunday.

Trevor Pruitt and Brad Shirey would sit at the top of the leader board over the entire weekend. Brad’s horses were lighting up the arena and dialed in to make it happen. Walts Rock And Roll was as always doing that. Not to be left behind before the weekend was up is Sarah Boucher, Barbie Jimison, and Jimmy Bryant. At no point was there a for sure winner and it was by far a race to the end all weekend.

Jimmy Bryant would win the show on Saturday despite his trick riding to the 3rd, a broken stirrup and oh yes did we tell you we told him to tighten his saddle before his run… we are thinking a % is due us!  Congrats Jimmy!

Natalie Davidson and her great horse “Jeter” had a “would have should have could have” moment with a smoking 15.5 but a down barrel would have her leave the arena with a no time. Her grey horse would however proved to be a money earner for the weekend. Great Job Nat!

The other Davidson kids were not far behind with great runs and good times. Macie and her sister Annie made sure they kicked some butt in all 3 races. The kids are such a great joy to watch for us. Megan Sparks is one of the ones to watch in the future; she is hoping her palomino can carry her to the Best of the Best this year. The Henning girls would have a little tough luck this weekend but Morgan would show her true talent on Sunday with a clean run on Fashion. Kyle Stoneman pulled Tucker out of the field rolled into Wilmington, Ohio, and take home some money! It took them til the 3^rd run to pull it all together but when they did to the pay window she went. Great Job Kids! Loved seeing you all

Our stand out for the weekend of the kids is Peyton Theado. We have had the pleasure of knowing Peyton for a couple years now and we see the hard work she has put into the sport. We watch her during exhibitions and all the thoughts she puts into it and finding her points on the wall for when she runs.  Making sure she knows the arena area and the situations around her. We could not be happier for her from the runs she had this weekend and the future runs we will be seeing her have. Great Job Peyton! You should be proud of yourself and the 2 horses you have turned into contenders.

The Dilbone sisters were at the race along with their mom. Mrs. Dilbone has committed some of her special mustard for auctioning purposes at the Best of the Best…. People save your money up for that. Health was there and telling us about his new organic diet. We were impressed… then we walked by the office window and much to our surprise we see Health and one of the Vansickle boys (not Aaron the other one) eating powered sugared, peanut butter chocolate covered chex mix we swear if they would have had a scoop shovel they would have used it. Heath has white powdered sugar all over his mouth, down the front of his shirt and as he looks up he has an, “Oh my God you can see me!” look on his face. Clea and I are busting a gut as he has apparently forgotten he is in front of a CLEAR glass window. He had a momentary relapses but he is back on track with his diet. Damn Pinterest recipes anyhow.

We would find ourselves sitting by the Vansickles this weekend. Although we have had the pleasure to know them in the past in passing, this weekend would prove how we thought they were is how they are.  Piper and Peyton are 2 adorable girls. Connie–well you will be hard pressed to find a nicer person to talk to and the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree with Val. However we will have to give the “Super” award to Bruce. We have never seen such a doting grandpa than him. All weekend he made sure those little gals were taken care of and not because he had to it was because he wanted too. Val is a very lucky girl to have a dad like that and now a grandpa for her babies. Thank you Vansickles for a great weekend. PS Val go get ’em with those smoking horses you have… The Best of the Best is waiting…

Brent Puhl was there with his picture magic. Although I saw a couple of my photo’s and they needed a little magic. It was and always is nice to see him at the shows. It really isn’t a show without him.

We LOVE seeing Mouse Gibson and chatting with him. I want to thank him for the nice comments after my runs on KC Jane. Clea works hard keeping the horses fit and tuned up while I am busy with SunRise and I appreciate her, even more when they work the way they do when I jump on and run the drums. KC Jane ran 13^th out of 230 horses her first trip out since Congress. We are hoping this is a start to a great year with this little gal – she is wanting in the Best of the Best this year.Friday night after all the cans were ran and the ponies were put to bed Dustin & Brandie Whitesel would stop by Hotel Bloomer with a few friends (total of 12 people) for a little weekend cocktail. Dustin’s friend Travis would entertain us with the same story over and over about his friend Bobbie the wanna be firefighter. It was funny every time too. Cara Mead would roll her Samsonite luggage through the door, Clea and I look at each other as if to say “She does know this is not a real hotel, right?” but then she reveals it as a rolling mini bar. It would prove to be an Ohio State fan type of night with Brandie helping Dustin break out the flagpole to hang some Big Ohio State beads for everyone’s viewing. OH-IO All of a sudden Travis’s story was not the topic of conversation. Thanks for all the laughs. They would all come back on Saturday but we would not be as inviting­–as a matter of fact I think we said “Get Out” : )   Good Times!

Now for the review

The Ground

The ground was safe. It was deep but it was safe and that is the most important. It needed a little bit more water on Friday but by Saturday and Sunday they got the hills and dales flattened out and the right amount of water on it. It was safe which is the most important thing. It got faster over the weekend but seemed to be pretty consistent during each race.

The MVP crew would have little control over the tractor drivers, as when you rent the arena they take care of the ground–which I might add is an added expense.

The Alley

There was no real shoot which we are personally not fans of. There is a safety factor involved and the fact that everyone ran out into the warm up pen is dangerous. Jimmy Bryant came very close to running over 2 people leading a horse. The little gal from PA who’s bridle broke and her horse ran bridleless into the warm up arena then into the barn with the concrete floor or the 2 horses that came running in from the warm up pen almost running over someone–Oh wait that was me…. Our suggestion would always be–make sure your alleyway is safe.

The Food

Oh is that a good place for food. The waffle fries and cheese sauce (for those of you wondering how we have gained the 10 extra pounds) wonder no more. It was nice not to have to pack a lot of food and be able to have good food there if we wanted. It is totally the opposite of Circle G. No more questions huh!

All in All

All in all the show was a success, at least from our perspective. MVP had a few issues in the office that delayed a couple things but all in all everything went well. For those of you who were complaining (we were two of them) about the draws not being posted (pre-draws were put in with the entries at the show) or the fact they did not have at least the first 50 riders up early. Or were you one complaining about the high stall fees? We got a little perspective when we saw the bill for the arena and the weekend. At that point here was our thinking.

We stepped back and as two gals putting on a show this year we thought…

1. They are taking a chance that their cost will be covered so WE CAN BARREL RACE

2. They are spending their money to put this show on so WE CAN BARREL RACE

3. They are taking their precious time to put on the show so WE CAN BARREL RACE

4. They may be making something on the show but it is not a living we will tell you that and all so

WE CAN BARREL RACE

 So when we are complaining next time think about the above and if you are going to go just enjoy it!  After all it’s all so WE CAN BARREL RACE

What’s in the future

We are headed to Circle G this weekend for the Spring Fling and getting things out for The Best of the Best!

We love going to the shows and wondering who is going to be the qualifiers for the Best of the Best in 2012 – looking forward to see you all this year.

Until next time – Remember – Be Kind to One Another-

Clea and Dawn

On the Road with Dawn & Clea

We recently switched to Strategy and Ultium. In just a few short weeks it has made a huge difference.  The top line of the horses and the energy levels have been over the top. Sparks the yellow horse is running like him old self, all the kids have an extra hop in their step. Thank you PURINA IBRA OHIO Sponsor!  We would put or reps name in here but we forget it. J We will get you in the next one . Nicest lady came out to the farm and spent a lot of time with us and seeing what our needs were – THANK YOU!

Question for the week: What do you feed your equine athlete? 

Congrats Jen, we’ll be in touch about how to claim your prize! Thanks to Langston’s Western Wear for this very fun giveaway!

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.