Kick Ass Cowgirl Jackie Luffey Harris: Part 2

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Yesterday you got to meet Jackie and learn a little about her mission. Today we’ll introduce you to her friends and her horse and tell you how riding for a cause has changed her life and her barrel racing career.

Will you have a hauling partner for the 2012 season?

My hauling partners will remain the same for the most part as we go to IBRA and Penn Ohio Shows. I haul normally with my good friends Jeanie Bowersock and Darenda McNeely. We always have a great time together and can tease each other like crazy and make fun of each other without getting upset. Natalie Davidson and I have discussed hauling together next year to the rodeos as Jeanie has a young horse not ready for rodeos and Darenda isn’t getting her IPRA card. Natalie and her horse Jeeter have been on fire these last few years so we are both excited!

How is this changing your outlook on life and barrel racing?

It is changing my outlook on life as I have realized how much I do have already and doing something for others has a certain level of pride and confidence that I carry with me now. I have always admired and respected people that did “pay it forward” with their successes in life. I feel really good about doing this for those I lost and for anybody out there that have lost the fight or who is still fighting. I also, typically am quiet, and would never be too outgoing if I did not know somebody. Somehow, with this, it is making me open up more to people I don’t know and is making it possible to make new friends.

As far as how it’s changed my outlook on barrel racing, I noticed that once I determined I was going to do this, I started riding harder. More aggressive, as I feel I am doing it for others. Therefore, I started to consistently have those 1D times. For me, it’s a hobby, it’s not how I make my living. So of course while I wanted to do well, place and succeed which I did, I didn’t have that aggressiveness or determination that I feel I have now. I look down at those crosses filled with names, and want to do each and every one of those names proud. To place as high as possible, win some money to donate, to help those organizations research and help find cures.

Tell us about your horse. (Age, name, breeding, running style.)

Sis (Watch Joe’s Lil Sis) will be 13, and came from Oklahoma. I’ve owned her since she was 4. We’ve had our ups and downs, as she can be quite the handful at times. She isn’t bred for barrels. She started training as a cutting horse. Her Sire is Mr. Watch Joe Doc, outta Mr. Watch Joe Socks, outta Watch Joe Jack and dam Charlies Glory, outta Scooper Lo outta Scooper Joe. Her running style is very close rimming each barrel. She can run so hard to the first barrel you don’t think you’ll wrap it, but she manages. Her first barrel is my favorite. I have to keep her going fairly hard to the 2nd and 3rd barrel, as she turns so close, that if she loses momentum, she wraps so tight, her hip hits them coming out. She’s very easy to ride, and a push style horse. She knows her job well, and never has tried me on pattern. She’s very honest inside the arena and works every time.

Kick Ass Cowgirl Jackie Luffey Harris: Part 1

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Jackie on her Race for a Cause mount, Sis.

Jackie Harris has been through hell and back, and her life experiences with death, disease and despair have taught her never to stop swinging. Now that this Western Pennsylvanian cowgirl has made it through her own rough patches, she’s on a mission to help others in a way that hasn’t quite been done before in the world of barrel racing. With the help of Kick Ass Cowgirls and lots of friends, Jackie is riding for a cause. Find out all of the good things Jackie is doing in our three-part interview, just in time for the holiday season. If you’re looking for a way to make an impact this time of year, look no further! 

Tell us how you got involved in Kick Ass Cowgirls, and what you’re doing with them now.

I got involvedwith the Kick Ass Cowgirls by chance. I just happened upon their page on Facebook one day. I read about all the great things that were happening there–how they would always “pay it forward” and help others in need. I loved everything about them and how they supported each other through hardships and difficulties–or just gave each other a kick in the ass at times. At that time, they were trying to raise enough funds for a new saddle for a little girl with Retts Syndrome. I started checking every day, and helping anybody that was in need. Then, I noticed they had a “Cowgirl In Need” Contest. Described as, “Any up and coming horsewoman who needs a little extra push to get into the spotlight, get down the road to victory or is just plain down on her luck, let us know about her.” With my plans for 2012, I thought it could be a way to help me raise some funds for fuel for 2012, a friend, Beth Penland, nominated me along with several others-and I won!

I became their “poster child” for their newest contest “Race for a Cause” for 2012. I helped them put some ideas together, they wrote up the rules and are out there getting tons of awesome sponsors and prizes. The basic outline of the contest: You pay a membership fee, which gets you into the contest, a members only tshirt and a decal. You race in the same arenas you always do throughout the year. You designate a percentage (10%-100%) to go to your favorite designated charity. You keep track of your winnings and turn them into KAC. The “points” go off of your total earnings for each quarter, not your donated amount. There are four regions. Each region will have a winner/top money earner every quarter. So prizes will be given out 4 times a year to each of the four region’s. Then there will be a BIG winner for end of the year with all regions combined.

It is a great way for barrel racers to donate to a charity close to their heart and have a chance at some Kick Ass prizes as well.

What inspired you to start riding for this cause?

The thing that inspired me to race for a cause is losing my step father to cancer in October 2010 after a year long battle, then my father three months later to a heart attack in January 2011. I had several other friends and family struck with the same diseases, and always would see on Facebook friends with loved ones that were struck as well. I felt so helpless. I wanted to do more. Of course I prayed for each and every one, but I wanted to physically do something for them. My mare started improving these last several years, becoming more consistant. Seemingly, I would come home with paychecks every time I went out. I have waited for this caliber of horse since I had started barrel racing at the age of 12. One day while waiting to enter the arena, excited at my success this year, the thought came to me-I could take these winnings and donate it to The American Cancer Society and American Heart Association, and of course because I volunteer at several animal rescues, some to those organizations as well. I feel fortunate enough to finally have the horse, a great family, to have all that I need in order to participate in this sport I love so much and to spend time with my friends. I have found out in the last year or so, that life really is too short, I am thankful for what I have, and want to pay any extra I receive forward. I have started to put away the money from my last several races as well into my “fuel fund”- the way it made me feel, racing for others, is so much better than just racing for myself. I started a saddle cross collection as well, where friends and family can give me the initials of loved ones they know that are fighting, lost fight or won fight to cancer or heart disease. I feel in a small way, I am racing for them as well. I saw a quote once by Margaret Meed it stated, “Never doubt that a small group of citizens can change the World. Indeed it is the only thing that ever has”. So, I will do my best in 2012, and hope to raise as much money was possible for the charities.

What associations do you plan to compete in?

I plan on competing with the IBRA, Penn-Ohio BRA, and getting my IPRA card as well to compete at some of the rodeos in the area or a reasonable distance. It’s been a dream of mine to get my IPRA card, but if I didn’t have a consistent enough horse, I wasn’t about to do so. Again, life is short, so I’m going to do so this year while I “Race for a Cause”!

I’m Sorry!

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Hey ladies (and gentlemen out there who read this, too)!

I’ve dropped the ball lately around here. When I got done with my Spin To Win Rodeo and CINCH responsibilities in Vegas, I had zero energy left to get anything up here. (Did y’all see any of the videos we did? Let me know what you thought of them!)

For that, I’m sorry. But there are a few things I want to share.

First and foremost, I’ve got a post from the very fabulous Dawn and Clea I want to get up ASAP. Second, I’ve got an interview with Jackie Harris on her Kick Ass Cowgirls deal, and somewhere in my email is an interview I did with Brent Puhl. And when I say an interview I did, I mean Brent did the asking and for once I did the answering : )

Second, I am thrilled to say I got to be in the press room when Lindsay Sears came in after receiving her second gold buckle. I’m saying this because I want y’all to know: She’s the real deal. Lindsay is a reflection of every little girl who has ever loved her horse. When she talks about Martha, she reminds me of so many friends I know that have worked so hard to keep their horses sound, healthy, and happy. It’s a business for her, but not one that’s centered around gold buckles. It’s centered around her and that horse. She’s one of us up there, who gives glory to Martha before all else. I couldn’t be happier for her. Check out our January issue of Spin To Win Rodeo to find my story about her win and some quotes from her that will leave you impressed with what a young woman she is. I wrote before the Finals that Lindsay wouldn’t let Martha’s remarkable comeback be for naught…and I was right. Lindsay and Martha were on a mission those 10 days in Vegas.

Lastly, I miss you all and hope to see you while I’m home over the holidays. If you’re in Western PA, look me up! I’m in Apollo Dec. 23-30, and I’ll be a little bit of everywhere. Call me if you’re around!

I’ll get back on a roll shortly.

 

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!