On the Road with Dawn and Clea from the MVP Need for Speed Show

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MVP Need for Speed – Wilmington Ohio April 13-15, 2012

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 3rd 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 13th 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? 

Win Justin Bent Rail Boots from Langston’s Western Wear

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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.



LubriSyn: The Barrel Racing Blog Review

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ImageIf you know me, you know Onyx. She’s the mare that’s kept me in the game at just about every stage of my life so far. And at 19(!) this year, she’s still going. 

She’s been through just about everything with me, and with life being super stressful out here in Colorado these days, I really need her to keep me heading to barrel races and making competitive runs on the weekends. 

ImageWhen I was at the NFR this year, I ran into Alex Hassinger, who is a rep for LubriSyn. We talked about Onyx… her navicular, her arthritis, all of her many other injuries over the years (a shattered stifle in 2000, a fractured hip in 2002, a fractured coffin bone in 2005, a fractured navicular bone in 2007…the list goes on). 

Alex smiled, because he knew he had a product that would help her. There’s no curing her at this point, just keeping her happy and running sound. If you’ve been around Onyx and me at all, you know she’s never run on anything that masks her pain, not even bute, so making sure she’s truly sound and comfortable is a major priority. And that’s what we’ve managed since she’s been on LubriSyn. 

She’s coming back from a minor soft-tissue injury, and it’s actually been refreshing not to worry about her navicular. She’s been moving freer and having fewer and fewer “stiff” days. 

I’ve noticed so much of a difference with her on LubriSyn that I just started my 14-year-old and 9-year-old mares on it, too. 

I know, so many of you have been using LubriSyn for years. I’m late getting on board, but I’m sure glad I am.

It’s active ingredient is hyaluronan (HA), but unlike other supplements on the market, it’s higher molecular weight formula ensures the integrity of the synovial fluid–the key component for the protection and lubrication of the joints of all mammals. 

It costs about $1.43 per horse per day, and so far it’s been worth it (for my mental health as well as my horse’s health) to have her on the supplement. 

If you’ve got questions about LubriSyn, feel free to call at 1-800-901-8498, and check out their website at LubriSyn.com. 

Check-in With Charlie Cole and Moss Me Moe

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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.

The Best of the Best in Ohio Barrel Race Showbill and Qualifying Info

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It’s here it’s here! I’ve been a slacker lately and haven’t had much time for anything other than work work work, but I’ve got plenty to give you now! Here’s all of the info on The Best of the Best in Ohio Barrel Race and our three-day weekend barrel race and pole bending this September.

This year we’re doing the qualifying a LITTLE differently, and we want you to be sure to get your 1D placing in to be eligible to enter The Best of the Best. Make sure you head to the MVP show to try to get qualified.



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.