Barrel Racing at Barrel Horse World.com - Horses, friendy active forums, articles, more.

January, 2005

Many thanks from "Sharp" and "Bellestar" for their hard work as we post these memories for all of you.

1 Blake Worland	2  Awards	3  Fallon and Shannon
4 IT Dash	5 Michelle McCartney & Redskye	6
7	8	9 Red Wooten, LRC, Tinkerbell

10  Shannon and Shannon	11 Ken and Sharin	12  Sharp and Cindy Hamilton
13 Terry Leach and Bob Griffin	14 Vicki Yarbrough	15  Brenda Miller, Pink, Wendy Hall

As I was trying to decide on what to report for the BBR many things crossed my mind,. 

I could report on the best riders or the best horses, but what made this BBR so interesting was the variety of riders.  

Granted, there is nothing more exciting than to watch Hot Shot come in and make a flawless  run but it was  just as exciting to see younger kids wearing colorful outfits and making super runs.  And to see their smiling faces. 

These are the best of the best and the experience level, one rider after another, was a learning experience just to watch . At this race I saw some remarkable 3 and 4D runs, runs that should make these riders very proud.  This BBR drew people from all over the country including some wonderful people from Italy.

The BBR, in my opinion, can literally stake claim as the #1 barrel race in the world!

This year's BBR was so competitive that to win the 3D in the first round you had to be the 168^th fastest horse.  When you compare that to the 1090 entries it puts you in the top 15%. 

I must begin by saying that I am going to have to change my name.

Round 1 in the Coliseum was dominated by K’s and T’s.

Kim Squires, Kassie Mowery, Karen Renshaw, Kristy Berger, Kelsey Deal, Tana Poppino, Tana Avens, and of course the phenomenal Tanya and Tyrney Steinhoff!

Round one was so exciting and full of gifted riders and amazing horses that I do not know where to start and I am still picking my jaw up off the floor. I know that we will be seeing Kim Squires and her fleet of horses rack up big wins in the future as well as Kassie Mowery and the Jud Little team. Mark McKuin and Nicky Brick House also picked up some nice sized checks and made some spectacular runs.

Round 2 was held in Barn 6 of the Oklahoma State Fair Grounds and it was also an exciting round! Kay Young and her outstanding mare Fiery Zara took first prize followed by a close Tyrney Steinhoff.  Blake Worland and his new mount, Sundance Smoke, finished in the top 15 with very few runs under their belt, while Tana Poppino stayed solid in both go rounds.  Tana Avans is also a name that I think we will hear a lot of in the future. This talented rider and horse combo finished 6^th in the 2^nd go round after winning 9^th in the first round.  

The final round?

With the best of each D returning for their final run, I knew it would not be disappointing. The crowd was on edge as Team Steinhoff took first and second and a fast Fiery Zara carrying Kay Young a close third.

And what else can be said about  one of the greatest riders in our sport, Cody Bouserman taking home 5^th and 6^th place checks.  The 2D was just as close with Brenda Miller barely edging out Becky Thompson for the title, while the 3D belonged to Becki Mask and the 4D title going to Renee Morgan.  

A special ovation to our vendors and our sponsors.   Our event would not be where it is today without their support. The quality of merchandise that was offered was out of this world.  The friendliness and graciousness of the vendors will not soon be forgotten. I would venture to say that there was not one unsatisfied customer over the weekend.

The Total Health booth was set up in the most perfect spot to answer questions and show their products and there was always something to gaze at during the big drags.  I want to give the vendors and sponsors a big “Thank You” from all of the competitors and spectators, as said before; we would not be able to do what we do without you! 

The 2005 BBR finals were one to remember! We must take our hats off to this outstanding association for accommodating a record 1090 contestants and their horses. Every thing ran very smoothly, which is a great task for such an enormous race.  If you run barrels at all, this is a race you must mark on your calendar. Believe me you do not want to miss it!

Arrivederci!

Shannon Kerr-Wilson