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Borrowed Trailer Takes Whitney to Winner's Circle

May 2, 2006
Karnack, Texas

Story from: Barrel Horse World

Little Did Whitney O’Neal realize when she agreed to cover the Josey Reunion Story for BHW that she was to become the story.

The native Texan’s dream of winning a third reunion title was the farthest thing from her mind as she approached the Josey Reunion Barrel Race.     Her goal was to simply show up and compete.  

After winning the 2003 and 2004 Reunion titles Whitney’s barrel racing career hit hard times.  Sparkplug had been “off” with a series of vague soft tissue ailments. She was dealing with personal issues that left her drained.  Then in August Whitney was run over by a mare and severely bruised her hip socket.  She struggled with continual pain.  In September Sparkplug fell on the pavement with her astride leaving the connective tissue in her left ankle fragmented.    Not being able to ride and watching the medical bill’s ad up she had no choice but to sell her trailer.

“I borrowed my Dad’s stock trailer to get to Josey’s . ” Winning seemed impossible at the time”.

Looking back, Sparkplugs career almost didn’t happen.    A reining horse reject the horse literally sat in her yard from ages 3 – 8.     He was not broke to saddle until he was 8 years of age. In fact,  Sparkplug was being prepared for the sale barn when a subtle but significant nicker stopped the process.   Whitney had just finished taking Sparkplug to the vet for a current coggins test required by the sale barn.    On the way home from the vet she stopped for fuel and a coke.  After paying her bill she exited the service station when she heard Sparkplug nicker to her.   There was no mistaking it, he was calling out to her.    It was enough for Whitney to pull him from the sale line up and give him a chance as a barrel horse.     She literally busted her butt getting Sparkplug broke.    After a few rides Whitney was starting to relax on the horse when he bucked her off and cracked her elbow and tailbone.   The next day she attended her Grandfathers funeral and sat crooked in her church pew nursing her injuries and wishing she could of said good-bye to her Grandpa.

Self described as” hard headed” she challenged her self to finish this horse.  “God gave me a horse with a will as strong as mine and I was determined to get long with him”.

Sparkplug bonded with Whitney and the two starting placing and winning barrel races.  Whitney had logged a lot of hours riding reiners and new the importance of a broke horse.   Yielding to leg pressure and solid foundation became the cornerstone of Pug’s training.

  She attended her first Martha Josey clinic in 2003 and entered the Josey Reunion Race shortly after. “I only wish I had attended a Josey School earlier.”     She went on to win the prestigious Reunion Race in 2003 and 2004.

The 2006 race started out strong.  Mesa Leavitt won the first round with a 15.841 daylighting the competition.   Whit finished third with a 16.482.   She refused to even look at the trophy trailer offered to the winner.   “ I didn’t even glance at it,” confessed Whit.

Whit rested her gelding on Saturday and prepared for Sundays race by cheering on her fellow competitors.  

The long wait to run gave Whit time to prepare for the run.   She was relaxed and thrilled to just have made the short go.

Whit was among the last five racers to run. Heading to the first barrel during her run she felt Pug dead on the money.   At the 2005 race Pug overshot the first barrel ruining their chances for victory but this year was different.   “After the good first I focused on making a clean run and just using my legs and staying out of his way”.   When she heard her time she was proud but still not comprehending a possible victory.   “Mesa was yet to run and I knew her capabilities.   She is sweetheart and very talented.   When she tipped her barrel I really felt for her.  I know what it’s like to make that long walk back to the trailer after a disappointment”.  

The victory was hers and it was an awesome moment.   Surrounded by family and well wishers, Whitney had a moment to reflect. 

“I was told in 2005 it was time to retire.   Sparkplug had put me on the map and the horse owed me nothing.   It was now clear to me that nothing is impossible.    You have to keep praying and remember that when you think it’s your worst times God shows up”. 

Whitney accepted the trailer and marveled at the “cool doors”.   She remembers the day in “slow motion” and will cherish it forever.

As far as Pugs future that will be determined by his health and want to.   Talented young rider Leslie Jennings will compete on Pug at the 2006 Josey Jr. World.    The pair will compete at Cowtown Finals are in May.  

Through last years difficulties and trials one thing remained constant in Whit’s life.  Her love of God, family and friends.   Her constant belief in the impossible and earnest will to help others along the way.

The entire Barrelhorseworld is proud of Whitney O’Neal, a true champion.  

And Pug?  He’s just happy riding in his new Big Tex (Cimarron) trailer with the drop down window and cool doors.