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2007 Results
January 14th - Off to a little shakey start at SSC. Jet was quite wide with both Stephanie and I on barrel #3. Steph pulled
out a 20.552 to get 4th place. She ended up with another 4th and 5th. I got a 19.836 in barrels for 5th place.
We've really slacked on Pole practicing. Steph had to recorrect her pattern but I got an easy 29.283.
January 28th - There were 60+ riders in attendance at NRSC. Stephanie finally
got back on track with a nice solid 19.977 in the barrels. That was 4th in her class and 12th fastest of the day!
I got a 19.012 for 1st in my class and 6th fastest of the day. Stephs pole run was prettier than mine with a 28.862
which was 5th in her class and 19th fastest out of a field of 61. My was a bit more labored but managed a 28.257 which still
took a 3rd for the class. Neither of us fared well in the Bend-N-Jump. Steph got a NT as Jet blasted right by
the jump. She also ducked past on me but I got her stopped fast enough and with a little work got her over the jump.
We didn't expect any miracles for that event. Steph again had a bit of trouble in the Fig. 8 Cowhorse. This event
was better for Jet and I as we got a 13.354 for 2nd in the class and 5th overall. I ended up with the reserve HP in
my age group. So, she had a pretty good day.
February 3rd-4th - IBRA 2 day race at Larkyn Arena. Jet did nice for both of us.
I got a 19.9 on Saturday as we just weren't quite "on." Sunday we were having an excellent run. Couldn't
have asked for a better 1 and 2. But, we lost it a little on 3 with her fighting it some. We pulled out a 19.012
which was still nice. Stephanie got checks BOTH days in the youth.
February 11th- The SSC event held out even with some rain during the Pole Bending.
It was worth it. Stephanie did a mighty fine job today with Jet. She was 3rd in barrels with a 19.596. Then
getting a 21.601 for a 6th in the Big "M". I think Jet was a little irritated with the rain so she was not very happy
during the poles and she ever-so nicely bumped both end poles with her nose. They ended up 4th overall in her class.
She did won some money for 1st place in division 3 of the speed horse event. That event was the 4 leaf clover.
We tightened up Jets bridle just before it and she did great for both of us getting Stephanie a 2nd with a time of 26.613
and I got a 1st with a 25.??. To make a long story short...Jet and I got reserve in my age group.
February 17th- NRSC had pretty nice weather and Jet had a really good day. Steph
pulled off a 19.6 in barrels for 5th out of 17 and 15th out of 83 riders. She, again took it easy on the poles getting
a 28.1 which got her 5th and 17th out of 69 riders. The onery thing jumped outside the last set of Poles in the streaker
event. She couldn't get her stopped before crossing the timer. They did come back to take 4th in the Big "M" with
a 20.522 (a whole second faster than last weekend). Jet got her first 18 for 2007 and a mighty SOLID one at that....18.3
for me! Couldn't wait to look at that on instant replay but, wait!..someone forgot to video tape us. Steph is
soooo fired! Jet also had her most "smokin" time in Poles 24.121!!! I don't think I ever got that on Jessie.
The most suprising thing of it all was there was certainly more in Jet than I asked for. Man was her rythym perfect
throughout. But she did duck out on the streaker poles with me as well. I was ready for her and got her back thru
them. She's not so sure about running between them. We ended up with 2-1st place, a 2nd and a 6th that got us
reserve once again. I am still in disbelief with both her barrel AND pole runs. Man was she on! Overall placing
(all ages) Barrels: I was 4th and Steph was 15th out of 83 riders. Poles: I was 7th and Steph was 17th out of 69
riders. Big M: we were 10th and 12th out of 55 riders. That's pretty impressive.
February 25th- The first ever NR Stampede Rodeo was a lot of fun. Jet was not as "on" as she was last weekend. Steph
& I both had tough barrel runs so we didn't win any money there. For Poles, Steph got caught up in the excitement
and was hauling butt for her run down (only problem is: Jet's not real good with her first turn). So, she was really
wide and it took her some time to get her smoothed out. Her weave back up was great and she kept them all standing.
I didn't get a spectacular run (26.03) but it held out for 1st in the 2D. We won $248 and a really nice buckle.
That is her biggest money win so far! So, in 7 months she has already won a saddle, a buckle and money. Certainly
glad we found her.
March 11th - SSC had a bit of a warm day but we all survived. Jet had a descent day. Stephanie got a 20.295 in barrels,
an 11.851 in the Bowtie, an 11.929 in the Country Cowhorse and a 28.888 in Poles. She held on for 6th out of 14 in
the poles. The Country Cowhorse had the infamous 2 poles to run thru that Jet likes to duck out of. Steph was ready
for her and held her up a bit but Jet didn't try anything. I wanted her to have a clean run since that was the Speed
horse event for the day. Happy to say she was first in the 3D getting $18. Now she's had first in the 3D two months
in a row. Starting to rack up those points. For me..I decided to just let her loose on that event and see what
she'd do. No ducking out! It was awesome and we got a 10.104 for 3rd place. In barrels she did
an 18.778 for a 3rd. Bowtie was an 11.232 for 6th and Poles was a 26 something for 3rd. Those placings managed
to get her a reserve, once again.
March 17th - The luck of the Irish was definately with all 3 of us today. Probably doesn't hurt that we are Irish.
WOO-HOO! Stephanie got her first 18........an 18.707!!!!
That got her 1st place in her age group. That run included a stumble at barrel two and some hang time
at #3 but at least she didn't do her wide run home! She went on to get a 28.849 for 3rd in Poles. A 20.456 for
4th in Big "T" and a 12.631 for 5th in Bowtie. This was a bit slower than last week as she forgot and went to the left
barrel first instead of the right. When all was said and done Stephanie tied for HI-POINT!!!!! Great job.
Jet and I did a phenominal 18.119 in barrels for 1st. We also had some hang time at #3. Without that she may have
crept into the 17's. Got a 24.920 in Poles for 3rd. An 18.55 for 1st in the Big "T" and finally a 10.541 for 1st
in the Bowtie. She almost made a clean sweep. But, she did hang on for her 2nd Hi-Point of the day and
the first two Hi-Point awards ever. "Overall" placings are: Barrels (61 riders) Me: 1st and Steph: 5th; Poles
(54 riders) Me: 6th and Steph: 20th; Big T (45 riders) Me: 5th and Steph: 13th; Bowtie (43 riders) Me: 2nd and Steph:
24th.
Marlene McRae Barrel Clinic - I think Stephanie had a fabulous time and learned alot. She improved her time by two seconds from Friday
to Sunday. For one drill Marlene got on Jet and commented on how nicely she backed, not being lazy in
the front (knows how to pick up her feet). She gave Steph a few tips to help Jet get her butt under her (we already
knew that was something to work on). Marlene told Stephanie some of the same things I tell her but also some new
stuff. She gave her a few pointers to try and keep that 3rd barrel tight. They took the "average" of everyones
runs and broke it into a 4D format and Steph was 3rd in the 2D. I think I learned a lot by listening as well.
I hope that this will be something that Stephanie learns from as I know they will only get better.
AZBR & IBRA - This event was at Empty Acres. Stephanie
and Jet were as consistant as anyone could ask for. PLUS...they have 3 more 18's under their belts!!!! Friday
night they got an 18.151 in the open for about 14th in the 3D. Saturday they got an 18.2 in the open and were
once again low in the 3D but with a carry over to youth they were 1st in the 3D. Sunday they did an 18.480
for bottom of the 3D and the carry over to youth netted them the 1st in 3D again. I hope that she can maintain the 18's
now and make her way to 17's. With every run this weekend I can still see a few things that need improvement.
But, hey, if you can see that then it only means they still have room to get faster!!!!
For the 3 day average they ended up 8th in the open 3D!!
April 15th - What a tough day.The wind
was rediculous with the only good thing being that the temperature stayed down. Stephs barrels were good with a 19.2
but she just had a tougher time as the day went on. I did pretty good with Jet in the barrels getting an 18.4.
Everything else was pretty good and she held on for another reserve. I could tell during the poles she was pretty agitated.
Jet's behavior just made Steph get frustrated and give up. But, another weekend and another event.
April 21st - Not a bad day overall for NRSC. Stephanie just tried to keep it nice, clean
runs. She ended up with 3- 4ths and a fifth. Overall for the day she was tied for 3rd place in her age group
and is now 3rd in overall points. Jet and I got the fastest time of the day in barrels for the 2nd month in a row another
18.640 to add to her 18's. In the end we made the "clean sweep" that eluded us last month and got first in all four
events.
April
28th/29th - Empty
Acres has been a great arena for Stephanie. The NBHA State championships were held there this weekend. On Saturday she
ran an 18.071 which put her about middle of the open 3D (moving up) and 3rd in the youth 3D earning a check. She was
wide on barrel #1 but did nice turns on 2 & 3 even with her belt buckle coming loose. Sunday she ran an 18.094 again
a bit wide on #1 and from the video it looked like she came off #3 wide as well. That put her in the middle of the Open
3D and 6th in the youth 3D (just out of the money). Her average time netted her 3rd in the Youth 3D. The posted
results also have her hi-lighted as the "target" time winner. That is the person who has the two closest/consistant
runs. She was .023 between her two runs. THAT MEANS SHE WON A SADDLE!!!!!! At the
Easter race she was bottom of the open 3D but now she catapulted to the middle of the 3D pack this weekend and WON a
saddle. The saddle was (accidentally) awarded to the wrong person so now Steph has to wait for one to be ordered.
WAY TO GO Steph and Jet!!!!
May 12th - Stephanie got her 18 at SSC finally. An 18.8 for a good honest
3rd place! She was edged out in both the Cat's Cradle and the Wave but held on for 5th in the poles with a 27.3.
Tough first turn but the rest of the pattern looked pretty good. We'll keep working on that event. Not sure but
I think she was in the 4D for the Speed horse event the Wave. She kept that under control to make it a clean run.
May 19th - Stephanie had a pretty good day with Jet. She ended up 2nd in barrels
with a 19.112 then got a fourth and 2 fifths. Yea, if my mom beats my time, when she comes back i stick my tounge out
at her lol... Plus when i video tape her on barrels or what ever and she beats my time i leave lil comments like meany
or what ever. he he he ^_^ ~Steph~
and on that note.....Jet and I got an 18.450 in barrels for a 2nd then a 24.896
in Poles. She really had great rythym going thru but I didn't ask for super speed. Steph held her up a lot during
the poles. We have decided that next month at the SSC gmkhana she is just gonna go along for the ride and trust Jet
thru the Poles. Turns out that Jet and I were 2nd out of 66 riders in barrels and Steph was 7th overall. I'd say
that's great! We both got the EXACT same time in the Mountain Cowhorse 10.450, how funny is that? Now that's
a consistant horse.
June 1st - Stephanie practiced today with Jet. We tried
a different bit and seems like she was stopping better for Steph. She had some great runs in barrels and got her to
shut down pretty good for her first turn on the poles. Practice, Practice. Practice. She's also going
to do a lot of backing, especially after she stops from a run. We keep Jet in a forward motion so much that we forget
to practice her reverse. That should help get Jet back to "giving" to the bit and dropping her head.
June 16th - Well, all we can say is that Jets performance
at the event was pretty "crap"tacular! Although the new bit seemed to work at home as soon as we ran the barrels we
realized that it was WORSE than what we were using. Looked like the last few months of 18's were a dream. We switched
her back but she was already in that bad frame of mind. As always you have good and bad days and this was up there with
the bad ones. Part of me is starting to think that Jet may just be better at sticking to barrels and poles only.
All the other events just keep getting her worked up. So, we may have to think about this as the year comes to a close.
But, we'll still try a few different ideas. We were shown a different bit that we may give a try and see what happens.
Better luck next time!
June 23rd - Well, they had 2 good events and 2 not-so-good events. That's an improvement over
last week. Barrels were pretty good with a 19.018 getting her a 3rd. Then she got a descent 12.156 in
the Presidents Race for a 4th place. After that Jet started to get worse for Steph. In the two events I did
on her we manage an 18.784 in the barrels and a 28.197 in Poles. We do think (after taking off her saddle) that
she is sore in her back. It's the same saddle and pad we've used for the last year. My thought is that maybe the
pad is already wore out. My friend Tina suggested the Impact-Gel saddle pads and as of today I have two of them on the
way. She'll get some rest then we'll see how she is. The next step will be to get her adjusted and see if that
helps. I reminded Steph that she has an excellent horse and not to give up on her Sometimes you have to take a
couple steps back to move forward. EVERY champion barrel racer has experienced the same type of things at some point.
July 3rd - According to the IBRA, Stephanie is first in the youth 2D for year end points and
is 2nd in the youth 3D as well. If she maitains either one of those spots til the point cut off at the end of July then
she will have an automatic "in" for the short go at the IBRA Nationals. The short go is only for those that qualify
and it determins the "National" champion. We had Jet adjusted this weekend and was told that she was really out in her
left, rear rib cage and her right shoulder was forward some. Hopefully that will make her feel better as well as
the new Impact Gel pad we got for her.
July 21-21nd - Their standings for the Youth points has
changed. Basically they flip-flopped. After the Globe race she is now second in the 2D and FIRST in the 3D.
Her last points race is this weekend so she should have her automatic "IN" for the short go. Jet had a descent run in
the open at Globe but decided to "Exit stage right" after turning barrel #2 during her youth run. Steph pulled back
instead of turning her head so she got over the line and got a NT. Sunday she did it again in the open but was ok for
the youth run. That was a good thing as she was first in the Youth 3D giving her the points needed to move up to first
in the Year End standings. She is definately showing no signs of the behavior from the gymkhanas so the adjustments
to her back and shoulders and the Impact Gel pads have done their job. I believe this was a bit of Rider error and Jet
took advantage of it. Gotta be on your toes and take what you need when you need it. Give her an inch and she'll
take a mile! All-in-all she's more like her old self. We had a nice rainstorm with a great lightening show in
Globe. The rain was nice.
August 3rd -
Even with not competing last weekend Steph & Jet held out in the Youth 3D to secure 1st place. They did drop to
3rd in the 2D but that's ok. The 1st place secured them a spot for the short go in Utah at the IBRA Nationals.
We plan on having a fantastic time there. Jet has had a 2nd chiropractor/massage session but this time it was with a
gentleman by the name of Rex. I was told he has done amazing things for some horses out there. Including, making a horse
rideable again after the owners were told to put it down! I was in shock as he spent 2 HOURS working on Jet. She
(apparently) was really bad which explains her behavior at our last gymkhanas. Although I still have to believe that
she must have a high pain tolerance because I think most horses in her predicament would've bucked and/or reared. She
always had a nice stride so there was very little indication that she was as bad as she was. Jet is now a completely
different horse, thus far. Steph commented that "she's actually walking" and I noticed she loped her around the arena
on a loose rein. I am completely sold on this guy. He will be back for regular maintenance on Jet and especially
just prior to the IBRA Nationals. Jet has also been undergoing a little fine tuning with Jake Squires as my schedule
right now is not allowing much extra time to help Steph with working her. Our goal is to have her in top form for Utah.
She is an amazing horse and has every potential to move up and be a 1D contender.
August 4th - Steph took Jet to the NCBRA event this evening taking it easy.
She looked really good but didn't ask Jet for much speed. They got a 20 second run but that's ok. Although, Steph
did recognize that she let Jet out of her turn too soon on barrel 3 so it was wide. Steph exited the arena and said,
"She's not the same horse." To which I asked what she meant. She said "Jet actually WALKED out of the arena."
Too funny. We were very pleased with the evening. It really is amazing to see Jet's demeanor and how much it has
changed. My friend Vics daughter, Sara came to hang out as he was doing a military drill weekend. She had Tomy
all to herself and really enjoyed being out there (rain and all).
August 7th - Rex did a follow up session on Jet today. He said she needed a little work but was definately
doing fine. I told him about Sat. night and he was pleased to hear she was doing well. He said that some horses
will still do what you ask even if they are hurting. Part of his session is to evaluate EVERYTHING about the horse from
shoeing to nutrition and even dental. Although she had dental work done about 5 months ago he believes she needs
some work. Possibly a cap way in the back. When he presses in one spot on the side of her face she reacts to it.
So, that will be the next thing to take care of. She will be in tip top shape for Utah......... my goal is to make sure
of that.
August 11th - Stephanie
attended the IBRA awards banquet in Globe. She received a very nice leather breast colloar, a saddle blanket and embroidered
denim shirt. These were for her 1st place in the Youth 3D and her 3rd in the 2D. Jet will sport the breast
collar when they compete in Utah at the IBRA Nationals.
August 18th - What a vast improvement we saw this evening at SSC. Steph was still a bit cautious
in the barrels but pulled out a 6th with a 20.590. Her Big "O" was a 14.??? The Poles were going good but Jet
did knock down a pole and then Steph did something I was EXTREMELY proud of...she stopped and walked/trotted Jet the remainder
of the pattern. That was great! I think Jet really likes the Poles and Steph tries to hold her up quite a bit.
But, that's ok because she hasn't practiced poles in 2 months. The Streaker Poles were a shocker. She did an 8.845
for a 3rd place. Steph said she wasn't wanting to go that fast but she did awesome and Jet didn't hesitate going thru
them. I think Jet is feeling great and is ready to get out and run now that it doesn't hurt. Lots of good feelings
and confidence for Stephanie this night. IN ADDITION: SSC presented a $5000 check to Tanner Taylor, the
little girl kicked and seriously injured back in May. That was awesome! She is a cutie!
August 29th - Jake feels that Jet is doing very well. Stephanie had a good
practice yesterday and we think she is ready to go! Jet appears much happier and as long as Stephanie remembers her
leg cues she should do quite well. I'll be happy if she has 5 clean runs! Steph has two new, beautiful, shirts
for this National competition so she'll be stylin! We'll definately have pics.
IBRA Nationals in Hurricane, Utah - It was a long, HOT weekend up there but all went very well. The youth run on Friday was a 17.920 earning
her a check. She came in really holding Jet back but I think she just wanted to get a clean one under her belt.
The open run was an 18.020 just putting her out of the checks in the 4D. She held back less but didn't really push for
the speed. Her youth short go run on Saturday was an 18.4 which ended up giving her the Reserve Champion title in the
3rd division. They got a check, headstall and bell boots. Unfortunately, they had a problem in their open run
and ended with a no time. Steph said she didn't think that she reached down far enough. I still think she's not
giving her leg cues when she needs to either. Sunday we tried a different bit as we had nothing to loose and they came
back with a nice run getting an 18.040. So all-in-all they are climbing back out of the rut they got into. I am
convinced that I may need to get back to riding Jet more at competitions just to keep her in check til she is more seasoned.
If she thinks she can get away with something with Stephanie she will try. She had two different ladies (that we didn't
know) tell her what a nice horse Jet was. I know Steph and I were both disappointed with that bad run but she's
gaining her confidence back and I know,
September 15th - We're still middle of the road with Jet. Barrels just didn't
suit her again. With a NT and an "unscheduled dismount" we were a bit frustrated to say the least. Jake offered
a different bit that seemed to get her attention much better. We even tried yet another bit and BOTH seemed to get more
response out of her. Most any bit works good when you're loping around the arena but competition is a whole different (adrenoline
pumping) beast!! I think Jet has lost her confidence as well as Stephanie going to that 2nd barrel. Steph came
back for an easy pole run (32.427). I got a 28.5 on her. Mtn. Cowhorse was a 14.581 for Steph and a 12.992 for
me even with my fingers getting tangled in her mane. Keyhole was an 8.962 for Steph and a 7.927 for myself. Steph
did some time onlys on Jewel. She seems more comfortable on her so it is very possible that for SSC she will take Jewel
as her point horse and "time only" on Jet for barrels and poles. She felt like Jewel "listened" better. The real
difference is that Jewel has the cutting training and doesn't muscle you for the bit. Jet has soooo much power and speed
that you'd better be agressive and know what you want. I hope (when she's more seasoned) that will not be the case.
She only has a year under her. I am gonna exercise her more to get those stops that she needs. Steph will exercise
Jewel more. I also hope, since Jewel doesn't play tug-o-war, that it may help Stephanie to relax and maybe think of
that when she gets on Jet. Just a new mountain to climb in this journey. We will conquer it.
September 29th - These two had a descent night at SSC. Steph
rode Jet in all 4 events but not as her point horse. She did this to continue getting points in the speed horse event.
Speed horse points go with each horse. Age group points go with the rider. We borrowed a bit and she did extremely
well. Steph kept her slow in all events except the speed horse event. The barrels were nice and were a 23.434
She got a 9.255 in Barrel Keyhole. They had one of their best runs in the Poles in a LONG time getting a 30.857.
The speed horse event was the Scottsdale gate that they got a 12.872 which gave them 3rd in Division 3. That's where
she has her points. She is still in first by one point. Hopefully, she can hang on. She was 3rd two years
ago and 2nd last year. Only seems fitting that she takes the next step up to first. I did good as well with Jet
as my point horse. We got a 20.512 in barrels, 26.715 in poles (nice smooth run), and an 11.904 in Scottsdale
Gate. Not sure of any of our placings.
October
20th - YEAH!!!! This was a great weekend for
Jet all the way around. I rode her at New River since Steph needs to ride her tomorrow at SSC. Back-to-back gymkhanas.
Steph did a nice slow Pole run on her and got like a 39 but she's getting the feel for the new bit. I am definately
impressed with the new bit. I think the old Jet is BACK! In barrels we got a 19.031 for 3rd place..YES!! In the Cats
Cradle we got first with a 16.890 (I think). Poles was a 26.224 for a 3rd. Very happy with that. We
got a 9.776 in the Single barrel Cowhorse earning a 4th. I am VERY happy with Jets performance.
October 21st - Woo-Hooo! Jet can now add 2 more 18's to her list. Steph started it out with a really nice run
getting an 18.993 for 3rd. I got an 18.533 which would've been a 2nd but she was a NON point horse. Steph had
a little trouble with the Hour Glass but got her stopped and back on track. She ended up with a 38.559. It was
the speed horse event and unfortunately she ended up in the 4D but she is still in first for the saddle in the 3D by one point.
One more month and we'll see if she can hang in there. Her Poles were great as well. She had her under incredible
control but was holding her back. They got a very nice/easy 29.210. I did do a NON point run on Jet in Poles for
a smokin 24.323 BUT I didn't get my knee in tight enough and we did hit one pole. I'll still take the run....it was
great! Not sure what Stephs time was for the Speed poles. She really did great. Hopefully, Steph will get
her confidence back and trust that she can get Jet stopped. This is very exciting! I am still gonna have Steph
ride "reinless" in the round pen as I think this has been a great exercise for them.
November 3rd - Steph was out practicing the poles. Man Jet can nail them when everything is in it's place.
Hope Steph can remember her hand and leg ques for the SSC gymkhana. I'd love to see Stephanie get her own 24 sec. Pole
run. Hopefully, she can land in the 3D for the Speed horse event and earn herself the saddle. It's gonna be a
close one.
November 11th - This was a very good day overall. I took Jet in a pretty
nice time only getting an 18.8. Stephanie came back in her class to get an 18.995 and actually got a FIRST place!!!!
That's no easy task for her class. "Ross's Run" was a bit tougher for her as she did hit a barrel and then she
started to go past the poles but Steph got her back around. For the Poles Steph still held her up but
managed a 28 second run. I took her as a non-point run and we got an awesome 24.012!!!! This is her fastest
time to date!!! The final event Steph got a 5th in the Mountain Cowhorse. We'll take it.
November 17th - Both Steph
and I used Jet as our point horse. Steph started out with a 19.472 in barrels placing 3rd. I got a 19.136 for
first. In poles, Steph got a 27.272 for 7th (she kinda forgot and ran down the wrong side-oops). I got a 24.139
for a 3rd. Still a nice consistant 24! In the Hour Glass Steph got a 26.532 for a 5th and I got a 22.544
for 3rd. The final event was Speed Barrels. Steph got a 10.470 for a 4th and I got a 9.466 for 2nd.
She did really nice! I think we got Reserve in our class.
December 15th - We rode at New River today and did
very well. In barrels Stephanie got a 19.527 for 5th and I got a 19.157 for 2nd. Our hands were so cold we
could hardly hold the reins. LOL! Poles was AWESOME!! Steph got a 25.539 for 2nd and I got a 23.700 for 1st.....a
twenty-three!!!!!! Woo-hoo! The rest of the events were pretty good. Big "M" Steph got a 22.406 for
6th. I got a 20.107 for first. The fig 8 was a 13.582 for Steph getting a 6th and I got 7.735 for 4th.
I think Stephs pole time was her best to date. Jet really weaved them beautifully. In the Poles Steph was 10th
fastest of the day and I was 4th fastest of the day. Nice way to end the year! I did finish the year on another good
note getting Hi-Point in my class.
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