Laura Lambert, WPRA Mountain States Director and proud mother

Name: Laura Lambert

Business: Lambert Horses http://www.lamberthorses.com/
Location: Wiggins, Colo.

Family: Husband, Ricky; sons, Brayden, 8, Boedy, 1.

College: University of Northern Colorado

Give us a brief background on where you grew up and how long you've been racing?

We lived around Brighton, Colo., until I was about 9-years-old and then my family bought a small ranch in the Wiggins, Colo., area. My husband and I just recently returned to the area to be closer to our parents and keep the kids close to their grandparents. I grew up on a horse, no doubt. I can remember using a bucket to saddle my horse and climbing up on him like a monkey. So, I've been a barrel racer for as long as I can remember. I guess I've been competing for about 30 years.



Tell us what is keeping you busy right now?

Currently, I have a lot of things that keep me busy, I am the general manager for Great West Trailer and Truck in Fort Morgan, Colo.; I am a freelance writer for Barrel Horse News and the Rodeo Insider; I ride barrel horses both for myself and for clients; and my biggest and most important job of being a mom and wife. My two boys keep me busy all the time.

Why did you decide to run for a position with the WPRA?

The WPRA is in an important time of change. I am thankful for all the WPRA has done for me over the years. I can't say that I really had full intentions of running for the director. There were a lot of people calling me asking me to run and I guess over the course of time I realized that I wanted to give back.

What is that like?

I'm not going to lie . . . being a director is a lot more than I expected. There have been a lot of trying times and there are going to be many more challenging struggles ahead. I enjoy what I am doing and I really try to make the right decisions. I think the members really need to educate themselves on what it means to be the director and what our duties really include. There are a lot of misconceptions out there as to what the director can and should do.

What do you do as a Mountain States Director?

I'm not sure I could list all the things a director does as I'm sure I would leave some things out but just to give a small example: the director approves all of the rodeo submittals including the slack times; contacts the committees to work out slacks, setting the pattern, and answers any questions they may have; answers contestants questions regarding rules, Procom, entries, etc.; sets the patterns at major rodeos, and for that matter any rodeo where the committee requests your help; attends all board meetings; deals with the business of the association (this is the one that I know most contestants have no idea what it entails); serves on multiple committees; etc, etc, etc. Like I said, this is just a sampling. There is so much more. It truly is a huge commitment.

What is the best part of it?

The best part of being the director for me is continuing to make relationships. I am the judging liaison and I really enjoy that. I get to meet a lot of great people and I enjoy building friendships and moving our sport forward for the betterment of everyone involved.

What is the hardest part of it?

The hardest part would be two things for me: one of the hardest things for me is that I really take pride in what I do and when you get "crucified" by contestants when they don't understand your role or all of the things that you have done behind the scenes, it is pretty hard sometimes. One thing that I have learned through serving as a director is that as a contestant, you really need to take a step back and look at all the factors before you criticize what someone is doing. In the heat of the moment sometimes that's really hard because you can only see what has just happened to you, but it's pretty important because most of the time the director, the judge, the tractor man, whoever it is, has been giving their all. It doesn't mean that I'm not going to make mistakes and I hope that I learn from each situation, but I know that the directors have the best intentions. The second thing is the time commitment. There are many days that all I do is work on the WPRA issues. The phone time is incredible. Many times, I feel like all I do is answer the phone regarding the WPRA. I know the choice I made and I know what I promised to do, so I'm doing it the best way I can.

Tell us about your writing experience and how you ended up with BHN?

I truly enjoy writing. Through many life experiences, I learned that you really need to love what you do every day. I set out with the intention to set my life up so that I could enjoy every day. There are so many people out there that don't enjoy their work. I am a truly blessed to be able to say that I love what I do. I love to write, I love to ride barrel horses and when you can combine the two—who wouldn't be thrilled?

Tell us about your own racing, how long, big wins, etc.?

I have been competing for about 30 years now. I started out in 4-H, Little Britches and High School Rodeo. I am, what I call an "old timer" because back when I decided to buy my permit in the WPRA, you couldn't go to amateur rodeos if you had your card. So, I chose to just keep buying my permit so that I could go to all of the rodeos. I was really blessed to have a great horse Estee when I bought my permit. Every year I filled all three permits and had to quit going (that was the rule back then). I've qualified for the Mountain States Circuit Finals 12 or 13 times. I've been to the Dodge National Circuit Finals once and I'm headed back there again in April. I was certainly blessed to become the Mountain States Circuit Champion in 2009. I won the Colorado Professional Rodeo Association in 2007 along with winning the average at the finals. There have been a lot of wins that are special to me over the years but I would say winning the short round at Cheyenne Frontier Days this year would be one of the highlights. That is my biggest career win as far as the most money won at one rodeo.

Who is your main mount right now?

Frenchmans Easy Snip is the main guy right now. I have a few others that help him along the way but he is the one I can count on every single time. He is a joy to own.

How many horses are you working with (outside or your own)?

I have five horses that are rodeo ready. Then I always have a few colts. I don't ever take more than two outside horses in the winter and then I decide every summer how many I'll take depending on the rodeo schedule I intend to keep. It's important to me that I do what I say I'm going to do so I try not to overload the riding schedule because I'm the kind that I'll give up sleep in order to get everything done and then I end up making myself sick. So, I try to keep a balance. I am sure I take on too much sometimes, but in the end I feel like I make sure I "do right" by people. That includes the horses that I sell.

Where do your kids compete, if applicable?

My son Brayden doesn't have the passion for horses like we do so he doesn't compete with the horses. He plays football and is getting ready to start basketball. He likes computers and probably knows more about them than I do. Boedy isn't old enough yet, but I can already tell he is going to be a competitor. He loves the horses and goes non-stop. I keep telling my husband that he better get ready because Boedy is going to need a horse and he is going to be one of those "full-time" competitors.

Where does your husband compete, if applicable?

Ricky is a calf roper and he competes in the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA), Colorado Professional Rodeo Association (CPRA), United States Calf Roping Association (USCRA), Nebraska State Rodeo Association (NSRA), and at jackpots. He also team ropes, but his love is certainly calf roping. He trains some incredible horses and always has some for sale. (I’m tired just reading that!)

Where do you compete?

I compete in the WPRA, CPRA, NSRA, Mile Hi Barrel Horse Association, some futurities, and lots of jackpots.

What are you goals for rodeo/racing?

I guess I would have to say right now that my goals are to continue to have nice horses and enjoy what I do, wherever that may be. I also enjoying selling and training horses and seeing others go on and do great on my horses or horses that I have helped them with. That's where I'm starting to focus a lot of my time and energy.

Favorite rodeo?

I enjoy Cheyenne and Casper, Wyo. But, there are so many it's hard to pick a favorite.

Favorite movie?

We just watched The Hangover and it was hilarious but my favorite movie would be Tombstone.

Traveling with rodeo dogs?

We have a Maltese, Haylee, and she is with us most of the time. She's sort of a prissy rodeo dog because she is pure white and I'm pretty protective of her. She's so little that I don't let her around the horses much. I guess it wasn't the best choice of "rodeo" dogs. We also have two border collies here at the house, but they don't travel with us.

Hardest rodeo you've ever competed at?

Each and every rodeo is tough in its own way.

Most fun rodeo you've ever competed at?

Cheyenne, Wyo.

Thanks Laura !!

Bill Jenks, Front Range barrel racer and truck connoisseur

Name: Bill Jenks

Business: International's Denver Used Truck Center

Location: Denver, Colorado

Website links: http://www.denver.internationalusedtrucks.com/, http://www.usinhorses.com/

Wife: Marlene Wade -- We celebrated our 10th anniversary last October.

Kids: Shaye Wade is my stepdaughter.

Watch Bill ride at the 2009 AQHA Bayer Select

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h1dpwU-vtB0

How long have you and your wife been racing?

Marlene grew up with horses, and has run barrels most of her life. I grew up with horses, too. Dad raised quarter horses, and trained some rope horses. I showed and went to rodeos my whole childhood, up to high school. I have a varied background with horses. Showing, rodeo, ranching—even some English riding, and a little dressage and jumping. I first got involved with barrel racing about 11 years ago. I started going to barrel races with Marlene.It wasn't too long and I told her I wasn't a good spectator, so if I was going to go to these races with her, I was going to need to get a barrel horse. After all, it looked pretty simple. I soon found out just what a challenge it is! One of the things I like most about barrel racing is there are always improvements to be made.

Where all do you compete and how many hours are you able to devote to it?

We mainly go to barrel races in Colorado, although we've gone to some of the bigger races, mostly in Oklahoma. In the winter time, I try to rideone or two horses four or five times a week. In the summer time, I'll try to keep two or three horses going.

Where are you originally from?

I was born and raised in New Mexico. We moved to Colorado when I was in high school.

What is your favorite barrel race to date?

I think one of my favorites was the first year I qualified to go to the AQHA World Show in the amateur barrels. That was in 2007. The BBR Finals in Oklahoma City is always a lot of fun, too.

What is your dream barrel race to attend (qualify for, etc.)?

I'd like to have a horse running well enough to do well at some of the bigger futurities, and then go to the BFA at Oklahoma City.

Who do you look up to in racing?

There are so many! Judy Myllymaki has sure helped me a bunch. Janet Stover, Sherry Cervi, the list goes on and on. There many, many fine horsemen to study.

Tell us about your horses and where they are in their training?

My big brown horse, Spud, is turned out for the winter. I'm putting all the timeI can on my 4-year-old gelding, Austin. He's out of our Sir Austen Duncan mare, and by a son of Fishers Dash. I have some high hopes for him. Right behind him is a 3-year-old out of the same mare and by Brigance, a sonof Beduino. Marlene has a new 4-year-old son of Bully Bullion she's going to be working with. This weather we've had this fall has made it a little harder to put in all the time I want to with them.

Tell us about your business?

I work for Navistar, Inc., the manufacturer of International Trucks. I work for the used truck division, at our Denver Used Truck Center. We deal with remarketing the used trucks that are traded in to International by fleets when the buy new trucks. We also sell the lease returns and repossessed trucks for Navistar Finance.

What all do you sell and for how long have you been doing it?

I sell medium and heavy duty trucks- basically, anything from a Ryder type rentaltruck on up. About 35 to 40 percent of our business is medium duty trucks sold tolocal businesses. Then of course we have the semi-tractors, both for local hauling and over the road long haul trucking.

What is the best truck for hauling horses?

The short answer is "that depends"! It depends on the size trailer you pull, the distance you haul,the frequency you haul, whether you are mainly in the flatlands, or are you in the mountains much? I've been involved in trucking for over 30 years and logged over a million miles in big trucks. That, combined with all the miles I've hauled horses and other livestock, gives me a good knowledge base to work from when someone comes to me and wants a truck to haul their horses with.

Do you only sell one brand or many brands - new or used?

I only sell used trucks, and I sell all makes!

What is your funniest memory of selling a truck?

One of the funniest things happened to a guy I work with. A man came in and wanted aparticular truck. Jim took him for a test drive, but the man asked Jim to do all the driving. The man decided to buy the truck. They wrote it up, did all the title paperwork, and the man paid for the truck. Jim gave him the keys so he could leave. He got the truck out the gate, but just barely. He finally got it over to the side of the road, and came walking back. He asked Jim to drive the truck back to our lot. The man said he needed to go get a friend to come drive his truck home for him!

Do your buyers come from all over the states?

I have customers all over the United States that buy from me.

Thanks Bill~!

Bonnie Wheatley, Barrel Horse News Editor and Race Producer

Name: Bonnie Wheatley
Business: Hobby/side business: Spin3 Productions www.spin3productions.com
Location: Calhan, CO
Brief Background:
Born in Bozeman, Mont., and moved to Colorado about 15 years ago. I grew up a horse trainer's kid so we lived in some different places over the years. I have the best parents ever.

Watch Bonnie run at Fountain on a Friday night from this summer:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=urkqUimpL-c

Family:
Sage, 3, and Regan, 7 - they are awesome kids! We're blessed beyond measure. My husband, Scot, is a former bull rider who converted to team roping a few years back

College:
UC Davis, with a BA in Literature. I've learned a lot through the years from the mistakes I've made!

Tell me about your career:
I was honored to get the position of Editor with BHN after freelancing for BHN for quite a few years. I also worked for the WPRA for a couple of years before managing the PBR's Challenger Tour. I later worked in the PR/Marketing Dept for the PBR and learned a great deal in my 10 years with the PBR. It's incredible to be part of the growth of such an organization. I met some very fantastic people there and now at BHN I work with and interview some really awesome people.

Future plans:
Just keep doing what I love to do, work hard and raise two great kids. I pray for strength every day to get it all done.

Bonnie runs the Super Race in May and in September. How did you come into that business?
Nancy Rinaldo offered to let me purchase her business after the passing of her parents. It has been a real learning process but it's a fulfilling business. I think our first one was in September '07. I got into doing the races because basically I didn't want to see them go away and Nancy and Ty had done an awesome job with them over the years. Between her and her sister they had done them for almost 20 years when I came on the scene.

Tell me about the race:
In a nutshell the events pay out approximately $90,000 annually in cash and awards combined. We do two big races – one in September and one in May - 2010 dates are May 8-10 and Sept 5-7, 2010 and once in a while a smaller one in between.

One thing about events is that they are only as good as the people you have working. That's number one - a great crew and I'm thankful to have one! Every single crew member is integral - you can't do it without them all knowing and loving what they do. I'd say the rakers we have are the very best I've ever seen anywhere.

Best memory so far:
I'd say my best memory so far would be our September 2009 event - it was truly our best and they continue to get better. When you present a Bob Berg buckle to someone that is truly gracious and proud to wear it because they understand how tough the competition
at our event is, that is gratifying every single time.

The hardest part?
Hardest part is for sure trying to keep everyone happy. And the weather.

Who are you affiliated with?
We are affiliated with MHBHA, SCBRA, AW4D, BBR, ABRA - we get a lot of approvals because I feel it's important for the barrel racers to have options. These organizations are all well-established and also help promote us.

What sets your races apart?
In my mind it is the ground and overall production quality that sets the races apart. It's always been my goal for it to be a tough race where legitimate professionals can showcase their horses’ right along with the novice riders and horses, the kids, etc. I think when you draw the top names it gives all of us something cool to watch. It raises the bar. We had a 16.8 run on a standard pattern at the September event and it was truly awesome - I think everyone there could appreciate that it was a special moment.

Tell me about the novice program:
The Novice programs are awesome because it gives every level of horse and rider a place to compete and excel in a non-intimidating atmosphere where great prizes and payouts are available.

Personal goals with barrel racing:
My personal goals are always to do the best I can with what I have. I like a horse that is calm, broke and wants to run the barrels. My ultimate goal is to have a horse that is nice to ride at the rodeo or at the ranch. I know it doesn't always go that way with barrel horses but that's the kind of horse I prefer. My goal for the next couple of years is to have a snaffle bit horse in training with my dad. I've always loved showing at RHAA shows and to do that and rodeo is just a special mix to me. It's what I grew up around and what I want my kids to be exposed to. Great horsemanship is, at the end of the day, what it's all about to me. I love doing cowboy stuff, just about anytime I can. I love that lifestyle and want it for my kids. I love it when we get invited to a branding or get to go to a show. Just being around good hands is a treat and they always tend to have the best manners too - it's special.

Who is your main mount right now?
My main mount right now is a Sun Frost/Flaming Jet bred horse called Shadow that I recently bought from Laura Lambert. He is wonderful and is a young horse that I have high hopes for. He has a great mind and is very athletic and enjoyable.

Tell us about your sponsors:
My sponsors are great because they have the same desires I do - to promote barrel racing, the Western lifestyle and family-oriented activities. We all want an event that caters to the family where you can bring your kids to ride and enjoy safe, wholesome entertainment. Great West Truck and Trailer has been a major sponsor the past couple of years and we've had people just jump on board and want to help since we started this, like Emerald Ranch and the Colorado Springs Visitor's Bureau. Sponsorship is a huge challenge especially in these times.

Tell us your funniest story so far:
There are always funny things that happen that you don't really think are funny at the time and that maybe you hope that no one else noticed except for you! I guess the first race we did was the biggest cluster ever and I'm really happy to say that they're a whole lot more organized now. Once in the very beginning I thought Ty Rinaldo had the rakers lined up and he didn't and it made for a pretty hilarious first day (I can say it was hilarious now, but it was very tense then). That was pretty epic and quite an initiation. People just pitched in and helped out and that's what makes any event work is when the barrel racers are helpful and the crew is working hard . . . even if it's a rough day, you get through it. And if you can laugh at the end of the day then you know you have your priorities straight anyway! It can be exhausting and fun all at the same time.

Anything you want to add?
My goal is just that people have a fun time and enjoy each other in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere where they want to return. I love that people camp out and enjoy each other after the race is done. It's like being at a big camp full of horses and people you like! That's what I want as a producer: FUN.

Brenda Haley, Realtor and Horse Lover

Okay, let's get this blog started!

Brenda Haley is a horse loving, horse property selling Realtor who loves the area and has been here for more than 22 years. She lives in Canon City and I think I'll make this blog easy on me and easy on people who take the time to respond: I sent out questions to be answered and I'll paste them here!



www.horsestop.net
Location: Colorado Springs and Canon City areas, including Westcliffe and Pueblo
Business: Realtor specializing in selling and buying horse properties






How did you get started when?

Began in 2003. Realtors were paying me to put their ads on Horsestop so I thought, hey, I would love to be a Realtor and meet people and connect them with their new homes!

Why did you start your site and how long have you had it?

Horsestop has been around for 10 years now. I wanted to have a site that would help connect horse people up and down the front range. I used to pay for my time with advertisements from feed stores, etc but now it's totally free, it pays for itself when I connect with someone looking for a horse property.

How many views do you get and from where?

I average between 2200 and 4000 views per month, the slowest month is November, best is in April. I imagine it's people checking show information.

What do you enjoy best about selling horse properties to people?

I absolutely love meeting new people coming into the area. Several of my riding club members are folks I've sold houses to!

Are you a barrel racer, trail rider or what?

I specialize in dressage and am president of our local chapter, Arkansas Valley Dressage Association, or AVDA. We began offering "cowboy dressage" at our shows and get several reining horsemen from as far as Buena Vista coming to ride our tests in their western gear. It's a hoot and they usually beat us with better scores!

How many horses do you have?

Currently I have two, a Thoroughbred and an Arabian.

Do your kids compete in anything locally (horsewise)?

Canon City has a very active 4-H membership. We are trying to get them involved with our dressage club.

What has been the most memorable sale for you?

I sold a gorgeous home with 35 acres in the Westcliffe area to someone that became one of my best friends! She made it memorable and we are the ones that formed our club.

If there was a "dream sale" you could do (Robert Redford's ranch?) what would it be and why?

Actually it would be one that I have listed, in Penrose on 75 acres with a huge indoor arena, custom apartment and state of the art barn all under one roof! I would love to live there myself!

Local bests in your opinion (horse events, eating, etc)?

We have several good cafes; one began in Penrose, the Coyote Den. They now have branched out into Canon City, the community college, and Pueblo! We have the famous Blossom Festival the end of May with our annual Royal Gorge Rodeo; the town fills up with interesting people.

Colorado native or ?

I was born and raised in Maryland, which is horse country, racing, steeple chasing, and hunting. I moved to Colorado Springs when I was 12. I have lived in the same house in Canon City now for 22 years.

Any strange or fun stories of selling a property?

I was showing a house to a young man and he asked me why I parked my truck way out in the road, up the hill. I explained to him that if it didn't start that I could put it in neutral to get it rolling so I could jump start it. He thought that was so funny that he called the next day and said he was using me as his realtor because he needed a house and I needed a sale! We are friends to this day, he was just here for a party! (that's funny!)

Anything else I might not be thinking to ask!

Sure, if anyone is thinking of selling or buying an equine property in the future they should give me a call, also be sure to check out Horsestop to submit their free club information, events and classified ads.

Good article on Lisa Lockhart, NFR barrel racer

Lisa Lockhart – The one to watch
By Peggy Sanders

Lisa Lockhart traveled to work off the ranch 40 times during this past year, not knowing if she would be paid for her efforts. Not only that, she had to pay as much as $500 for the privilege of working. Lisa is one of 15 elite barrel racers who have earned a berth in the National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas. On her third trip to the NFR, she is sitting in the middle of the pack at eighth place. With a payout of $17,000 for winning each round, the placings can easily change and the “world” is won during this week of rodeo.Lisa and her husband Grady have three children – Alyssa, 11, Thane, 9, and Cade is 6. They attend school at nearby Oelrichs, SD which has a four day school week, making it easier for their travels. The kids have started in Little Britches Rodeo adding to the family activities. Alyssa now rides Sterling, the old gray horse on which Lisa made many great runs in recent years. Sharing a good horse is one example of how this family operates as a team.

Continued at link:
http://www.tsln.com/article/20091208/TSLN01/912089999/0/FRONTPAGE

Stolen Horse Alert - Colorado

9 year old palomino mare stolen from my house in Wiley, Colorado. She is a dark yellow. Branded lazy D or W on left front shoulder, freeze brand. Blaze face, 2 hind pastern markings and wire cut on left rear cannon. If you have seen her or have any info please contact me at 719-660-9389 or Brandon at 719-688-2357 PLEASE FORWARD THIS TO ALL YOUR CONTACTS!!!!!!!ThanksAmy Wollert
amywollert@rocketmail.com

Mutual Promotion

Recently a person sent me a private message on Barrel Horse World and asked what there was for racing in our area. I realized, there is no one stop shopping to find out that info. And, since I enjoy writing and keeping track of races, I thought I'd start one.

I will keep my links updated. That is one thing that wastes more time than anything is Googling something only to find a slew of links that no longer work. And, it's just annoying as well. I'll do my best to keep the info updated and relevant.

This is a labor of love at this point. It's a tough economy out there and if we support the races that we can get to, they will continue to run and the producers that do put them on can continue to do so. So, I suppose this is free advertising for them and a project for me.

I started to write a post for this person who didn't know the local scene and I realized there is a lot of info in our area. The races I could think of off the top of my head are listed on the sidebar and there will be more added as they become available.

As well, I will be writing some posts on local shoers, photographers and anyone else you might like to read about. Our first interview will be with Karrie Dean of Yoder, Colo., who has branched out this year with her rodeo photography.

The pro's are covered in multiple blogs, magazines and websites, so this is more of a non-pro forum for the area. Although, we have some noted pro's in the area such as Marlene McRae and Kelly Yates, among others.



Photos by KD Photography
This is my daughter Casey (left) having a good time this summer at the FRRC in Fountain, Colo. My other daughter CheyAnne is leading her brother through the leadline events on a Gymkhana day. Low entry fees and membership fees make this a good choice for anyone who is beginner to intermediate or is more advanced and needs to season a horse. They have (as of now) Barrels and Poles and Gymkhana's (they have other events as well, but this is a speed event blog).