Karrie Dean of Yoder, Colorado, works the horse events with her camera

Name: Karrie Dean
Business: KD Photography http://www.karriedeanphotography.com/ kar2774@hughes.net

Tell me why on earth you are getting in the dirt and standing in the sun to take photos of snot nosed little kids riding horses (don't worry, I won't print the question like that..........LOL): {I lied}

I stand in the hot sun, sweat and get dirty....because I love getting that perfect action shot or capturing the look on the riders face! I have also found that some riders use my photos as learning tools for themselves!

Ardith Bruce, 1964 World Champion, 78 years young competing in

Fountain, Colo., at a small riding club in 2009.

Tell me about your kids:

I have three, very entertaining, adorable boys. Dallas is almost 11-years-old, thoughtful and kind. He enjoys sports and playing his accoustic and electric guitars. Dyllan will be 9-years-old in a few weeks. He is very outgoing and inquisitive. He loves to read, play basketball and baseball. Justin is almost 7-years-old. He is very quite, shy and yet has a great sense of humour. This kiddo loves to spending time at home.

Tell me about your camera:

The main camera that I use is a Digital Canon EOS Xs. For the action shots I use a 75-300mm lens. I also have two film cameras, a Minolta QTsi and an old Minolta X-570.

Tell me how long you've been taking photos:

I have been taking photos since High School. I fell in love with the camera when I took a photography class and became a yearbook photographer. That was the only photography class I have taken. Over the past 18 years I have collected knowledge from books, other photographers, the internet and trail and error. Sometimes those are the best ways to learn. Recently I was asked to teach a photography class at Ellicott Elementary School. That was an honor. Seeing the student's world through their eyes was incredible!

The best part of doing it?

Being able to capture the beauty, the emotion and the fun in the world is truly the best part of my business. Besides my family, photography is my passion.

What other events do you try to cover or hope to cover?

I try to cover a variety of events and subjects. My goal is to be a verstile photographer with very few limits. Currently I have taken individual/team shots for local sports teams and games. Also horse shows/events, weddings, family photos and Senior photos. I also volunteer my time and efforts for some school events. These photos are displayed in the Ellicott Elementary School.

The worst part of doing it?

For me, there isn't a "worst" part of doing this. It is hard to find a downside to something you love doing.

FRRC gymkhana rider, 2009

Do you have a million shots of your own kids or is it like the mechanic with the broken car?

Yes I do have a million shots of my kids. They are mostly "candids" and not portraits. Those are my favorite types of pictures to take. I find that candid shots capture the personnality of the subject the best. Where I lack are photos of myself - It is hard to get pictures of you when you are the one behind the camera!

Future goals (in general)?

We will set up a studio for indoor portraits. I would like do more marketing and advertising. One of my dreams is to have my work displayed in an art exhibit.

What events are you not doing right now that you'd like to do?

I would like to offer my services for Birthday parties, Baby showers, Family reunions, Dances, School field trips, etc. How many times are the parents or hosts too busy to take pictures at their events? Even if they do, like me, they are not in any of the shots.

I could not do what I love without the support and acceptance from my wonderful family, friends and community members!

I often work with my trusted associate Terri Fannin. She has been a great friend and inspiration for me and my business! I often call on Terri when a second photographer is needed. She brings an artistical "eye" and outlook to any of our jobs together.

Karrie Dean and her son, 2009

Thanks Karrie - sorry for spelling your name wrong for a year!!!! But I was a reallllllly good customer :)

Kelly Yates of Pueblo, Colorado

Name: Kelly Yates

Location: Pueblo, Colo.

Business: http://www.kellyyates.com/

Family: Jan and Dick Yates, parents—J.D. Yates, brother—Trey Yates, nephew

College: University of Southern Colorado (now CSU Pueblo) graduated from Sam Houston State University, Huntsville, Texas

Brief overview of your start in horses and your family:

I was put on a horse the day a came home from the hospital—it has been a part of me forever. We grew up in a rodeo family and we have been extremely thankful and successful; but it has been a lot of hard work, but I wouldn't change it for anything.

How long barrel racing and were you doing something else before that or has it always been barrel racing?

I ran barrels at the age of five—high school rodeo—college rodeo—became a professional at the age of 13 so I could go with my father. I competed in the goat tying, breakaway roping, barrels and poles, and also team roped. I was a gymnast for seven years and a cheerleader also in junior high and high school.

Your main mount?

I train and raise horses and have been successful on several of them. My claim to fame is Firewater Fiesta, she was a winner in the barrel futurities, derby’s and pro competition. She became lame at nine and now is producing babies.

How many do you work with on average?

Anywhere from three to six—depends on my schedule and my location. I have a place in Ft. Worth and when I go to Texas I only take three horses with me, and leave the others in Pueblo.

Do you take in outside horses?

No, I do not anymore---I will just ride colts out of Fiesta; as I sell the eggs to her.

Tell me how you split your time between states and why?

I enjoy the holidays with my family and return back to Texas the end of January, stay there for two or three months and come back to Pueblo. Trade horses and go back south for a few rodeos and the Ft. Smith Futurity, then I came back to my new home in Pueblo; rodeo thru the summer and fall, then go back the end of September and stay thru December at the World Championship Barrel Futurity.

Tell me about your breeding program and how that's going?

It is going great!!! The first set of colts out of Fiesta were 4-year-olds last year (2009) and the the colts that were in the futurities estimated $80,000.

How is Denver going?

My horse worked nice, but I realized why my time was not as I expected . . . I started to the left of the alley way and when I crossed the time line, I crossed it to the left of the electric eye which made my time be a little longer. I should have went more down the middle of the alley and go straighter to the first barrel (right). The pattern is set square with the alley, but not square with the arena; which means it is set at an angle. Me, the pilot, got in the way!!

Where are you competing nowadays?

I have another Fiesta colt for the futurities this year; plus I will go to some rodeos. I will be riding two Fire Water Flit horses: one I raised that is now eight, I C Elegance and a 7-year-old gelding " Flyin Hi Firewater"

Do you ever see yourself going for the NFR again? Or is that always in the back of your mind?

Times have changed, and I do have some bad memories from the NFR. I really like riding my colts, as I have a lot of patience with them. It's a lot of work to get to the NFR, and then it’s work and time consuming for 10 more days. Yes it does cross my mine, but when I said times have changed, they have. It is real hard to go down the rodeo when there are rodeos that limit their entries. It is not profitable for me to go across the country to try and win money to be able to go limited rodeos. I've been there and done that and I am enjoying riding my colts and spending time with my family.

Worst habit? Smoking

Best attribute? I am a very giving person.

If you weren't barrel racing, what would you be doing?

As a child I always was fixing peoples hair; so if I wasn't barrel racing I would own a beauty salon.

Any other horse sports that you love?

I like watch Quarter Horse Racing, the quality of horses at the World QH Show, team roping and I like to watch a calf roping.

If there was one thing you could change about how people enter the arena (or a bad habit you see on a regular basis) what would that be?

My main concern in the 4D or 5D barrel races is SAFETY . . . people don't watch out for other contestants or horses. Be considerate of others during the warm up time and stay out of the way. A number of accidents happen when people are not thinking about others and just themselves. If there is a person having trouble entering the arena, be kind and ask if they need assistance, or stay away from the situation.

Best part of the sport?

It's exciting, fast and the spectators love it. The people you meet are great and you are never too old to learn. The stories, learning experiences, and knowledge is worth a million dollars.

Worst part of the sport?

I feel the worst part of the barrel racing industry is paying equally throughout the divisions . . . this happens a lot in barrel races in Texas more than Colorado. You should want to get better and your horse also, but paying equally is not an incentive.

Thanks for your time Kelly!

From Barbara Schulte, motivator and cutter

Barbra Schulte is a motivational speaker, author and personal coach to all disciplines of riders. You can sign up for her newsletter @ http://barbraschulte.com/ - of course her advice for cutters is just as applicable to barrel racers or youth rodeo event competitors.

By Barbra Schulte

Strengthen Yourself Mentally Now for the Rest of the Year - Use Indoor Days to Boost Your Riding From the Inside Out

When chilly temperatures arrive, we usually spend more time indoors.
During winter months, do you feel like you're losing ground in your riding?

While there is no substitute for time in the saddle, winter can be a GREAT time to strengthen the mental, emotional, and physical aspects of your riding.

The first step is a shift in perception. Swap the thought, "Winter is the pits!" ... for ... "Winter is a great opportunity!"

After you giggle for fibbing to yourself, try on these ideas anyway(!):

Map out a mental and emotional strengthening program.

Days huddled by the fire are perfect to reflect upon last season's gains, your dreams, and where you need to improve. Use this time to get to know yourself again. The first step to getting stronger is to face your weaknesses honestly.

To get going, arm yourself with paper and pencil and answer the following questions:

During pressure situations, like a horse show or whenever you want to be at your best, what outside person, place, horse, or situation triggers an uncomfortable feeling inside? An example might be feeling less than ideal when a certain person watches you ride. Another example might be going to a particular place to ride where you've had a bad experience. List them all.

What exactly are the uncomfortable feelings associated with those situations? Are you feeling insecure, defensive, or angry when a certain personal stands at the rail? Are you feeling fearful for your safety or do you just lack confidence overall? The answers to these questions form the starting points for your winter mental and emotional work.

Then, devise a plan to replace unproductive ways of thinking and acting with empowering ones. Challenge your fears and insecurities head-on with an effective plan.

When you reflect on the specific situations that trigger the unpleasant feelings, ask yourself, "What do I have control of?" If you find that you have no control over the person, place, or situation, tell yourself, "Let it go." Try some humorous visualizations like putting the whole situation in a hot air balloon and watch it float away. Then, mentally practice getting back to the task at hand by asking yourself, "What's my job?"

Letting go of things over which you have no control, releasing blame, and taking responsibility for yourself are your real jobs. To know and live this is a powerful, productive, and liberating attitude.

Here's another example. If feeling safe is the issue, you can take control by mapping out a new riding instruction plan for the near future. A feeling of safety is within you. The action you take to remedy this challenge is something you have control over.

What positive emotional replacements could I condition instead of my old weak ways of thinking and feeling? For example, confidence might replace insecurity, while calmness could replace tension. One of the simplest truths of productive thinking (that evokes POWERFUL results) is to focus on what you want instead of what you don't want. For example, forget the troubling person ... (they might be in the hot air balloon anyway (-:) ... focus on a wonderful ride in your mind. Get into it!

Spend at least five minutes a day getting into the FEELING of your positive emotion and then another 15-20 minutes visualizing yourself riding with calmness, confidence, and energy. Add emotion, color, size, sights, sounds, smells, and touch to your mental pictures for maximum effectiveness. Get out the magic wand, baby! Go for it!

Keep a daily journal. Each day jot down the new feelings you are activating and how you are doing. This doesn't have to be a big deal. Make it fun. Daily writing keeps you in touch with yourself. Make some kind of notation ... even if it's only a sentence, "I LOVE winter!"

Map out a physical toughening program. This is the idea you knew would show up sooner or later! You can dramatically improve your confidence with more time in the gym. Here's the short course:

Priority #1: Abdominal strengthening. Build your skills ideally up to between 50 and 100 curls per day.

Priority #2: Interval aerobic exercise. Raise and lower your heart rate within your personal aerobic training zone for 20-30 minutes, 3-4 times per week.

Priority #3: Overall body strengthening. Alternate strength building exercises every other day between your upper and lower body.

Priority #4: Flexibility training. Do stretching exercises daily.

Enjoy your new found winter treasure of time to do the essential mental, emotional, and physical work that is easily overlooked when you get busy during the rest of the year.

Thirty days of conditioning positive mental and emotional skills will replace old sloppy patterns that hold you back!

As winter thaws you will emerge mentally clear and physically fit. That's a life treasure, too.
 
 
By Barbra Schulte
 
Get VERY Clear About Your 2010 Cutting  (Barrel Racing) Goals - Five Suggestions to Get You There

[the words, barrel racing, were inserted by me :]
So often we get swept away by what happened last year, what our best friend is doing, or what someone else thinks we should do.

But, what you want to accomplish this year is up to your desires, your current horse, family, or financial situations.

No matter what someone else is experiencing in our sport, it is important to decide what you want to achieve this year. Setting these goals is not the responsibility of your trainer, your spouse, or your friends.

Here are five suggestions to help you gain clarity about your goals:

1. Take time to reflect on why you cut. I know that may sound so elementary, but it can be easy to lose sight of what makes this sport tick for you.

It doesn't matter if you want to be the world champion, an affiliate champion, or if you want to cut in your neighbor's back yard once a month, be sure you know why you are cutting. Somewhere, gleaming in the answer, should be the word FUN.

If you are the champion type, it might be because you love to take on a challenge and follow it through. If you are the once-in-a-while cutter, it might be to completely get away from work and spend time with friends. All the rest of your decisions should hinge on if that road leads you towards fulfilling your reason for cutting.

2. With your purpose in mind, set long-term measurable goals and short-term performance goals you can control. This distinction between long-term measurable and short-term performance is very empowering. Here's how you do it:

Set long-term goals that have an outcome you can measure. Examples would be to win your affiliate's 50K class or cut with your friends at least six times this year. It doesn't matter if this measurable goal changes as the year passes, just set one now that's meaningful to you.

A short-term goal is PERFORMANCE driven and under your control. An example would be, "During my next run I will be calm in the herd so I can make the best decisions possible during each cut."

The distinction is very important about these goals as each plays its own critical role. A long-term goal is the FUEL for your endeavors. However, they are absolutely out of your direct control. Short-term goals are the focus for your riding in the moment and provide the blueprint for your advancement. They ARE under your control.

The SECRET to accomplishing long-term goals you're so excited about is to be clearly focused on performance stated short-term goals. Focus to improve your weakest areas first and build methodically from there.

3. Map out a clear plan for your instruction and your horse's tuning. There are any number of ways to design both of these programs, but they are NOT the same. You owe it to yourself to know you are a work in progress (we all are) and you need mentoring (we all do). Your horse deserves to stay conditioned and tuned. Keep these two aspects separated in your mind. Then, typically with a trainer or mentor, figure out how they blend together.

Focus on your weakest areas one practice session at a time and one show run at a time.

4. Take advantage of any number of varying opportunities to educate yourself about cutting. For example:

Seek a mentor to act as your guide. Most often this is your trainer, but it can also be a well respected peer. Search for and introduce yourself to successful individuals. Pick their brains. Digest what they say. Adopt what works for you and leave the rest.

Repeatedly watch or read cutting resource materials like books and videos. Review them often. You will always find something new.

Find out who offers clinics and when. Plan to participate in or at least observe as many clinics as possible to gain new perspectives. If the NCHA holds a clinic in your area run, don't walk, to attend it. I loved my experience last Fall.

Read and understand the NCHA rule book and case book. Study it from cover to cover. The NCHA has also produced a judging DVD with examples of all rules.

5. Make having fun THE most important goal of 2010. In the world of high performance training, as well as in the business of living, having fun is paramount to success and joy. You are in control of the people you choose to be with, as well as the situations you choose to be in. You don't have to have a logical decision to make changes. You don't have to rationalize it to anyone. Consider your goals for 2010 (step #1) and be guided by fun and excellence as you take your next steps to a great cutting year.

A few news stories and a link to a barrel racing weiner dog

This is funny. It takes a few minutes to get to the dog actually racing but it's worth it.
http://pettube.com/dogs/barrel_racing_weiner_dog.html

‘Famous Silk Panties’ helps local horse trainer to big win
http://mcalesternews.com/cnhi/mcalesternews/homepage/local_story_010094341.html?keyword=leadpicturestory

Rodeo Impact Was $4M For San Juan County
http://www.koat.com/news/22200325/detail.html

Cowboys of Color Rodeo rides into Stock Show
http://www.fwbusinesspress.com/display.php?id=11708

Carol Ellis, Berthoud, Colo., trainer, racer and writer

Name: Carol Ellis
Location: Berthoud, Colo.
Business: Lazy Heart E Tack Shop and Arena – http://www.lazyhearte.com/ or http://www.lazyheartetackshop.com/
Family: Wonderful husband and rooting section Gene; 3 kids; 7 grand-kids; 2 great-grand-kids! YIKES!

Where you are from and how you made it to Berthoud:

I was born and raised in Ft. Collins so I haven't moved very far. I did live briefly in Minnesota and Wisconsin. When Gene and I married we pooled resources we found this place. That was 26 years ago.

How and when did you start barrel racing:

My dad always had horses. He was involved in the race horse industry when I was young and then got out when he had a family to support. However, we always had horses around for us kids to ride—I have two sisters and a brother. After my mother passed away and all of the family was out on their own he got back into the race horse business. I was partners with him in "H and C Quarter Horses". We partnered for about 6 years until Gene and I moved to Berthoud. At that time Gene and I got out of the race horses to concentrate on our place here. My heart has always been in barrel racing but I have also studied Western Horsemanship, Western Pleasure, Hunter Under Saddle, Reining, Roping and a taste of Dressage. I have specialized in barrel horses for about 20 years.

Tell us about your best (the one you enjoyed the most) win:

Some years ago in Reno, Nev., at the American West finals I had several students with me. I managed to win several checks over the four day period and a saddle and every one of my students won checks and several got their pictures taken for winning either go-rounds or average awards. It thrills me to see a student do well. That trip was priceless!

Tell us about your average student and what you are looking for in students:

I work with both beginner/novice barrel racers and advanced so there really is not an "average" student. I do not look for anything in particular but I do appreciate certain traits: I love students with dedication, diligence and good attitudes in a win, lose or draw situation. I admire anyone that strives to get better and will do anything I can to help each person reach their goals.

Do you still actively compete?

Absolutely! I don't know if a person can really instruct effectively if they are not participating themselves. I am pretty sure the day will come when I may have to "hang it up" but I am not planning on that any time soon. Hope God has the same plans! I am hoping to have at least one more good, solid 1D/2D horse before I am too old to get on.

You Tube:  Carol Ellis and Oaken Lena "Opie" before he passed away.
You Tube: Carol on her new boy, Taco.


I know that De Chapman was one of your students and she is a 1D racer, but is that always the goal? I mean, there is happiness at the other D's, can you tell me your thoughts on that?

The great advantage of the divisional system is it does give everyone a chance to compete and win some money and since the inception of the divisional system the barrel racing industry has really grown by leaps and bounds. That being said it can also create a certain level of mediocrity. In other words people will "get stuck" in a lower division and be happy there. I am extremely goal oriented and there are students that I know will never, because of several variables, reach the "upper D's". However, I always want them to set goals and be striving to get better. I do have to realize their goals are not my goals though. Even "at my age" my goal is to constantly learn and constantly get better and I try to encourage each person to be willing to put in the time and energy do their absolute best. And I encourage constant education.

Tell me about your clinics, cost, goals, dates, places:

Link to clinic schedule. We start in the early spring and go through October with various offerings. Basically there are two types: the "101 Barrel Racing Clinic" that is suitable for a very broad base from beginner to advanced. It covers everything from "A to "Z so far as training a barrel horse and competing is concerned. The other is "Advanced Barrel Racing" and it is for the competitor. It is geared towards the person that is either actively competing or ready to compete and covers how to get the most out of each team. I try to make them both really fun for everyone and yet a challenge. I am also in a constant state of education and I let them know what I learn each year so I have something new to offer. I do have many repeat participants. They keep me on my toes!

I know your husband (or you?) travels with your tack shop to some shows, which shows do you try to get to?

The tack shop is mostly Gene's endeavor. I am the bookkeeper and rooting section! It is nice because he specializes only in barrel racing equipment. We travel mostly Colorado and Wyoming but depending on the situation will also travel to other surrounding states. We do try and make every Mile Hi Barrel Race and support Carol Crowder. Gene loves the girls—as anyone will tell you! And he always has a sucker for the little ones!

Tells us about your "Running on Faith" columns:

My faith and hope in Jesus as my savior is extremely important to me. As a person that has lived on both sides of the fence I know God's side is the best! It is important for me to encourage people and stress the fact that barrel racing is what we do and not who we are and we need to keep everything in perspective and keep God first and foremost in our lives. I write about my own personal situations and experiences and how God has seen me through and hope people can relate. I think it is important for people to realize they are not the only ones facing a certain trial or situation and God will see us through whatever happens if we just stay the course. I tell everyone the goal in life is "do the right thing and glorify God".

Future goals with your racing and horses?

I only have one horse I am hauling now. My years of hauling a load of horses is over! I used to haul an open horse, a back-up horse, a futurity horse and a young horse for seasoning. Whatever I could fit in the trailer. I am to the point now I enjoy hauling one horse I enjoy. I had a good open horse that died almost two years ago of cancer, Opie, so I have had to start over again and the new boy is coming along nicely. I take forever building a new horse because they have to last forever. Also, my personal horses need to do double duty: 1) go run barrels and 2) stand in the arena for eight hours during a clinic. Taco, the new horse, is doing really well at both. He is by Jet's Easy Roll and out of a granddaughter of First Down Dash. I am considering buying another as a back-up but haven't seen the horse I can't live without yet.

How long does a horse stay with you before you sell them?

If I buy a horse for resale I plan on keeping it between 4 to 6 months. However, the day I buy them I put them right back on the market. The people that come to me for a horse expect a certain type because they are usually repeat buyers or referrals so I usually keep the horse until they are through the program and ready to haul and solid and easy for just about anyone to ride. I ask a lot of questions when I have a new buyer so I can try and make the best match possible. I do have several horses for sale on consignment at all times to choose from. Most are featured on my web site.


Thanks Carol ~!

Book review: Fine Tuning Barrel Horses by Jessi Mead

Dynamite does come in small packages and Jessi Mead is no exception. Her book, “Fine Tuning Barrel Horses” is 123 pages of great information. While I wasn’t able to keep up with all the geometry she throws in there, I was able to visually understand exactly what she meant. Mead, at just 5’5” and 130 pounds, is also a small package and ended her 2009 season 15th in the standings for the WPRA Mountain States Circuit and won the Douglas, Wyo., championship title. She has more than 30 years of training barrel horses and many other wins to her name (www.jessimead.com).


Mead has written a book that breaks down her methods, step-by-step-by-step. Seriously, if you come away from this book and you don’t know how she trains a horse, you weren’t reading it! As many horse-people already know, there is always more than one way to train a horse, and if you are looking to train your own, this is a great book. She literally takes you from start to finish in her book and covers a ton of ground in a limited amount of pages. This is a self-published book through an Amazon program but if you weren’t publishing savvy you would never even notice. The book is very professionally laid out and has great photos and diagrams, a great glossy cover and good writing.

Balance and riding posture are two of the first things that Mead hits on and she is very clear in her writing and backs up that writing with illustrations and photos. You cannot help but understand what she is talking about and that’s a great thing in a book. Getting your balance in line with the horse is just one aspect of teaching a horse the pattern and she moves on to “common misconceptions and mistakes.” One mistake that she points out that almost anyone can agree with is not to whip your horse repeatedly. Instead, she says, to give your horse the chance to respond to your command before you do it again, if you need to at all. Another “mistake” that she lists is the ubiquitous advice to “look at the next barrel.” And Mead is not the only trainer out there to explain that looking at the next barrel really accomplishes nothing other than throwing your horse’s balance off kilter.

Mead moves on to the actual barrel pattern and breaks it down with numbers. A standard pattern, according to AQHA rules, is 495 feet and in those 495 feet a horse has to run the pattern in 17.0 flat, “making ever three feet that your horse runs worth about one-tenth of a second. . .” Clearly every tenth of a second counts. And with the number of talented trainers and riders out there, understanding exactly how every step affects your time is crucial to getting better and faster.

She moves on to the barrel pocket and tells you how to adjust your pocket for the size of your horse, how to measure the pockets and how to mark the pockets. Moving on she covers the four points in each barrel pocket and talks about checking and rating your horse based on the horse’s personality (chargy/run or rated/push style).

Moving into the actual training of the horse on the pattern she again provides excellent visuals for even the most greenhorn racers to follow. This book isn’t just for a trainer to train with but for a newer racer who needs to see the visuals in more than one way to learn how and when and why. I could also see this being very handy for a trainer who gives lessons and wants to break down the pattern for the newbie. Mead goes on to talk about collection and controlled speed, leg commands, flying lead changes (she prefers to teach all her barrel horses the pole pattern to make flying lead changes more fun and interesting for them) and she has several exercises in the book for teaching rate and turns. Mead even goes so far as to explain and illustrate “reading your tracks” so that the reader can determine just where a horse is going wrong.

The book closes with a chapter on the actual competition and tips on how to get it done. There are no wasted words in her book. She will not be reading about breeding the barrel horse or her long list of where she has been and how she got to where she is, and by all accounts, she’s not a world champion. But there are a lot more effective trainers than there are world champions in the world and what she has to say is said very well and explained in-depth. The book has something for every level of rider, but if you’re new to barrel racing I very much think this book will help you get better and faster in less time. It’s a great book to add to your collection (or even to start your collection).