Barrel Racing Bios by Tina Spangler

My love for horses and the sport of barrel racing has inspired this column. I have been competing in barrel racing and pole bending since I was 8 years old. I have been professionally training since 1993. My experience has taught me that you can learn from every horse and rider you meet. So in a positive way to help fellow barrel racers and their horses we have started this column. The interviews posted are barrel racers that are competing and winning. Not just a who's who, but how they train, care for their horses and prepare for barrel racing competition them selves. I hope you enjoy reading the articles and learn something new as well! --Tina Spangler

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News

Thursday, May 08, 2008
Tammi Pettis and Looking For An Alibi, aka Friday

It's been two years since my interview with Tammi, I recently asked for an update due to how well I have seen them doing in the last year or so. Click on this interview to see how exciting the last two years have been for Tammi and her crew!

Wednesday, April 30, 2008
Lisa Malphurs and Rulla Rebel-"Charlie"

Many of you are starting to think NBHA State Finals 2008! Many of you remember last year's state finals, Lisa and Charlie won it, after qualifying back in the 2D. They taught us, "anyone who can dream it, can make it happen!" Good luck to all Florida barrel racers attending this year! Good luck to our tough futurity riders heading out to Ft. Smith, Arkansas mid-May for the Old Fort Days Futurity and Derby. Best wishes to Sabra O'Quinn, Caryn Henry, Byron Forehand, Lorie Manning, Lori Butler, Teal Hampton, and our recently moved Boe Kellogg!(I hope I named them all). I have seen a few of those horses and they will be contenders for the win in Ft. Smith!

June of 2007, NBHA State Finals were held at Silver Spurs arena in Kissimmee. Lisa and Charlie had an amazing weekend. Qualifying back to the short go by placing in the first go 2nd in the 2D, with a 14.9, then faster in the 2nd go for 4th place in the 2D with a 14.722, and then they came back for the short go FINALS and won it all with a 14.491!

Tuesday, January 29, 2008
Shasta Alvarez

This article is updated with some valuable information from Shasta on transitioning the open horse into a rodeo horse. Imagine being 19 and at a pro rodeo performance as a rookie and you are the only one who has not been to the NFR? That was Shasta many times! Shasta has a great barrel racing story to share with us, you will love this article.

Saturday, January 12, 2008
Shawnda Wagner

Florida is a huge state with many GREAT barrel racers. Many of you know Shawnda Wagner for those of who don't her barrel racing friends would say she is a very competitive, active barrel racer, with wonderful sportsmanship and overall is a great person to know. I hope you enjoy reading about Shawnda.

Tuesday, January 01, 2008
Tina Spangler - TLC Horse Training

To learn more about Tina Spangler, read her bio at www.tlcbarrelhorsetraining.com

Friday, November 30, 2007
Chelsea and Dallas, Tour of Champions Novice Horse 1D Champions

The Tour of Champions Novice Horse Division was not won by a big name trainer, or a top barrel racing bloodline horse, but a young, up and coming barrel racer and her 13 year old, half arabian/quarter horse!

Monday, August 27, 2007
Linda Jones

Interview from 10/2005. Where should I start with Linda Jones, she is the NBHA Florida State Director and has been since the NBHA started in 1992. She has famous horses, Special Feelings(sire of NFR Champion Dyna's Plain Special-DeeDee, ridden by Janae Ward-Massey) and Dyna Snow, dam of DeeDee and the 1986 Oklahoma City Reserve Derby Champion, ridden by Talmadge Green. She has a wonderful husband, Gary. What a true cowboy couple they are and a wonderful asset to the rodeo and barrel racing community! She has trained and ridden many great barrel horses as well. Photo courtesy of KMW Photography

Saturday, August 25, 2007
Barrel Racer and Entrepreneur Sabra O'Quinn

Living by a creed is not an option for Sabra O'Quinn a 20 year member of the WPRA and Florida's VERY OWN barrel racer and rodeo competitor, it's a way of life!

Sunday, July 22, 2007
Heather Kuhn (Henderson) and Mergie

This article was written in 2004, and they are still going strong, you see their names in rodeo and supershow standings. Heather Kuhn(Henderson) and Shesa Mergie have won over $150,000 barrel racing.

Friday, May 25, 2007
Nicole Brown - Great Trainer and Competitor

I have been watching Nicole and her horses for awhile and I am blown away by how quick and athletic they are. Nicole has won many checks on them lately at rodeos and big shows in the open and novice horse classes. I think Nicole offers some great ideas for training the barrel horse to have a great handle and pattern on them. I hope you enjoy it.

Sunday, July 16, 2006
Boe and Randa Kellogg

Before they were married, individually they won huge earnings on multiple horses. Most of Boe's money has been earned in the futurity/derby circuits and most of Randa's money has been earned in the WPRA circuit. Now, I am sure they will take their talent and passion for barrel racing to a higher success, together. Boe and Randa have a place in Polk City and they plan to raise, train and sell quality barrel horses.

Friday, June 30, 2006
Byron Forehand and the great horses he has trained!

Many of you know his name, for those of you who don't, Byron is a great horseman! He is behind the scenes a lot, you don't always see his name in the results pages, but he has raised, broke to ride, patterned and competed on many top barrel horses over the years. Some of those horses that he has been apart of are; Nonstop Cattin, Won Lil Red Hot Otoe, Gotjustalittlecredit, Cavier Cash, Fire Fast Cash, Miss Cash Speed and others. These horses have won at many levels from top futurities to super shows with over 500 entries.

Monday, May 15, 2006
Anne Oskandy and Caviar Cash

Anne is only 20 years old, but has won over 12 saddles, tons of cash and many titles barrel racing and pole bending. She has had a couple of horses help her win all of that, Brassy and Caviar. They are two horses she has had a very special bond with.

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Wednesday, February 08, 2006
Ashley Fisher and Judah

This article was my joy to write. I meet so many people that inspire me and Ashley Fisher maybe one of the most inspiring! I did not know when Ashley's Stepmom booked her for my barrel racing clinic last year she was deaf. I did not know until the day of the clinic.

Wednesday, November 09, 2005
Lynn K Brown - Colorado WPRA barrel racer

I have interviewed many of Florida's Finest, but I was lucky enough to get one of my favorite barrel racers from my Colorado days to interview. I hope you find her advice as priceless as I do. She was always fun to watch and a tough competitor. Anytime I asked her opinion on something she always gave me smart advice. Lynn is a 6 time WPRA Mountain States Circuit Qualifier, a 2001 Dodge National Circuit Finals Qualifier, the 2000 WPRA Mountain States Finals Champion and the 1999 WPRA Mountain States Circuit Reserve Champion Rookie. Also, this weekend she just won the WPRA Mtn States Circuit Finals, each go around and the average, riding LoisK.

Wednesday, October 19, 2005
Tamme Fussell and Fire Easy

Photo Courtesy of KMW Photography. One of the most beautiful horses I have ever seen is FIRE EASY! When you see Tamme and Fire Easy(nicknamed Meeko) coming you can't help but stare at them. This palomino stallion is not just gorgeous but a champion barrel horse as well. What has impressed me most are the ups and downs they have had over the years and they way Tamme keeps going and stays positive.

Monday, August 29, 2005
Mary Torode and Flitin Bug

I have watched Mary and Flitin Bug compete many times. I think he may be one of the quickest horses I have ever seen. He can have big pockets on the back side of a barrel and still clock in the 1D at big shows. Flit and Mary have been a team for a few years now and she says it took her at least one year to start doing well on him. Her family has owned him for 7 years. Flit is 15 years old now and he was trained for barrels when they bought him. With the help of Kim Landry, who felt he was a diamond in the rough, they saw his potential and gave him the time he needed. Today they are one of Florida's toughest teams to beat!

Sunday, July 24, 2005
Keith Weems of KMW Photography

Photographs provide memories for a life time. Photographs help us see where we can improve our riding in a barrel turn. Photographs were once a luxury at barrel races and are now a more common service. So if you go to see "the photo guy or photo booth" like I do, I suggest you think about it a little different next time. I never took the time to realize the person's name who took my photo, the hard work and pride they put into it, how the art of the shot, the quality of the photos and the editing of the shot vary from photographer to photographer, until recently. If you have ever bought a photo from Keith Weems of KMW Photography then you saw the blend of art and modern technology combined together to give you a high quality memory for a lifetime. Have you ever considered how much it costs them to set up and take all our photos at a show? Have you ever said thank you to them for the beautiful picture and the work they do? I hope this article makes you stop and think and the next time you see a rodeo or barrel racing photographer you pay them a compliment in words and/or by purchasing your photos.

Monday, July 18, 2005
Ann Bohm - Horse Teacher

PHOTO: Courtesy of Maverick Photography- Many of my articles are written about competitors that have won big events, but this article is about a trainer that has sat quietly in the background for over 20 years making and selling some very nice barrel horses and helping rodeo kids improve in roping, barrel racing and pole bending. Some of the horses she has sold have gone on to win with competitors like Kelly Callahan, Chevis Howell, Brandi Fussel, Lou McCard and others. Ann will share some of her training theories and advice with us in this article.

Friday, June 24, 2005
Amanda Avery

UPDATE: 2005 NBHA State Championships was very successful for Amanda and two of her horses. One, they call "Gas Money Bandit" won the first go around 4D open division paying $1130, then the Finals Open 4D Championship winning $1333, a trophy saddle and impact gel saddle pad. Out of four runs for the weekend Bandit continued to be the consistent horse that he has been for years, with times of 16.205 first go, 16.3 in the 2nd go, 16.440 in the open finals and in youth finals a 16.282, he is as consistent as they come. The old man proved he deserves the first spot in the trailer and the barn again with his solid performance at the State Show. Amanda also won money on her great horse, Grey. He got tougher with every run starting the first go with a 15.189, 2nd go a 15.035, Youth 14.804 in the 1D, winning 10th and $218, then the Open Finals a smoking time of 14.589 winning $689 in the 1D Open Final Round. They new the speed they start with on Grey to first barrel is how the rest of his run will go, so with the idea of having someone shake a whip with a plastic bag behind him in the alleyway at take off, so Amanda could hussle riding two hands to first, proved to be a winning method to get Grey to "fire" from the alley

Monday, June 20, 2005
Yvonne Skelton and Magic Kinda Paint

It's a family affair, Mom and two sisters all barrel race. This weekend was Yvonne's weekend to shine. Yvonne says, she has been barrel racing with her horse for 7 years and while they have had their highs and lows, he is honest and caring and she knows she can depend on him. That trust just earned them the 2005 NBHA Youth 1D State Championship and the Open Reserve 1D State Championship at Silver Spurs Arena in Kissimmee. They won $3081.65 combined open and youth, a trophy saddle, a reserve buckle, a horse trax impact gel saddle pad and a wild card from NBHA. She also won $374.87 on her 4 year old over the weekend. Yvonne and Bubba, as she fondly calls him, ran a 14.495 in the open finals and a 14.447 in the youth finals. She had very consistent and fast times on Bubba, a 16.3 hand (yes, 16.3) registered paint gelding. PHOTO: Courtesy of KMW Photography

Monday, June 13, 2005
Amy Stevens Watters and Tupelo

Update: Crowned 1D Open NBHA State Championship. Amy says, she feels lucky and blessed they were able to win it after the week and weekend they had. Tupelo was snake bit the Sunday prior to the State Show and not feeling his best, but as usual gave his best. They won about $4300.00, a saddle, a wild card, and a great Impact Gel saddle pad. PHOTO: Courtesy of KMW Photography

Monday, June 13, 2005
Megan Rogers and Roanie

Update: Megan and Roanie won the Youth 3D trophy saddle at the NBHA State Show in Kissimmee, with a time of 15.462, it paid $744.00, she got a wild card and an Impact Gel saddle pad too. But, Friday and Saturday's runs in the Open left her a little down. She was soaked from rain before every run and hit barrels on Molly and Roanie. So Sunday's Youth Finals was a huge improvement for her. She also placed 16th in the 2D on a borrowed horse named Doc's Black Cat owned by Angela Cregger. She is very excited as the wild card will get her to the NBHA Youth World and it will be her first time. PHOTO: Courtesy of KMW Photography

Saturday, June 11, 2005
Crystal Shumate and Go For It Frenchgirl

In the last two years this duo has won over $32,000 placing at futurities, derbies and super shows. The latest win comes at the NBHA State Show 2005 in Kissimmee at the Silver Spurs Arena. They were crowned with the Open 2D Championship title AGAIN, just like in 2003, but on a different horse. PHOTO: Courtesy of KMW Photography

Sunday, May 29, 2005
Chevis Howell and Dubbs

Chevis comes from a traditional cowboy family. Her Dad grew up on a Haines City, Florida ranch working cows with his Dad. He was also involved in rodeo. Chevis's Mom rode horses, so it was only natural that Chevis would grow up with the life style and desire to be a cowgirl.

Thursday, May 26, 2005
Tasha Holliman and Jacob

Tasha just may be the exact member type NBHA was thinking of when the organization was started. Tasha loves her horses, barrel racing and spending the day with her family and friends at the barrel race. She was very refreshing to talk to because of her pure joy of her hobby. I could tell that the 10 years experience she has in the NBHA has not only helped teach her how to train her 1D horse, Jacob, but also how to have sportsmanship and to be a great competitor too! PHOTO: Courtesy of Maverick Photography

Thursday, May 19, 2005
Connie Hearn

Many of you know Connie, as she has been barrel racing for about 30 years in Florida. I hauled my horses over and spent the day riding and talking with her while doing the interview. I learned a little more about the lady, her life and her training. Connie has a God given talent with horses. Her years of experience riding barrel horses shows, as I watched her ride and tune horses through the barrel pattern. She had a nice feel as to what they needed and when.

Monday, March 07, 2005
Patty Badgett and "Set and Bold"

2005 is starting out great for Patty and Sissy! Sissy must really love, trust and respect Patty, as much as I know Patty loves, trusts and respects her, because you see, Sissy is blind in her left eye! For only just over one year Sissy lost her vision, but that didn't stop them from winning over $700, placing at Silver Spurs and Okeechobee Pro Rodeos.

Monday, January 24, 2005
Naomi Minardi

Naomi competes in NBHA District 6 and has won the 1D Youth Saddle for 2004. You will often see Naomi entered on 5 horses at every race, competing in both the open and youth. But the two main horses responsible for the 1D Youth Saddle, is her 19 year old gelding "So" and a borrowed horse from Kappie and Jodie Nelson, "Dee Lux", a 15 year old mare.

Tuesday, January 18, 2005
Patti Roberts- WPRA President, native Floridian and fellow barrel racer

Patti is living a dream she has wanted since she was a little girl and went to see her first rodeo. Patti has always wanted to be apart of rodeo and made it to her first WPRA Circuit Finals in 1989. Year after year, on several horses, Patti has made her dreams come true in the WPRA.

Thursday, January 06, 2005
Lisa Shaver and We B Streakin

Lisa Shaver and We B Streakin won the NBHA New Year's Day race at the Realty Ranch in Zolfo Springs. There were 256 entries and they stopped the clock in a smoking 15.62 for $526 in winnings. Lisa bought B just 6 months ago and they have already had some great wins. Lisa is also leading the SBRA WPD division for the year end saddle. PHOTO: Courtesy of KMW Photography

Thursday, December 16, 2004
Caryn Henry -Professional Barrel Horse Trainer

The longer I live in Florida the more interesting people I get to interview. I know many of you know her name and her accomplishments. I respect and admire the hard work, talent and dedication Caryn has given to get where she is today. Caryn makes her living training barrel horses full time.

Tuesday, December 14, 2004
Buddy Hall = Barrel Horse Technician

Technician = a specialist in the technical details of a subject or occupation, one who has acquired the technique of an art or other area of specialization. A Barrel Horse Technician = Buddy Hall

Thursday, November 04, 2004
Linda Yorks - A True Cowgirl

When I think of Cowgirl, I think of someone who is down to earth, but classy, tough and tender, smart, caring and humble, someone who rises to the occasion when necessary, whatever it may be, a competitor, a mentor, a mother, a wife, a woman who knows her gifts are God given. That definition fits Cowgirl to me, that definition fits Linda Yorks to me!

Wednesday, November 03, 2004
Shannon Flack and Spudman

She raised him from a yearling, started him under saddle, trained him for barrels and now in just a couple of years they are smoking! They have been winning 1D competitions, they are leading the NBHA#6 for the year-end 1D Championship Saddle and they have qualified for the US Cowboy Tour Finals. Shannon has put in the hard work and it has paid off for itself in SPUDMAN.

Friday, October 08, 2004
Kaylon Fussell and AJ

In the 3 years I've lived in Florida, there was always a barrel racer that stood out to me in the arena. I would see her at jackpots and rodeos. She rides like a jockey. While quiet and smooth, she is always there for her horses if need be, but never in their way when they are working. That person is Kaylon Fussell from Polk City.

Saturday, September 25, 2004
Kim and Joe Brown

Kim and Joe Brown from Brooksville, are a wonderful married couple, who share the same love and passion for horses. Kim feels so lucky to have Joe as her husband, they ride together daily. He is her driving force and main support in her barrel racing and now Joe is barrel racing with her too! PHOTOS: Courtesy of Maverick Photography

Tuesday, August 10, 2004
Ashley Godwin and Real Goer

Ashley Godwin, a thirteen year old barrel racer from Fort Ogden, Florida won the Junior Barrels on the 4th of July at the Arcadia All Florida Championship Rodeo Bullarama, on her horse Real Goer, aka "Dixie". Along with one year ago, they had the 8th fastest time out of 900+ entries at the 2003 NBHA Open World Finals Show.

Monday, August 09, 2004
Glenda Bass and Marchs Drifting Bar

Glenda and Drifter won the 2003 South Eastern Divisional Tour Championship with the WPRA. They qualified for the 2003 WPRA South Eastern Circuit Finals and to go to Fort Worth for the WPRA Divisional Tour Finals. They have placed at several Florida futurities and derbies and qualified and placed at the NBHA World Show.

Friday, August 06, 2004
2004 Youth State Champion, Amy Still and Trek

Amy Still has been very busy since winning NBHA State Youth 1D title in June. Both Trek and Catcus are doing great. They have won at Youth World, the All American, WPRA Rodeos in Texas and Arkansas and moved back into the top 10 in the WPRA standings for the South Eastern Circuit and Rookie Title.

Monday, August 02, 2004
Shellie and Courtney Reinbott and "Miss Foxy Oh's"

Shellie Reinbott and Miss Foxy Oh's are sitting in the top 5 of the South Eastern WPRA with $5,890.25 in winnings. Most recently, Shellie's 12 year old daughter, Courtney, just finished 3rd in the 1D "Youth" Finals at the NBHA Youth World 2004, riding Foxy.

Sunday, August 01, 2004
Open 2004 State Champion, Paula Seay and Elmer

*UPDATE: Paula and Elmer are sitting 2nd in the World WPRA Standings, with over $62K in winnings! Since leaving Florida in June they had a COWBOY CHRISTMAS over the Fourth of July and since, in Nevada, Utah, Wyoming and Colorado! I AM SURE EVERY COWGIRL/BOY IN FLORIDA WILL BE PULLING FOR THEM AT THE NFR IN DECEMBER! *Only fitting to start our first article with what may be Florida's Best BARREL RACING TEAM, Paula Seay and Elmer! Paula and Elmer won the NBHA State Championship with what seemed like ease. PHOTO: Courtesy of KMW Photography

Monday, July 19, 2004
Karen Fountain and Record Money win big at Live Oak

Over the Fourth of July weekend another barrel racing team cleaned up. Karen Fountain and Record Money won the WPRA DT at Live Oak and placed second in the Open 1D with 163 entries. Karen says, Reco has a HUGE HEART. She says barrel horses deserve a lot of respect from us for all that they do!

Sunday, July 11, 2004
Dixie Hughes and Wonder Whose Cash

Dixie Hughes and Wonder Whose Cash took 2nd in the NBHA State Championships 1D short round. They won over $3700 for the weekend and were the next closest time to Paula Seay. Then one month later they won $1000 for placing in the 1D for two rounds of the NBHA Super Show in Perry, Georgia.

Sunday, July 04, 2004
Erin Glisson and Desoto's Sweet Sue

Erin Glisson, a sixteen year old barrel racer from Tampa, wins the Fourth of July NBHA Youth 1D at Wachula, with over 80+ entries on Desoto's Sweet Sue.

Sunday, July 04, 2004
Megan Calhoun and Late Credibility

Megan Calhoun and her horse, Late Credibility, just won the Fourth of July 2004 NBHA 1D Open in Wachula. There were 161 entries and they were the only team in the 1D. The check was for $1,252.00, a nice bang to their 4th of July.

Saturday, June 26, 2004
Jordan Belanger, a 13 year old boy out ran 140+ open riders

The Brook Miller Memorial Barrel Race was held June 26th, 2004 at the John Jimmie Memorial Arena. The event was hosted by Seminole Wind Horse Club. There were over 140 entries and all of the proceeds have gone to the Brooke Miller Family.

Thursday, June 17, 2004
2004 Senior State Champions, Nancy Ingram and Jewel

Jewel is the right nickname for Nancy Ingram's 11 year old mare, "Dealin in Bullion." We would all like a jewel in our barn like her.

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