BLAZIN’ BARRELS FINALE SIZZLES!

Over 511 competition runs in two days!  A dynamite turnout for the final weekend of the Blazin’ Barrels Winter Buckle Series produced by TNT Events and presented by Hitchin’ Post Trailer Sales.  The Colorado Springs weather was picture perfect, the Penrose Stadium ground was awesome and the times were hotter than ever!  The fast time of the weekend was Taryn Lindauer who turned in a 14.84 in the WPRA Divisional Tour on Saturday.  Kathy Van’t Hul was a close second turning in a 14.846 in the Open 4D on Sunday to take home a check for $330.  Kathy also rose above 164 competitors on Saturday, winning the Open 4D with a 14.946 to take $362 to the bank.  She also trotted away with a 4D win in the $1000 Novice Horse class on Sunday!  However, the highlight of the weekend for Kathy Van’t Hul of Colorado Springs was when she was presented with the Bob Berg buckle for the Blazin’ Barrels Winter Buckle Series Open 1D Champion.  She and her 8-year-old Palomino gelding, Smooth As Doc, dominated the buckle standings throughout the series, placing in 7 of the 8 races in the 1st Division.  Consistency really paid off for this dazzling duo that has been a pair for the last 5 years.  Kathy has trained “Sunny” and has never known a horse with such a courageous heart.  Sounds like his insides match the golden outside!  Congratulations to Kathy and Sunny on their newest trophy-buckle sponsored by Rhinestone Ranch of Peyton, Colorado. 

Carla Wakefield won the 2D series buckle on her 9-year-old mare, Rapture-N-Rafter.  She raised this mare from a colt and trained her herself, as she does all her horses.  She describes Rapture as a very sensitive mare, tending to be a little high strung.  But, Carla works with her quirks and is excited about taking her to some of the big races this season.  Carla has been running barrels and training since 1980.  A good mare got her started and won several awards for her around the state.  Since then, she has trained and competed on 8 horses successfully in CGBRA, CPRA and WPRA rodeos.  She credits her success on waiting until her horses are at least 4 to start them on barrels, then taking her time and letting them come along.  “I like taking the time and making solid, broke, lasting horses.”  “Going to a TNT event is always a treat,” says Carla, “they are professional events run smoothly with good ground and a great atmosphere.  I love my new Bob Berg buckle with all of the intricate detailing!”  She appreciates the new 4D format, because it has brought so much growth to the sport, but nostalgically misses the old days when the fast time won.  Watch for Carla streaming by this summer.  She has a 5-year-old going to the late summer futurities, along with continuing to run Rafter.  Also, keep an eye out for Carla’s 10-year-old daughter, Rachel, who is starting her first competitive year.

After a thirty-two year break, Janice VanGroningen, winner of the 3D Bob Berg Buckle, rode back into the barrel racing scene in 2001.  It was her husband of 29 years, Jerry, who encouraged her to buy a horse.  It didn’t take long for Janice to become active in drill-team competitions, parades and barrel races.  “My husband has been very supportive every step of the way – he has fun just watching me have fun,” comments Janice.  A little over a year ago, they saw an ad in the Western Horseman magazine for some mountain property in Colorado.  They came out from California, fell in love with the town and moved to Guffey, Colorado.  After the season ended last fall for Colorado NBHA district 5, Janice decided that she needed to find some barrel races to attend over the winter months.  So, she and her 13-year-old gelding, Jazz, started attending the TNT Events, Blazin’ Barrels Winter Buckle Series.  After the first weekend, she was tied for the 3D buckle.  She was determined to keep praying and put her trust in the Lord.  If the buckle was meant for her, she would have it.  She says, “Jazz has a very big heart.  Outside the arena he’s calm and then when we get inside the arena, he’s ready to go!  He loves to run and I can do anything with him.  My husband and I call him ‘our gift from the Lord’.”  Well, the teamwork really paid off as Janice and Jazz rode away with the trophy buckle.  Not only does Janice love her new buckle, but she also appreciated how everyone involved with the series worked so well together to keep the events running smoothly.  She also enjoyed having the Fellowship of Christian Cowboys there every Sunday for Cowboy Church.  “Barrel racing is way better now than when I was a teenager, because I am now a Christian and can pray to the Lord for His help and safety,” says Janice.

The irony story of this series is the 4D buckle winner, 23-year-old Raquel DeValk of Centennial, Colorado.  Her mare’s first competitive race was at a Penrose Stadium event in 1996 and this was the first series she has ever completed.  Raquel says that although she has won other buckles, she is proudest of this win.  “I feel like I had to work the hardest for this one, and the TNT events are so amazingly organized and friendly, I’m so proud I got to win this buckle.”  Hooked on barrels by a friend 10 years ago, Raquel competes, trains her own horses and works in accounting at a telecommunications firm.  She started her AQHA mare, Snazzy’s Prissy Loya, 7 years ago.  But there was one small problem.  She would turn the first barrel and run out of the arena.  They went to a Martha Josey clinic and after that things just came together.  She was the 2D Reserve Champion at the 1998 Heartland show and today, Snazzy is teaching Raquel’s mother to run barrels.  “The biggest difficulty was learning what made her tick, and now, she’s so consistent I just try to be consistent for her.”  Raquel is looking forward to the big May TNT event, and thanks Kathy Van’t Hul for making those great runs, Martha Josey for helping Snazzy and TNT Events for putting on great races.

A record of over $46,000 was paid out in cash and prizes during the Blazin’ Barrels Winter Buckle Series.  The two lucky winners of a free pair of Justin Boots in March were Patty Heflin of Florence, Colorado and Jennifer Singleton of Falcon, Colorado.  Enjoy those boots ladies and thanks to Denis Arey with Justin Boot Company who made it all possible.  We tip our hats to the presenting sponsors for the series: David and Windi Meek from The Rhinestone Ranch, Corona Light, Scott Rhoda with The Midnight Rose Hotel & Casino and Vic Keeton with Hitchin’ Post Trailer Sales.  We also want to thank all of the awards donors for the series: Justin Boot Company, Classic Equine, Wrangler, Cowboy Magic, International Horse Vets, Jones Leather, The Equine Touch, The Lazy H Ranch, Turn Magazine and ADM Alliance Nutrition, Inc.  Without the support of our sponsors, it would be impossible to produce such high caliber events.  Please show them your appreciation every chance you get!  We also tip our hats to all of the competitors at the TNT Events barrel races.  Without you, we wouldn’t have an event at all!   

Producers, Ty and Nancy Rinaldo are already starting to plan for the next Blazin’ Barrels Winter Buckle Series which is tentatively scheduled to take place October 18 & 19, November 15 & 16, January 3 & 4 and March 13 & 14 in beautiful Colorado Springs.  But, between now and then, there is a whole lot o’ barrel racing to be done at the TWO Rocky Mountain Super Races both to be held in Colorado Springs.  The first one which is right around the corner May 2, 3 & 4 must have pre-entries for the Open 4D postmarked by April 18th.  It will be AW4D sanctioned for triple points and SCBRA approved.  They will be offering a WPRA Divisional Tour, $1000 Novice Horse, $1000 Novice Rider, 50 & Over 4D, 15 & Under 4D and Open 4D.  There will be over $10,000 in added money and awards up for grabs!  The second Rocky Mountain Super Race will be held August 30, 31 & September 1.  If you like Bob Berg Buckles, be sure to enter both Rocky Mountain Super Races and double your chances as we will be awarding buckles to the weekend average winners in each of the Open 4D divisions at both races!  Sharpen your pencils and mark those calendars now!  Be sure to call us with your address if you’re not on our mailing list.  As always, TNT Events welcomes your feedback.  Be sure to stop by our official web-site, www.BarrelRacingNow.com, or give us a call 303-688-7777.  Thanks for another successful TNT Event!  Keep blazin’ those barrel patterns and we’ll see you at the Rocky Mountain Super Race!

 
 

SATURDAY, March 15, 2003
Penrose Equestrian Center –Indoor Stadium - Colorado Springs, CO
TNT Events Blazin’ Barrels Winter Buckle Series

WPRA – $100 Added – 28 Entries

1. Taryn Lindauer            14.84            $261.70

2. Janet Engel               15.14            $216.58

3. Ann Peterson            15.20            $171.46

4. Courtney Ford     15.26            $126.34

5. Kris Steinbecker            15.28            $  81.22

6. Karen Turek            15.37            $  45.12

 

$1000 Novice Rider - 16 Entries

1. Megan Conley 15.752  $  90

2. Jade Newsam            15.927  $  67

3. Janet Cropper            15.993  $  45

4. Patty Heflin               16.221  $  22

 

$1000 Novice Horse - 41 Entries

    1D

1. Toni Hardin              15.562  $  89

2. Deb Schroetlin            15.589  $  68

3. Megan Conley 15.627  $  50

    2D

1. Diana Brendt            16.111  $  72

2. Laura Lambert            16.136  $  55

3. Patty Heflin               16.231  $  40

    3D

1. Lucy Gasich            16.726  $  69

2. Dominga Spinks  17.022  $  52

3. ---

    4D

1. Marvella Phelps  17.268  $  35

2. Kim Schneider            17.285  $  27

3. Carol Ruggieri            17.419  $  19

 

Youth 4D –  13 Entries

    1D

1. Paxton Segelke            15.170  $  57

2. Julie Gunter              15.566  $  38

    2D

1. Jade Newsam            15.731  $  52

2. Julie Gunter              15.829  $  34

    3D

1. Courtney White   16.311  $  44

2. Jaylene Wade   16.589  $  29

    4D

1. Julie Gunter              17.045  $  38

2. Kasey Becco  17.123  $  25

 

 

Senior 4D - 5 Entries

1-1D Patsy Vanwey            15.692  $  53

1-2D Michelle Lazor   16.451  $  40

1-3D ---

1-4D Cheryl Crabbe 17.379  $  29

 

Open 4D - $200 Added –  165 Entries

    1D

1. Kathy Van’t Hul       14.946  $362

2. Janet Engel               14.950  $304

3. Debbie Beede  15.089  $260

4. Amy Hubbard            15.120  $202

5. Jill Kadrie                 15.187  $145

6. Bonnie Wheatley            15.194  $101

7. Paxton Segelke            15.196  $  72

    2D

1. Shali Nichols            15.452  $325

2. Alicia Way               15.456  $273

3. Jade Newsam            15.473  $234

4. Shea Hill                   15.499  $182

5. Peggy Watkins            15.507  $130

6. Jody Knight              15.526  $  91

7. Jennifer Cullen   15.534  $  65

    3D

1. Dominga Spinks  15.951  $277

2. Marlene Wade   15.966  $233

3. Carol Tindol            15.975  $200

4. Michelle Kenline 15.977  $155

5. Vickie Segelke            15.985  $111

6. Amy Moser              16.007  $  78

7. Jessica Gunter  16.050  $  55

    4D

1. Kaycee Nelson 16.485  $241

2. Jamie Wallace            16.487  $202

3.Janice VanGroningen 16.502 $174

4. Tammi Herbertson            16.515  $135

5. Marybeth Spears  16.517  $  96

6. Shea Hill                   16.566  $  67

7. Jeanne’ Johnson            16.575  $  48   

TOTAL DAY PAYOUT =  $ 6904.42

SUNDAY, March 16, 2003
Penrose Equestrian Center –Indoor Stadium - Colorado Springs, CO
TNT Events Blazin’ Barrels Winter Buckle Series

WPRA – $100 Added – 21 Entries

1. Kris Steinbecker            14.85  $203.23

2. Karen Turek            14.91  $169.19

3. Kelley Schnaufer            14.98  $133.15

4. Jill Kadrie                 15.05  $  98.11

5/6. Courtney Ford     15.23  $  49.05

5/6. Ann Peterson            15.23  $  49.05

 

$1000 Novice Rider - 12 Entries

1. Jade Newsam            15.451  $  84

2. Megan Conley 15.510  $  50

3. Dawn Varian            15.818  $  34

 

$1000 Novice Horse - 40 Entries

    1D

1. Jade Newsam            15.430  $  87

2. Deb Schroetlin            15.611  $  67

3. Toni Hardin              15.626  $  48

    2D

1. Laura Lambert            15.936  $  70

2. Jennifer Singleton            15.937  $  54

3/4. Kelley Schnaufer            15.993  $  20

3/4. Toni Hardin  15.993  $  20

    3D

1. Colleen McKinney            16.435  $  51

2. Jody Penn                16.660  $  39

3. Marvella Phelps  16.890  $  28

    4D

1. Kathy Van’t Hul       16.971  $  34

2. Penny Chivers 17.047  $  26

3. Kayla Daugherty            17.514  $  19

 

Youth 4D –  13 Entries

    1D

1. Alycia Chapman            15.626  $114

2. Ali Mae Snatchko            15.868  $  76

    2D

1.      ---

2.      ---

    3D

1.      ---

2.      ---

    4D

1. Jaylene Wade   17.638  $  76

2. Heather Chivers 20.426  $  51

Senior 4D - 7 Entries

1-1D Patsy Vanwey            15.230  $  71

1-2D ---

1-3D Diana Miketa 16.259  $  54

1-4D Cheryl Crabbe 17.296  $  45

 

Open 4D - $200 Added –  150 Entries

    1D

1. Kathy Van’t Hul       14.846  $330

2. Janet Engel               15.085  $277

3. Karen Turek            15.173  $238

4. Jennifer Cullen   15.178  $185

5. Patsy Vanwey            15.230  $132

6. Karen Turek            15.240  $  92

7. Carla Wakefield            15.244  $  66

    2D

1. Linda Aaberg 15.352  $297

2/3. Judy Butkovich            15.355  $232

2/3. Shea Hill                15.355  $232

4. Julie Gunter              15.357  $166

5. Karen Turek            15.372  $119

6. Peggy Watkins            15.375  $  83

7.Janice VanGroningen 15.379  $  59

    3D

1. Windi Meek            15.848  $253

2. Jennifer Abbott 15.854  $213

3. Alie Wilcoxson            15.894  $182

4. Leslie Norvell 15.909  $142

5. Colleen McKinney            15.933  $101

6/7. Kris Martin  15.942  $  61

6/7. Connie Harris   15.942  $  61

    4D

1. Jamie Wallace            16.350  $220

2. Jessica Benson 16.376  $185

3. Diann Bukowski            16.396  $158

4. Karen Carter  16.412  $123

5. Raquel DeValk            16.448  $  88

6. Kristi Bohrer            16.451  $  62

7. Diana Miketa 16.486  $  44

TOTAL DAY PAYOUT =  $ 6319.78

TOTAL RACE PAYOUT = $13,224.20