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 |