Thoroughbred horses have been instrumental in barrel racing since the invention of the sport. However, full-blooded Thoroughbreds that have won large barrel races remain relatively unknown. Their achievements have been overlooked and underplayed. And while barrel racers may be familiar with some bygone Thoroughbred stallions and mares, their influence in industry is often glossed over… Continue reading In Defense of the Thoroughbred as a Barrel Horse
Each December, the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas, Nevada showcases the season’s top money-earning cowboys and cowgirls and their tremendously talented horses. Whether they are backed in the box or fixing to fly down the alley, all the WNFR equine athletes have something in common – Thoroughbred bloodlines. The great Thoroughbred stallion Three… Continue reading NFR Pedigree Analysis
The Barrel Futurities of America (BFA) is an organization that aims to unify the barrel racing futurity industry. The BFA World Championship is a week-long event in at the historic Lazy E Arena in Gutherie, Oklahoma. The payout exceeds $1 million and the highlight of the event is the $250,000 $uper$takes in which the winner… Continue reading Thoroughbreds of the BFA World Championships
Many successful horses in the barrel racing industry have a Thoroughbred or two on their papers. Some great barrel horses even have a Thoroughbred parent. Martha Josey’s first barrel horse Cebe Reed was by the winning Thoroughbred stallion Frank’s Pal. Martha and Cebe won 52 consecutive races and qualified for the NFR in 1968 and… Continue reading Half Thoroughbred and All Heart
Ever read an advertisement for a horse that leaves you scratching your head? Aramis says "HA! That's funny!" For Sale: Own daughter of Tiznow. She was born on my farm and is the only baby her mother ever had. Her brothers and sisters have won a lot of money racing. She is a solid colt… Continue reading Misused Terms That Make Every Horse Cringe
Last week the $1.5 million Pink Buckle Barrel Race was held at Lazy E Arena in Guthrie, Oklahoma. This unique Open 4D and Futurity intends to increase the quantity and quality of barrel horses sired by Pink Buckle stallions. Currently, there are over forty stallions enrolled in the program. Horses by Pink Buckle stallions with… Continue reading Top Pink Buckle Stallions Are More Thoroughbred Than Quarter Horse
The Barrel Racing division at the Retired Racehorse Project Thoroughbred Makeover and National Symposium consists of a judged horsemanship pattern and two timed barrel runs. During the horsemanship pattern, horses will be scored on their demeanor, responsiveness, and ability to maintain an even pace. The inverted score from the horsemanship pattern and the times from… Continue reading Makeover Watchlist: Barrel Racing
The Competitive Trail division at the Retired Racehorse Project Thoroughbred Makeover and National Symposium consists of a course of ten obstacles. Two judges will assess each horse based on its demeanor, willingness, and surefootedness throughout the course. Obstacles may involve backing, side passing, dismounting and more. The top five scoring horses will come back on… Continue reading Makeover Watchlist: Competitive Trail
The Ranch Work division at the Retired Racehorse Project Thoroughbred Makeover and National Symposium combines a Ranch Riding Pattern and a Ranch Trail test. During the trail test horses could encounter several obstacles typically found on ranches including gates, bridges, logs, and cattle. Horses are judged on their willingness to move forward and responsiveness to… Continue reading Makeover Watchlist: Ranch Work
The Dressage division at the Retired Racehorse Project Thoroughbred Makeover and National Symposium includes Western Dressage as an option this year. Competitors will complete their choice of USEF Training Level Test 2 or Western Dressage Association of America Basic Level Test 1 and perform a five-minute demonstration ride to showcase their horse’s training progress. The… Continue reading Makeover Watchlist: [Western] Dressage
The Western Thoroughbred 