PURINA SADDLE SERIES CHAMPION
OPEN BARRELS  2006-07

Rachel Casper and Ellie

When I started out this year at the saddle series, I wasn't out to win the saddle.  Ellie (Just Call Me Chaney) suffered two devastating injuries following the saddle series last year.  While rolling in her pen, Ellie got tangled in high tensile wire fencing.  When she was found, she had severed her extensor tendon on her left rear leg.  After a month of stall rest, her stitches were removed and she was able to be turned out.  One week later she injured her right rear leg; once again high tensile fencing was the culprit.  She was required to be on stall rest for another month.  We weren't sure whether or not Ellie would run barrels again, that part depended on her.  She had to learn how to use that leg again with out the extensor tendon.

The saddle series was Ellie's rehabilitation.  She really surprised me when she ran as well as she did.  She has so much heart and "want to" and everything we accomplish, I owe to her.  I feel extremely lucky to have the opportunity to get a second chance with Ellie, she is everything to me.

Thank you to Donna, and everyone who helped with the barrel races!  Also thank you to the wonderful sponsors, Purina Mills, Bennington Equipment and ehorsehotline. 

PURINA SADDLE SERIES RESERVE CHAMPION OPEN BARRELS  2006-07

Laurie Hartman and Robin

Laurie Hartman purchased Robin as a yearling from Kris Harms. (Fun fact: Kris' loud Paint mare, Cotton, and Robin are full sisters). Laurie and Robin have been running barrels together since 2000 when Robin was a 4 year old. Robin started at the bottom by placing consistently in the 4D her first year and has slowly worked her way up since then. Robin isn't bred for speed but she is very honest, always tries to please and is just plain fun to make a barrel run on.  Laurie and Robin spend a lot of time together outside the practice pen and Laurie feels that they have a special relationship.
  Although Laurie has ridden horses and run barrels all her life, she describes herself as an older late bloomer and encourages others to not let their age hold them back from trying to accomplish their goals.
  Laurie wishes to say special thanks to her husband, Steve, for his support and horse shoeing and to TC Snyder for all that he has done for Steve.

PURINA SADDLE SERIES  
CHAMPION  POLE BENDING  2006-07

Barb Jones and Cruiser

Barb has been running barrels and poles since the age of 8.  Cruiser is 16 years of age.  She purchased him at the age of 2 and has done all of the training on him.  He has bloodlines that goes back to Impressive.  He is a half-brother to June Holeman’s great horse, Sparky, which has qualified for the NFR.  Barb has trained many barrel horses throughout her life.  A big thank you to Purina Saddle Series and Bennington Equipment for their sponsorship. 

PURINA SADDLE SERIES YOUTH CHAMPION 2006-07

Hannah Schenck and Cruiser

Hannah Schenck is 13 and has been running barrels since she was 5. Last fall her horse Scamper got hurt, and she needed a horse to ride.  Her Aunt Barb was nice enough to offer up Cruiser, who is a blast to ride. Hannah and Cruiser hit it off turning in some awesome times.  I would hate to see what would of happened if Hannah had more practice with Cruiser. The only time she rode him was at the Purina Barrel Races and occasional practice at Barb’s house. Thanks Donna for running some awesome barrel races.  We have had a blast.  Thanks also to Purina Saddle Series and Bennington Equipment for their sponsorship!  Special thanks to Barbie Jones for keeping Cruiser in shape and for training an awesome horse.