Fort WorthTitle Goes North to South Dakota
by Kenneth Springer
2/5/12

Click here to view Semifinals Qualifiers...

In an unexpected turn of events during the final round of the Fort Worth Stock Show Rodeo on Saturday night, Feb. 4, the fourth ranked WPRA barrel racer on two runs, Nikki Steffes, Vale, S.D. moved to the top to win the average. Uncharacteristically, the three front runners Benette Barrington-Little, Kay Blandford and Lisa Lockhart had the misfortune of hitting barrels. Little had already run when Steffes entered the arena as the third runner. Clocking a 16.48-second run, added to her two previous runs of 16.61 and 16.65 gave her a total on three of 49.74.

The comeback kid for Fort Worth would have to be Brittany Pozzi whose name was all the way down the list in the long go in 30th place with a 16.97. After waking Duke up for the semifinals and running a 16.46 that earned her a third place, she came into the short go near the bottom in 9th place with a total on two of 33.43. But uncorking the fastest time of the entire rodeo in the final round of 16.42 not only thrilled the crowd, since she was third from the last of 12 to run, but vaulted her to second in the average with a total on three of 49.85.

Steffes and her mount Dash Ta Vanila aka Nilla, were models of consistency at Fort Worth splitting 6th and 7th in the first round, placing 10th in the semifinals, splitting 2nd and 3rd in the final round and topping the average. Steffes earned $10,960 and a commemorative Fort Worth Stock Show belt buckle to split with Nilla's owner Alan Woodbury of Dickinson, ND.

After having her mare overreach at the Sandhills Stock Show and Rodeo in Odessa, Texas, which kept her from running her in Denver and hitting a barrel at Rapid City, Steffes considers winning the prestigious Fort Worth Stock Show Rodeo "a huge confidence builder".

"I'm really in shock," said Steffes. "I was so excited to make it to the short go and to have the opportunity to run with the top horses and riders that were out tonight. It really never crossed my mind that I could win it. I just wanted another solid run like my other two. But tonight she felt amazing, her turns were flawless and she ran hard from the time we hit the arena until I pulled her up. It was one of those runs that I will replay in my mind before I run hoping that we can duplicate it."

At 24, Steffes has a lot of things going her way. Her education is behind her, having graduated from the University of Wyoming in Laramie with a double major in molecular biology and medical micro biology. She's free to haul and hopes to back Fort Worth up with some additional major wins with her sights set on qualifying for the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo.

"Nilla is a super horse and I'm blessed and lucky to be the one who gets to ride her," stated Steffes.

It was South Dakota Day at the Fort Worth Stock Show Rodeo with Lisa Lockhart, Oelrichs, S.D., ending the semifinal round during the 29th performance at Saturday's matinee with a 16.45 that earned her $3,888, which made the long haul back from South Dakota worth the effort.

Times from the 29th performance, on Saturday, Feb. 4 were: Lockhart 16.45, Jana Bean 16.81, Jeanne Anderson 16.93, Callie Chamberlain 16.95, Lea Baze 17.13, Lizzy Ehr 17.16, Rachel Primm 17.16, Ashley Rice 17.16, and Lindsay Sears 21.89.

Average Results & Payoff
1. Nikki Steffes 49.74, $6,803.15; 2. Brittany Pozzi 49.85, $5,831.27; 3. Carlee Pierce 49.88, $4,859.39; 4. Kaley Bass 49.90, $4,211.47; 5. Brenda Mays 50.15, $3,239.59; 6. Tana Renick 50.16, $2,591.68; 7. Emily Efurd 50.20, $1,943.76; 8. Randa Kellogg 50.43, $1,295.84; 9. Kay Blandford 54.73, $971.88; 10. Lauren Sparks 55.12 $647.92.

Short Go Results & Payoff
1. Brittany Pozzi 16.42, $3,359.58; 2/3 Carlee Pierce 16.48, $2,099.73; 2/3 Nikki Steffes 16.48, $2,099.73 and 4. Kaley Bass 16.54, $839.89

Long Go Round Results & Payoff
1. Carlee Pierce 16.45, $4,550.57; 2. Kay Blandford 16.51, $3,900.49; 3. Benette Little 16.55, $3,250.40; 4. Randa Kellogg 16.59, $2,817.02; 5. Callie Chamberlain 16.64, $2,166.94; 6/7. Rachel Primm 16.65, $1,516.85; 6/7. Nikki Steffes 16.65, $1,516.85; 8. Trula Churchill 16.67, $866.77; 9. Stacey Grimes 16.70, $650.08; 10th split Layna Kight 16.73, $216.69; and 10th split Tana Renick 16.73, $216.69

Semi Finals Results & Payoff
1. Benette Little 16.44, $4,535.43; 2. Lisa Lockhart 16.45, $3,887.51; 3. Brittany Pozzi 16.46, $3,239.59; 4. Lauren Sparks 16.50, $2,807.65; 5. Kelly Yates 16.55, $2,159.73; 6. Whitney Pitmon 16.57, $1,727.78; 7. Kay Blandford 16.58, $1,295.84; 8. Kaley Bass 16.60, $863.89; 9/10 split Tana Renick 16.61, $539.93 and 9/10 split Nikki Steffes 16.61, $539.93.

Lauren Sparks (third from left) celebrates her Fort Worth semifinals run. Photo by Kenneth Springer

They say experience is the best teacher. For Lauren Sparks, Conroe, Texas, it didn't take much experience, as she got it right on only the second try. She'd never laid eyes on the Will Rogers Coliseum in Fort Worth until she made her first run during the 6th performance back on Sunday afternoon, Jan. 22. She and her 9-year-old mare Shesa Classy Rebel aka Belle were the fastest of her group in performance 6 with a 17.00 but it wasn't the kind of run she wanted. But the time got her back to the semifinals giving her a chance to correct a big mistake.

"Belle went way by the first barrel," said Sparks, a student at Lone Star Community College in Conroe. "I wanted to come back and see if we could turn it closer and sure enough we did. I knew what to expect on my second run and how the pattern was set up."

Clocking a 16.50, she ran the fastest time of the Friday afternoon, Feb. 3 performance and moved to third in the go round and 8th in the average with a total on two of 33.50 prior to performance 28.

Other times from the 27th performance were: Jennifer Kent 16.81, Martha Wright 16.82, Shelley Morgan 16.83, Nicole Ferrell 17.27, Casey Doebbler 17.51, Jane Melby 17.52, Tammy Reynolds 16.83, Jennifer Barron 22.33, and Rachael Reichenberg 27.83.

The 28th performance on Friday night, Feb. 3 was a spectator's delight with all times, even with tipped barrels, under the 17 second mark-the first performance where everyone has been fast. Good riders on good horses running on good ground was the winning combination for shuffling the average around. Nikke Steffes, Vale, S.D. ran the performance's fastest time of 16.61 aboard Alan Woodbury's 7-year-old palomino mare Dash Ta Vanila. The time did the most damage in the average, moving her to third behind Kay Blandford. In the semifinals go round she's tied for 8th and 9th with Tana Renick.

Emily Efurd, Pittsburg, Texas clocked the 28th perfs second fastest time of 16.63 and in the process moved some of her peers down a notch by moving to 10th in the go round and a 10th and 11th place split in the average with Friday's matinee star Lauren Sparks.

Even though Randa Kellogg's time was the third fastest in the performance a solid 16.74 added to her first go time of 16.59 moved her to 4th in the average for a near guaranteed return for the Finals on Feb. 4.

Times from the 28th performance, the rodeos fastest performance thus far, were: Steffes 16.61, Efurd 16.63, Tammy Fischer 16.74, Randa Kellogg 16.74, Rylee McKenzie 16.82, Laura Kennedy 16.85, Gretchen Benbenek 16.94, Annesa Self 16.99, Paige Conrado 21.89 and Kyra Stierwalt 26.84.

Unofficial average rankings with one regular performance remaining before Finals: Benette Little 32.99, Kay Blandford 33.09, Nikki Steffes 33.26, Randa Kellogg 33.33, Tana Renick 33.34, Kaley Bass 33.36, Carlee Pierce 33.40, Brittany Pozzi 33.43, Brenda Mays 33.45, Emily Efurd 33.50, Lauren Sparks 33.50 and Layna Kight 33.53.

Semi Finals unofficial rankings after the 28th performance: Benette Little 16.44, Brittany Pozzi 16.46, Lauren Sparks 16.50, Kelly Yates 16.55, Whitney Pitmon 16.57, Kay Blandford 16.58, Kaley Bass 16.60, Nikki Steffes 16.61, Tana Renick 16.61 and Emily Efurd 16.63.

Yates Fastest on Thursday at Fort Worth Stock Show
by Kenneth Springer

Four-time Wrangler NFR qualifier Kelly Yates, Pueblo, Colo., was the fastest WPRA barrel racer of the day on Thursday, Feb. 2, where performance 25 and 26 were played out during the course of a 2:00 p.m. and a 7:30 p.m. performance. Yates drew up in a pen at the matinee performance that turned in sub 17 second times in rapid succession with only two times out of 10 that weren't in the 16 second category.

Running a text book perfect pattern yielded Yates a time of 16.55 to move to third in the semifinals and 12th in the average. Kay Blandford, Sutherland Springs, Texas held her ground with a 16.58 to move to second in the average with a total on two of 33.09 only a tenth behind average leader Benette Barrington-Little's 32.99. Tana Renick, Kingston, Okla., also up in the 25th performance clocked a 16.61 to move to 7th in the semifinals and third in the average. Karen Little, San Saba, Texas, last runner in the 25th performance on Thursday afternoon, turned in 16.66 to move to 9th and 10th place tie in the semifinals and 9th in the average.

Yates rode Fiesta Del Rey aka Wizzard, a 6-year-old chestnut gelding she owns jointly with brother J.D. Yates. The first name gives the athletic gelding's pedigree away being out of Yates Wrangler NFR mare Firewater Fiesta and sired by Dual Ray. Even though she earned the Junior World Championship aboard the gelding at the 2011 AQHA World Show, Yates hasn't taken the gelding to many rodeos and none as big as Fort Worth.

"He smoked the first barrel and really ran hard the entire run, even coming home," said Yates who had some trouble getting Wizzard to run into the dark alley on her first run. "I'm really excited about Wizzard and I look forward to running him at San Antonio and Houston this year as fortunately I qualified for both big rodeos. After running a 17.21 on our first run, all I wanted to do is come back and try and place in the go round because I knew it would be hard for us to make the cut for the Finals. I never dreamed he'd make such an awesome run."

Fastest time of the 26th performance was Sheryl Hamister-Gamboa, Waskom, Texas with a 16.68. Although the fastest of her group, her time is already out of the money in the semifinals, where she sits 11th, and out of the Finals, where she sits 13th.

26th performance, Feb. 2, matinee times were: Kelly Yates 16.55, Kay Blandford 16.58, Tana Renick 16.61, Karen Little 16.66, Jessi Eagleberger 16.82, Sherry Cervi 16.87, Debra Cooper 16.96, Ember Stewart 17.09, Kelly Beaman 17.37 and Linda Vick 21.99.

27th performance, Feb. 2, evening performance times were: Sheryl Gamboa 16.68, Marvel Murphy 16.93, Romany Gordon 16.98, Lisa Ruhnke 16.98, Angie Meadors 17.00, Alicia Stockton 17.12, Lauren Cox 17.14, Trula Churchill 21.49, Tyra Kane 27.42 and Tana Poppino no time.

Benette Barrington-Little leads the Semi Finals with a 16.44 and the average with a 32.99.

Unofficial Results:
Second round: 1. Benette Little, Springer, Okla., 16.44; 2. Brittany Pozzi, Victoria, Texas, 16.46; 3. Kelly Yates, Pueblo, Colo., 16.55; 4. Whitney Pittman, Bemidji, Minn., 16.57; 5. Kay Blandford, Sutherland Springs, Texas, 16.58; 6. Kaley Bass, Davenport, Fla., 16.60; 7. Tana Renick, Kingston, Okla., 16.61; 8. Brenda Mays, Terrebonne, Ore., 16.65.
Total on two: 1. Benette Little, Springer, Okla., 32.99; 2. Kay Blandford, Sutherland Springs, Texas, 33.09; 3. Tana Renick, Kingston, Okla., 33.34; 4. Kaley Bass, Davenport, Fla., 33.36; 5. Carlee Pierce, Woodward, Okla., 33.40; 6. Brittany Pozzi, Victoria, Texas, 33.43; 7. Brenda Mays, Terrebonne, Ore., 33.45; 8. Layna Kight, Willspoint, Texas, 33.53; 9. Karen Little, San Saba, Texas, 33.56; 10. Pamela Capper, Cheney, Wash., 33.65; 11. Whitney Pittman, Bemidji, Minn., 33.72; 12. Kelly Yates, Pueblo, Colo., 33.76.

by Kenneth Springer

The cream is rising to the top-it's inevitable. After the 23rd and 24th performances on Wednesday, Feb. 1, Benette Barrington-Little, Springer, Okla., still leads both the semifinals with a 16.44-second run and the average with a 32.99 on two runs, but her lead in the go round became razor thin after two-time World champion Brittany Pozzi, Victoria, Texas finished her run during the Wednesday night performance. Pozzi and Duke clocked a 16.46 to move to second in the semifinals and fourth in the average with a 33.43 on two. After running a 16.97 in the first round, Pozzi had no room to play it safe on her second run.

"I needed a fast time to have a chance to make it back to the Finals on Saturday night," said Pozzi. "I went for it and Duke did the rest. The ground was good and it allowed him to make his run. He got lined up better for the second barrel than he did on his first run and he was running harder."

The 24th performance produced a number of likely Finals qualifiers with Kaley Bass, Davenport, Fla., clocking a 16.60 to move to second in the average with a total on two of 33.36. She sits fourth in the round. Brenda Mays, Terrebonne, Ore., showed how she and her partner Jethro have made it to five consecutive Wrangler NFRs by running a 16.65 to go with her 16.80 from the long go to put her fifth in the average as well as fifth in the go round.

While Pozzi was the fastest in the 24th performance, Annie Campbell, Shoshoni, Wyo., was the fastest during the 23rd performance with a 16.78 that now stands seventh in the go round and 12th in the average.

Times from the 23rd performance, matinee of Feb. 1, were: Annie Campbell 16.78, Layna Kight 16.80, Erin Siegal 17.00, Lisa Anderson 17.01, Brooke Jeter 17.09, Heather Wilson 17.30, Tammi Pettis 17.37, Rainy Graham 17.73 and Sioux Smith 21.82.

Times from the 24th performance, evening of Feb. 1, were: Brittany Pozzi 16.46, Kaley Bass 16.60, Brenda Mays 16.65, Danna Stovner 16.66, Fran Surles 17.17, Chelsea Moore 17.54, Mary Walker 21.70, Kristen Williams 21.86 and Ryann Pedone 22.11.

Unofficially a 16.93 sits in 10th place in the semifinals and a 34.11 sits in 12th place in the two-run average.

First Round Winners: 1. Carlee Pierce, Woodward, Okla., 16.45 seconds, $4,551; 2. Kay Blandford, Sutherland Springs, Texas, 16.51, $3,900; 3. Benette Little, Springer, Okla., 16.55, $3,250; 4. Randa Kellogg, Point, Texas, 16.59, $2,617; 5; Callie Chamberlain, Colorado City, Texas, 16.64, $2,167; 6. (tie) Rachel Primm, Washoe Valley, Nev., and Nikki Steffes, Vale, S.D., 16.65, $1,517 each; 8. Trula Churchill, Valentine, Neb., 16.67, $867; 9. Stacey Grimes, Kerrville, Texas, 16.70, $650; 10. (tie) Layna Kight, Wills Point, Texas, and Tana Renick, Kingston, Okla., 16.73. $217 each.

Jud & Benette Little

The semifinals at the Fort Worth Stock Show rodeo had barely started during the 21st performance, Jan. 31, when Benette Barrington-Little set a pace that will challenge the best of the best that will be competing in the 90 entry field that composes the WPRA barrel race semifinals.

Clocking the fastest time of the rodeo thus far with a 16.44, Little set a wicked pace not only for the semifinals but in the average as well with a total on two runs of 32.99. Little has already earned $3,250 for finishing third in the long go with a 16.55.

Staying with the Jud Little Ranch's 7-year-old sorrel stallion JL Dash Ta Heaven, a son of Dash Ta Fame out of the 2003 WPRA World champion mare Dynas Plain Special (Dee Dee), Little was breathless after her run. "The run felt incredible," said Little. "After turning outstanding first and second barrels I can't tell you much about the third barrel because all I could think was kick and keep kicking to get by the third barrel."

Other times in the 22nd performance were: Savanah Reeves 16.93, Carlee Pierce 16.95, Nicole Deason 16.96, Lynn Brown 17.03, Cindy Smith 17.14, Chloe Hoovestal 17.16, Christy Loflin 21.94, Lindsey Cox 22.27 and Stacey Grimes 27.43.

Whitney Pitmon

Tuesday night's performance #22, saw Whitney Pitmon, Sulphur, Okla., clock the fastest time of 16.57 to move to second in the go round and fourth in the average with a total on two of 33.72. Pitmon rode her 6-year-old sorrel mare Dashin Julene at Fort Worth and was elated since it was only the pair's second pro rodeo.

"I bought Julene from Bo Hill when she was four," said Pitmon. "I took her to the futurities and derbies and won over $60,000 in those two years. I ran in the slack at Odessa and hit a barrel so all of this commotion was new to her. She loves her job and worked her heart out tonight but I could feel her wanting to let up the closer we got to crossing the timer and running back into that long, dark tunnel-like alley. But she kept moving."

Other times from the 22nd performance were: Pamela Capper 16.83, Philica Hupp 17.04, Sherrylynn Johnson 17.04, Tracey Austin-Ivy 17.10, Dana Pace 17.35, Shelby Frasier-Mack 17.35, Deb Frasier 18.48 and Molly Childers 22.14.

Semifinal Leaders: 1. Benette Barrington-Little, 16.44 seconds; 2. Whitney Pitmon, 16.57; 3. Pamela Capper, 16.83; 4. Savanah Reeves, 16.93; 5. Carlee Pierce 16.95.

Average leaders: 1. Benette Barrington-Little, 32.99 seconds on two runs; 2. Carlee Pierce, 33.40; 3. Pamela Capper, 33.65; 4. Whitney Pitmon, 33.72; 5. Savanah Reeves 33.94.

After 20 performances over a 12 day period, the long go round at the 2012 Fort Worth Stock Show is complete. The 20th performance on Monday night, Jan. 30 brought changes in the top 10 money earners as well as the 90 to return for the semifinals that begins at 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, Jan. 31. Fastest time of the evening was Nikki Steffes, Vale, S.D. with a 16.65. Unofficially the time moved her to a sixth and seventh place split in the round with Rachel Primm. In addition to Steffes, five others from the 20th performance advanced to the semifinals with the unofficial cutoff time being two 17.37's.

Riding one of the most royally bred barrel horses to run down the long Fort Worth tunnel-like alley, Steffes credits the 7-year-old palomino mare Dash Ta Vanila for her victory ride. Sired by Dash Ta Fame, the dam of the stout mare she calls Nilla is the famous futurity/derby mare SX Frenchmans Vanila originally owned by Carisa Shear.

"Alan Woodbuy of Dickinson, N.D. owns her," said Steffes. "Judy Myllymaki rode her when she was 3 up until she was 5, then I started riding her. It is an incredible opportunity to be able to ride such a great mare."

Steffes won Pendleton, Ore., on Nilla last year and finished second in the Badlands Circuit on her, which means the Ram National Circuit Finals in Oklahoma City are on her radar screen.

"She over reached at Odessa and I couldn't ride her at Denver," explained Steffes. "I was able to run her at Rapid City but I hit a barrel so this was really our first test after her mishap at Odessa. In the warmup arena tonight she was really high and when we ran she was running hard the whole run. I couldn't ask for anything more from her."

Times from the 20th go in addition to Steffes were: Gretchen Benbenek 16.93, Kyra Steirwalt 17.12, Whitney Pitmon 17.15, Jane Melby 17.19, Annie Campbell 17.33, Kassidy Dennison 21.50, PJ Burger 22.19, and Laine Whitmire 23.27.

Unofficial results from the first round were: 1. Carlee Pierce 16.45, 2. Kay Blandford 16.51, 3. Benette Barrington-Little 16.55, 4. Randa Kellogg 16.59, 5. Callie Chamberlain 16.64, 6. (tie) Rachel Primm and Nikki Steffes, 16.65, 8. Trula Churchill 16.67, 9. Stacey Grimes 16.70, 10. (tie) Layna Kight and Tana Renick 16.73.

Stacey Grimes, Kerrville, Texas slipped in to the long go round payoff during the 19th performance of the Fort Worth Rodeo on Monday afternoon, Jan. 30, after posting the perfs fastest time of 16.70. With only one performance remaining in the long go round, Grimes sits in eighth place. In addition, four more running in the 19th performance turned in times fast enough to return to the semifinals. A Texas Circuit qualifier, Grimes was especially pleased to make a nice run as her parents, Jerry and Billie Brent from LaPorte, Texas, drove up to watch her compete. Grimes' parents were both big names in south Texas rodeo circles when she was growing up, making barrel racing a natural pursuit for their only daughter.

"My horse has long hair and hasn't made many runs recently," said Grimes of her black gelding. "I didn't know what to expect. He usually turns but I wasn't sure how much air he had, but I was proud because he gave me everything he had."

Other times from the 19th performance were: Tyra Kane 16.96, Chloe Hoovestal 17.06, Linda Vick 17.03, Mary Walker 17.13, Blazi Weippert 17.65, Justine Botner 19.94, Marguerite Happy 22.44 and Andrea Cline-Herron 23.42.

Unofficially a 16.73 sits in 10th position in the long go round and a 17.39 holds down 90th spot to determine the semifinals qualifiers.

by Kenneth Springer

The 18th performance on Sunday night, Jan. 29th saw no lead changes and none of the 10 broke into the long go round money but two did break the sub 17 second mark and at least four will return for the semifinals. Karen Little, San Saba, Texas, sheep country as announcer Bob Tallman described it, turned in a 16.90-second run to take the victory lap.

Little rode her 11-year-old palomino mare Sheeza Golden Dash aka Sheeza to beat out six-time NFR qualifier Tammy Fischer and Round Pen who clocked the other fast time of the evening with a 16.95.

"I've owned this mare since she was two," said Little. "I bought her from Charlie Phillips of Big Spring, Texas and trained her myself. Last year I won all three of the major Open rodeo associations on her CPRA, UPRA and TCRA. I hope to go to more of the prorodeos this year and win enough so that we can go to all the big winter rodeos next year."

As far as her first run at Fort Worth, Little said, "She got a little by the first barrel tonight and had to take an extra step off of it to keep from hitting as she headed to the second barrel. She turned a good second and third barrel. She was doing a lot of looking around, so when I come back we need to have a better first barrel and maybe she won't be looking around at everything in the area so much."

Besides the times of Little and Fischer, others posted during the 18th performance were: Lauren Cox 17.08, Erin Siegal 17.29, Reagan Dillard 17.37, Tonya Parrish 18.08, Dollie Lautaret 21.91, Jackie Jatzlau 22.03, Jolee Lautaret 22.75 and Lisa Ogden 22.83.

Unofficially 16.74 remains in 10th place in the long go round and a 17.43 stands in 90th place to return to the semifinals.

Defending Fort Worth Rodeo champion Kay Blandford, Sutherland Springs, Texas could be on her way to another championship if her 11-year-old black mare Talents Dark Angel stays hooked. Blandford and Angel didn't waste an ounce of their first place draw and a fast track during the Sunday matinee's 17th performance on Jan. 29.

"Her run was simply awesome," said Blandford who has been to the Wrangler National Finals 12 times over a span of four decades. "Last year I felt like I made my time at the first barrel. She turned every bit as good of a first barrel today as she did on either of her two runs last year. The only difference in the runs was it seemed last year it was a little more of a struggle to get across the timer coming back. This year it felt like we were back in the alley before I knew it."

Clocking the only sub 17 second time of the 17th performance, Blandford, who won the 2007 WPRA World title, moved to second in the long go round and to within six one-hundredths of the 16.45 of leader Carlee Pierce.

While the long go continues until Monday night, Jan. 30, Blandford will be one of the few barrel racers that will "stay put" on the grounds of the Fort Worth Stock Show-not necessarily by choice. Her mare has become so horrible to haul that she can't risk taking her home or anywhere else until she's finished at Fort Worth.

"It has become such an issue to get her to the rodeos, because of her kicking and fighting the trailer that I have no idea how much longer I'll be able to continue fighting the battle," admitted Blandford. "Unless you've had hauling difficulty you can't image what a nightmare, both physically and emotionally it is. I never know if she's going to be sound when I unload her or not. We've tried everything and nothing works. She gets worse not better."

Driving to Fort Worth with husband Robert Blandford, she was tempted to turn around because Angle was kicking the trailer uncontrollably. "I called my friend Jymmy Kay Cox, who buddied with me but had to turn out to attend to her daughter who is in the hospital, and told me not to dare turn around because Angel likes Fort Worth and I'd better keep on trucking. Thank goodness I took her advice."

Other 17th performance times were: Christy Loflin 17.13, Kelly Yates 17.21, Rainy Graham 17.37, Laurna Underwood 17.63, Cece Chapman 17.70, Shayna Gattis 17.73, Jennifer Driver 18.06, Diann Griffin 21.59, and Lindsey Ewing 22.13.

Unofficially with Blandford moving into second, the 16.75's were bumped out of the money with Lisa Lockhart's 16.74 sitting in the last hole of the long go payoff in 10th. Unofficially two 17.48's are splitting 90th place for the semifinals cutoff. Three performances remain before the semifinals begin.

by Kenneth Springer

The 16th performance of the Fort Worth Stock Show Rodeo on Saturday night, Jan. 28th was looking like it was going be only the second performance where at least one sub 17 second run wasn't produced to excite the appreciative Fort Worth crowd. After seven runners a 17.02 led for the night. But in for the rescue came eighth runner of the evening Randa Kellogg, Point, Texas. After a near perfect run, a 16.59 showed on the video board. Even more important than the four-tenths of a second she outran her group of 10 was the third place position she slid in to for the long go round payoff.

Kellogg gave high marks to the talented, 6-year-old, bay mare Zaks Okie Ree aka Ree, owned by Rick & Sandy Large of Pierson, Fla., since the mare has been to only a handful of rodeos. "It was an awesome run. She turned three really good and tight barrels and she was running. It was a run like you would expect from an experienced rodeo horse. I'm really thrilled because she's never been to a big pro rodeo like this."

Although Ree may lack rodeo experience, she put together an impressive Futurity and Derby resume, when she was four and five, with winnings in excess of $56,000. "The Large's are wonderful owners and I'm very fortunate that they continue to let me ride her. Their daughter, Kara, has her card and we've traveled to some rodeos together."

With the training of futurity horses still her bread and butter, Kellogg will work rodeos around futurities with hopes of hitting it big at a couple of the major winter rodeos, like Fort Worth, to give her a boost when the futurities slack up and she's able to rodeo hard in the summer.

Other times for the 16th performance were: Marvel Murphy 17.02, Rylee McKenzie 17.03, Robyn Herring 17.14, Ember Stewart 17.31, Jana Turner 17.45, Kara Large 17.81,
Kappy Allen 22.60 and Shannon Buffe 22.66.

Unofficially going into the 17th performance two 16.75's are splitting 10th and sitting in 90th place to return to the semifinals is a 17.54.

Jana Bean, Fort Hancock, Texas moved into the money in the long go round during the 15th performance of the Fort Worth Stock Show Rodeo at the Jan. 28th matinee. Bean was the fastest of her group of 10 with a 16.75 to move into a 9th and 10th place split with Nicole Ferrell, Wendell, N.C.

Bean's partner in the spotlight was a 10-year-old chestnut gelding, Dash Ta Freedom (Freedom), owned by Trip Duperier of Bandera, Texas. Duperier's daughter Callie, was the 2010 WPRA Junior World Champion.

"I rode Freedom in the futurities and derbies for Claire Powell," said Bean. "Trip asked me if I knew of a horse that would make a top notch rodeo horse for his daughter that might eventually take her to the NFR and I told him about Freedom. He bought him and I feel very blessed and fortunate to be able to continue riding such a special animal. He ran by the first barrel a little today but he made up for it by running really hard the whole run. Even with a little slip we still had a fast time so I am pleased."

Other times from the 15th performance were: Tammi Reynolds 16.81, Lisa Ruhnke 16.91, Sherry Cervi 17.03, Hailey Frasier Mack 17.32, Holly Cauthen 17.46, Judi Reed 17.75, Tye Green 17.68, Jean Winters 21.94 and Rachel Underwood no time.

The 16.92 turned in my former WPRA Rookie of the Year and NFR qualifier Martha Tompkins-Wright of Dublin, Texas at the Saturday morning, Jan. 28th performance of the Fort Worth Stock Show Rodeo won't earn her a check but it will bring her back for another run when the semifinals begin on Tuesday, Jan. 31.

Wright's mount that earned her fast time honors of the 14th performance was 12-year-old Famous Lil Dasher aka Dasher that she and husband Ed have owned since he was a yearling. "He's by Dash Ta Fame out of a Three Ohs bred mare," said Wright. "He's our resident space cadet that I've run in the futurities, derbies and now at WPRA and 4D events. It's hard to believe but he's calmed down a lot since his futurity and derby years but he's still a handful.

"He missed his first barrel a little today but we kept going forward and that was our main objective."

Other Saturday morning times during the 14th performance were: Shelley Morgan 16.95, Alicia Stockton 17.05, Debra Cooper 17.13, Casey Doebbfer 17.29, Whitney Baker 17.43, Aimee Kay 17.69, Liz Combs 18.75, Brittany Grant 21.91 and McKinley Goodger 22.64

Trula Churchill, Valentine, Neb., took advantage of her top-of-the-ground draw during the 13th performance of the 2012 Fort Worth Stock Show rodeo to run the performance's fastest time of 16.67 for the Friday night, Jan. 27th capacity crowd. The time puts her in the middle of the 10 place long go round payoff in the fifth spot.

Carlee Pierce continues to lead with the 16.45 she put on the leader board five nights ago. Other unofficial placings in the long go round are: Benette Barrington-Little 16.45, Callie Chamberlain 16.64, Rachel Primm 16.65, Churchill 16.67, Layna Kight 16.73, Tana Renick 16.73, Lisa Lockhart 16.74, Nicole Ferrell 16.75 and Kaley Bass 16.76. With 130 of the 200 entries having competed in the long go, unofficially an 18.24 sits in the 90th position to return to the semifinals that start with the Tuesday matinee, Jan. 31.

After finishing 2011 in 23rd place in the WPRA World standings, Trula Churchill could be getting a better start for 2012 after placing at several fall rodeos and leaving the Denver Stock Show last week with a $3,500 paycheck. Fort Worth is also looking promising for Churchill and her 7-year-old gelding A Streak of Rita aka Worm.

"He really fired and really tried hard tonight," said Churchill. "It was a very effective run because it will get me back for the semifinals."

Sired by the proven barrel horse producing stallion A Streak Of Fling, Worm is out of a mare named Jetta Rita by Jet Request. Worm is a home grown barrel horse as evidenced by his name. "I named him that because I saw him 30 minutes after he was born and he was wet and wobbly and reminded me of a worm," explained Churchill. "I trained him myself and he was a dream horse from the beginning. I think anybody could have trained him because he was so willing and capable."

Churchill will wait and see how the remainder of the winter stock show rodeos go for her before deciding if she'll make an all out effort to make the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo in 2012. "I quit my teaching job last January, at the encouragement of my husband, so that I could concentrate on my barrel racing. If it looks like I've got a chance at the NFR, I'll be able to travel."

Other times turned in during the 13th performance were: Brittany Pozzi 16.97, Lizzy Ehr 17.04, Annesa Self 17.13, Tracy Austin Ivy 17.17, Stephanie Harris 17.38, Kelly Carrington 17.53, Krystal Jones 17.63, Kim Schulze 18.26 and Kenna Squires 22.41.

Benette Barrington-Little, Springer, Okla., didn't go to the lead during the 12th performance of the 2012 Fort Worth Stock Show Rodeo but she came closer than anyone has to Carlee Pierce's leading time of 16.45. Little filled in the gap between the 16.4 and the 16.6's by clocking a 16.55 aboard the Jud Little Ranch's sorrel 7-year-old stallion JL Dash Ta Heaven during the Friday matinee on Jan. 27.

"He really ran hard and felt good today," said Little, who qualified for her first NFR in 2010 and sits high in the 2012 World standings in the number two slot only $130 behind Brittany Pozzi after the best fall run she's had as a professional barrel racer that included a big win at Kansas City. "He's becoming a really solid rodeo horse," said Little. "I rodeoed on him at the end of his 5-year-old year and again at the end of his 6-year-old year. In between, he was going to the Derbies. He can be a handful and especially here at Fort Worth where he is scared to death of the chuck wagons and they come up right beside the warm up pen. Thank goodness it's after we've run."

Two additional sub 17 second runs were recorded during the 12th performance with Tana Renick running a 16.73 and Kaley Bass a 16.76. Other times were: Ryann Pedone 17.01, Mary Burger 17.39, Gaylene Buff 17.39, Donna Tippen 17.58, Natalie Tippen 17.59, Jessi Fish 22.38 and Dani Durham 27.13.

"I didn't get a chance to get him in the coliseum and ride him around and I was wanting to do that," said a very pleased Chamberlain after her winning run. "I ran him here last year but still wanted to let him check things out before our run but I guess he didn't need it. We went to Denver and he's had a few days off after the short go there, so he was ready for tonight. He handled the ground good and I had a good draw being second on the ground."

Chamberlain, from Colorado City, Texas, took over the reins of Flo Jo shortly after her mother purchased him three years ago from veteran west Texas barrel racer Susan Martin-Wilson of Aspermont, Texas, who trained him. "My mom quickly found out he was too much horse for her and told me he was the horse for me."

After ending 2011 in 42nd place in the final WPRA World standings, Chamberlain is off to a good start in 2012, having earned $4,940 at Denver after winning the second go round and placing 7th in the average. She'll likely add to that at Fort Worth before heading to Texas rodeos in Belton, San Antonio and San Angelo.

The 11th performance produced three sub 17 second times with Pam Capper, Cheney, Wash., running a 16.82 and six-time NFR qualifier Angie Meadors, Blanchard, Okla., clocking a 16.87. Other times turned in were: Dana Pace 17.30, Jo Scarmardo 17.75, Markay Carmeans 18.16, Bailee Switzer 19.11, Andrea Busby 21.94, Melanie Broome 22.02 and Robin Montague 22.32.

Overall results: 1. Carlee Pierce, Woodward, Okla., 16.45 seconds; 2. Callie Chamberlain, Colorado City, Texas, 16.64; 3. Rachel Primm, Washoe Valley, Nev., 16.65; 4. Layna Kight, Willspoint, Texas, 16.73; 5. Lisa Lockhart Oelrichs, S.D., 16.74; 6. Nicole Ferrell, Wendell, N.C., 16.75; 7. Brenda Mays, Terrebonne, Ore., 16.80; 8. Pam Capper, Cheney, Wash., 16.82; 9. Paige Conrado, Hudson, Colo., 16.86; 10. (tie) Emily Efurd, Pittsburg, Texas, and Angie Meadors, Blanchard, Okla., 16.87; 12. Lea Baze, Midland, Texas, 16.93; 13.Tana Poppino, Big Cabin, Okla., 16.98; 14. Lauren Sparks, Conroe, Texas, 17.00; 15. Savanah Reeves, Cross Plains, Texas, 17.01.

by Kenneth Springer
Tana Poppino won't be the only WPRA barrel racer riding a gray in the semifinals at the Fort Worth Stock Show Rodeo. After turning in the fastest time of the 10th performance on Wednesday night, Jan. 25, Lea Baze, Midland, Texas will be back for another run. Riding her 8-year-old gray mare Little Silver Stitch, Baze clocked the only sub 17 run of the evening-a crowd pleasing 16.93.

Baze, the wife of famed veterinarian Arlis Baze, considers her mare to be a work in progress. "She's never been to anything quite like this and I was pleased with the way she handled the crowd and all the commotion that goes with a winter stock show. I basically wanted to make a smooth run going at the speed she's comfortable with. She's got some more speed to give and I think that will come as she comes along."

Sired by the triple crown cutting horse Smart Little Pistol, Baze's classy gray gets her speed on the bottom side of her pedigree that carries the blood of Easy Jet and Azure Te.

Other times turned in during 10th performance at Fort Worth were: Chelsea Moore 17.22, Sherrylynn Johnson 17.29, Morgan Figueroa 17.38, Ashley Mohon and Michelle McLeod 17.42, Gayle Jones 17.72, Jennifer Butcher 17.98, and Jana Riley 18.22.

"This was only Sham's sixth rodeo after being off with a torn rear suspensory," said Kight, who purchased the tall, lanky, sorrel gelding from Liggitt last July. "He came up with it shortly after I bought him and the local vets said it was doubtful that he'd ever run again. But thanks to my wonderful vet, Dr. Allison Foil, in Florida and God answering many prayers, he's back better than ever."

Liggitt narrowly missed qualifying for the 2007 Wrangler NFR on Sham, ending the year ranked 16th, and ironically Kight finished behind her in 17th. Kight hopes to finish where Liggitt left off.

"He's just a great horse," stated Kight. "I've never really had a horse that really liked the big outdoor runs and I think he will. I haven't traveled much the last few years as I was a little burned out on the road. I hope to hit some of the big Florida rodeos in the spring. I think he might like those arenas and we'll see what happens from there."

Other times turned in during the 9th performance were: Sabrina Ketcham 17.14, Molly Childers 17.17, Jennifer Barron 17.21, Kelly Beaman 17.21, Summer Cooper 17.75, Christy Fullen 18.62, Briana Reynolds 22.21, Ellie Dabney 22.40 and Maegan Reichert no time.

by Kenneth Springer
Monday night rodeo fans were treated to two sub 17 second runs in the WPRA barrel race during the 8th performance of the Fort Worth Stock Show Rodeo by a rookie and a veteran. But experience of five-time Wrangler NFR qualifier Lisa Lockhart, Oelrichs, S.D. edged out rookie Emily Efurd, Pittsburg, Texas. Efurd, running fourth on the ground clocked a 16.87 but Lockhart took the performance's fastest time honors, running next-to-last, with a 16.74 aboard her buckskin gelding An Okie With Cash aka Louie.

Lockhart sits third in the go round while Efurd is ranked seventh. Both will return in the semifinals which begin Tuesday, Jan. 31.

Lockhart needed a fast, clean run to break a short string of bad luck that started last week at Denver when she tipped over a barrel to draw a big check in the first go round. In the second go Louie had a bad slip which kept her out of the money. On her 1,000 mile one-way journey from South Dakota to Texas, she had the misfortune of burning out a wheel bearing on her trailer as she drove through Kansas.

Thanks to the help of WPRA's Mardee Hollenbeck, Hutchinson, Kan., who loaned Lockhart a rig to continue her trip to Fort Worth, she made it an hour before the rodeo began. "My rig is being worked on, so hopefully it will be ready when I go back through tomorrow," said Lockhart with her usual cheery smile. "I had hoped to come down, make my run and get back home in time for my kid's basketball game tomorrow night but that's not going to happen. I was just keeping my fingers crossed that we'd make a good run after having so much trouble getting here."

Lockhart will have over a week at home before heading back to Fort Worth for run number two.

Other times run during Monday night's 8th performance were: Teri George 17.06, Jessi Eagleberger 17.08, Heather Wilson 17.17, Courtney Cantrell 17.47, Stephanie Broom 17.50, Christy Davidson 22.24, Lauren Crivier 22.73 with Britany Fleck turning out.

Current leaders: 1. Carlee Pierce, Woodward, Okla., 16.45 seconds; 2. Rachel Primm, Washoe Valley, Nev., 16.65; 3. Lisa Lockhart, Oelrichs, S.D., 16.74; 4. Nicole Ferrell, Wendell, N.C., 16.75; 5. Brenda Mays, Terrebonne, Ore., 16.80; 6. Paige Conrado, Hudson, Colo., 16.86; 7. Emily Efurd, Pittsburg, Texas, 16.87; 8. Tana Poppino, Big Cabin, Okla., 16.98; 9. Lauren Sparks, Conroe, Texas, 17.00; 10. Savanah Reeves, Cross Plains, Texas, 17.01; 11. Lindsay Sears, Nanton, Alberta, 17.05; 12. Teri George, 17.06; 13. Jessi Eagleberger, 17.08; 14. Sheryl Gamboa, Waskom, Texas, 17.09; 15.(tie) Laura Kennedy, Quitman, Ark., and Nicole Dreason, Cresson, Texas, 17.11 each.

Carlee Pierce, Woodward, Okla., doesn't need any special advantage to pull off a win. But give her the top of the ground on a Sunday night (Jan. 22) and the outcome is fairly predictable. By two-tenths of a second, the 2011 Wrangler NFR qualifier, took the lead with a scorching 16.45 seconds. Interestingly enough, it's the first time Pierce has seen her name in the Fort Worth lights, but her buckskin gelding Rare Dillion has been there before. In fact, before making his home with Pierce in early 2011 he took his previous owner/rider/trainer Annesa Self, Carrollton, Texas to several top 12 Finals at the Fort Worth Stock Show rodeo, one of his first major big time rodeos.

The Sunday night crowd was treated with two sub 17 second runs with Paige Conrado, Hudson, Colo., moving to 4th in the go round with a 16.86. Fresh from a near $6,000 win at the SandHills Stock Show and Rodeo in Odessa, Texas, Conrado is making a serious bid for her first Wrangler National Finals Rodeo.

Other times from the 7th performance at the Fort Stock Show PRCA Rodeo were: Philicia Hupp 17.22, Sioux Smith 17.26, Brooke Jeter 17.31, Tammi Pettis 17.35, Leslie Maynard 17.63, Pam Deaver 18.25, Mega Williams 22.82 and Ceri McCaffery no time.

The Fort Worth event returns to evening performances only, starting Monday, Jan. 23rd until Friday, Jan. 27 when matinees resume.

There was no lead change or any sub 17 second times in the Sunday, Jan. 22, matinee performance of the Fort Stock Show Rodeo but Lauren Sparks came close. Riding her left handed sorrel sidekick, Sparks toured the course in 17 seconds flat to take the performance's fastest time honors. In addition she sits 5th to return for a second run behind Rachel Primm's 16.65, Nicole Ferrell's 16.75, Brenda May's 16.80 and Tana Poppino's 16.98.

Other times during the 6th performance were: Kristen Williams 17.15, Ashley Rice 17.20, Lindsey Cox 17.29, Andrea Wolf 17.59, Mimi Cundieff 17.65, Laci Russell 18.16, Katie La Master 18.34, Lauren Davang 18.95 and Kimbra Lafleur 22.76.

Mays, riding her ever faithful Jethro, was over three-tenths of a second faster than any other in her set of 10, to give the Saturday night fans a glimpse of what a sub 17 second run looked like. Her time moved her to third in the go round and, based on her history of consistency, one to watch in the average since she's guaranteed a return appearance in the semifinals.

Other times during the 5th performance were: Nicole Deason 17.11, Cindy Smith 17.19, Danna Stovner 17.22, Michelle West 17.39, Pam Underwood 17.46, Jennilee Thompson 18.13, Liz McManus 18.88, Loretta Mauldin 22.33, and Fallon Taylor 22.65.

FORT WORTH, TEXAS -Rachel Primm, an 18-year-old rookie from Washoe Valley, Nev., became the fourth WPRA barrel racer in four performances to claim the lead in the long go of the Fort Worth Stock Show Rodeo. During the 2:00 p.m. performance on Saturday afternoon, Primm and her 8-year-old sorrel gelding Proud Red Pepper turned in a 16.65 to take the lead away from North Carolina's Nicole Ferrell.

Primm purchased her winning mount, that she calls Pepper, from two-time NFR qualifier Barbara Merrill of Utah three years ago. "I liked him when Barbara was running him in the derbies. I've become a real fan of Barbara's after buying Pepper because she's changed my style of riding for the better.

"Pepper seems like he's running harder than usual and really spinning back around in his turns," said Primm, who placed 9th in the first go round at Odessa but finished out of the average after tipping a barrel in the second go.

Although she's a rookie in the WPRA, she's no rookie on the barrel pattern having earned back-to-back National High School Rodeo Association, championships in Gillette, Wyo., a feat only one other barrel racer has matched in the history of the National High School Rodeo Association. Finals.

Other times from the fourth performance were: Fran Surles 17.19, Deb Frasier 17.32, Hallie Bradford 17.48, Kari Boxleitner 18.24, Tammie Goldstein 18.37, Tiany Schuster 18.86, Kyndal McCormick 22.34, Lesley Luttrell 22.88, and Ashley Leifeste 25.33.

FORT WORTH, TEXAS - Nicole Ferrell, Wendell, N.C., had no intentions of making a 20 hour one-way haul for nothing. Living only 30 minutes outside of North Carolina's capital city of Raleigh, she knew logistically it would be a hard rodeo for her to work. Running a 16.75 during the Fort Worth Rodeo's third performance she moved to the top of the leaderboard with a two-tenths lead over the field.

Riding her 13-year-old black gelding Its Gods Call aka Prayer that she's owned for seven years, Ferrell, who works as a registered nurse during the week, hoped for a 16.7 before she ran. "That's what I asked for and that's what he gave me. I was really proud of him. He ran hard, which is always does. Some of my friends call him a freak of nature because he can outrun so many mistakes."

Besides having to haul back 20 hours in order to work and look after her children, Ferrell had to deal with a blown up engine in her truck on the trip to Fort Worth. "We were about 5 hours from the house when it happened. My mom bought me another vehicle and my boyfriend and I continued on."

Ferrell's sidekick, Prayer, has been out for the better part of two years recovering from a torn suspensory. After showing that he had fully recovered toward the end of last year, she decided to give Fort Worth a shot for her 2012 winter run. Unlike the majority of the Fort Worth entries that are making the winter rodeo tour, Ferrell has only entered Fort Worth.

"I really didn't think I would get in because I didn't know how much money it would take. But after I did, I thought what the heck; I'm going and see how things turn out. I wanted up later in the week so that if I made the semifinals I wouldn't have to make another trip but that didn't happen. I'm just excited that my horse ran so well."

Other times recorded during performance #3 were: Sheryl Gamboa 17.09, Romany Gordon 17.18, Rachael Reichenberg 17.25, Mary Smothers 17.38, Jordon Talbot 17.41, Lisa Kaul 17.58, Jeri Elliott 18.91, Carol Chesher 22.45 and Kendra Dickson 26.76.

FORT WORTH, TEXAS - For the second night-in-a-row, a member of the Women's Professional Rodeo Association board took top honors at the Fort Worth, Texas Stock Show. Three-time Wrangler NFR qualifier Tana Poppino, Big Cabin, Okla., ran the fastest time of the second performance to take the lead in the WPRA barrel race with the first sub 17 time of the week-a 16.98. Poppino, who represents the Prairie Circuit on the WPRA board, bumped fellow board member Savanah Reeves, who led after the first performance, to second. Other times posted during the rodeo's 2nd performance were: Jeanne Anderson 17.15, Clay Sewalt 17.54, Scamper Cole 17.69, Jamie Wells 18.03, Carrie Thomas 18.39, Tara Lee Woodall 22.58, Jeannie McKey 32.80, Christina Dusendang no time and Cyndi Terry no time.

Poppino's fast time was earned aboard her 9-year-old gray gelding, Doc Hickorys Cross aka Goose, the same equine sidekick that took her to the Fort Worth championship two years ago. Poppino did not let her next to the last draw slow her down, running 9th of 10th on the program.

"Goose had a great first and second barrel," explained Poppino. "He did something a little funny at the third, but I'll gladly take that run because I think it will get me back to the semi-finals. I love coming to this rodeo and my horse likes this arena. The fans are so enthusiastic here. When you make a good run they really get excited."

The 2012 edition of the Southwestern Exposition Stock Show Rodeo kicked off in Fort Worth, Texas with a bang in the WPRA Barrel Race on Thursday night, Jan. 19. Texas Circuit Director Savanah Reeves, Cross Plains, Texas took an early lead clocking a 17.01 as second runner out. Making her first run on Martha since the 10th go at the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo, reigning WPRA World Champion Lindsay Sears was close on her heels with a 17.05. Finishing behind the top two were: Laura Kennedy 17.11, Jennifer Kent 17.22, Lisa Anderson 17.28, Lynn Brown 17.30, Sierra Dawn Thomas 17.41, Jami Simpton 17.48, Mandi Jo Fox 22.24.

The long go continues thru the 20th performance on Monday night, Jan. 30th with the semi finals beginning at the Tuesday matinee, Jan. 31st at 2:00 p.m. The top 12 on two runs advance to the finals on Saturday night, Feb. 4.