Flair Equine Nasal Strips

Barrel racer Christy Colgate started out in western pleasure. Growing up around horses, says Colgate, “My family has always been around horses and had horses however my background was western pleasure”. Christy’s mother changed Christy’s ambitions by buying her a horse that was a little too fast and up for the quiet western pleasure show ring. Then, during a visit with her dad, Christy watched her cousin Danielle Harris work in the practice pen and was hooked on barrels. She’s never looked back.

Colgate began competing in 1998 and began rodeoing in earnest in 2000. Now, this Santa Rosa California native hauls NAUGHTY and A FINAL ALIBI (aka MOOSE) to more than 15 WPRA, CCPRA, and PRCA races each year, and in particular loves competing at her favorite Red Bluff Round-Up.

When not in the practice pen or on the high-pressure competition trail, this competitive thirty-something decompresses by spending time with her friends and family — hunting and fishing.

As for the future, Christy has that covered with a three-year-old filly, JK STREAKIN PRINCESS, owned by her cousin Danielle Harris. Christy says she hopes the filly “…will be ready for the futurities in 2012 and then onto the rodeo trail she will go.”

Team FLAIR’S Courtaney DeHoff started riding when her grandfather bought her a pony – one that excelled in the 4-H speed events. That pony lead Courtaney to Dean and Gladys Rogers and a barrel horse named OAKIE — a one of a kind that Courtaney describes as, “…the best horse I have ever owned.” Courtaney credits OAKIE with teaching her “…to ride and run the barrels with the best of them.”

Courtaney comes by riding honestly. Her mother grew up on a working ranch in the Flint Hills of Kansas that ran hundreds of head of cattle, while her father grew up on a farm.

The Kansas native is currently an Ag Communications Major at Oklahoma State University. She rides for the University Rodeo Team of which she is currently a vice-president, competing in goat tying, barrel racing, and breakaway roping, all the while working as a producer at Oklahoma Horizon Television as an anchor, writer, videographer and editor. She is currently a member of The WPRA, The National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association, The National Junior Angus Association, and The American Angus Association.

Courtaney says that when she pulls her rig into a rodeo it makes her mouth water. “It doesn’t matter whether I’m at a huge pro rodeo or a local jackpot… there is no place in the world I’d rather be at that moment.”

Currently, Courtaney keeps four horses and several goats at her mentors’ Drew and Jana Turner’s place. Currently, she is running a 12-year-old gelding named REDBULL. A son of BILLY BULLION out of a DISCO JERRY mare, he is described by Courtaney as “…the hardest horse I have ever ridden. In high school he ruptured discs in my spine from turning so hard. Although we have had our ups and downs, I know how talented he is and plan to make little victories as we hit the pro rodeo tour this summer. ”

Courtaney credits her parents Tim and Cindy DeHoff with enormous support and sacrifice, not only for herself but for her thirteen-year-old sister Hadley as well. Hadley also rodeos and Courtaney says, “My parents have given up EVERYTHING for Hadley and I to compete in the sport of rodeo that we love so much. Without them I would not be the person I am today and I would not have had wonderful opportunities like this.”

Team FLAIR Barrel Racer Emily Efurd is a natural. Placed by her grandmother on her on her first horse at age five, now 17, this young Texan has amassed a record of championships and accomplishments that is the envy of many an older and more experienced rider.

Emily credits her grandmother Kathy Rape, whom she calls MeMe, with being “the biggest influence for me in barrel racing. She gives up all her free time to haul me around; I couldn’t do any of it without her.”

Emily is adamant about what she wants in her future, and her career — competing, riding and training up to seven horses a day — with her home schoolwork thrown into the mix. This hard-worker is a perfectionist, especially when it comes to her horses — which she trains herself. “I pretty much do everything on my own now but, if I ever need help I always ask my MeMe or Kim Thomas (of Ardmore Oklahoma) for their advice.”

Her first barrel/pole horse was the now retired JET AWAY FAWN. Currently her big horse is DORA’S SPECIAL DREAM (DeDe). Several years ago when LEO’S TEXAS CANDY had to be off for about a year, Emily had to learn to ride her grandmother’s horse DeDe. Emily’s grandmother says that DeDe was “… the only barrel horse I have ever bought… I got to run DeDe three times when Emily had to start riding her and I have not run her since! Now, DORAS SPECIAL DREAM and Emily are one and inseparable.”

Currently, besides DeDe and LEOS TEXAS CANDY, Emily hauls HAIDAS ROYAL CHEX, KANS OF FIREWATER, RAISE A SPECIAL SHOW, and PERKS ALIVE IN 75.

Emily, blessed with an extensive support group throughout her Rodeo career, credits her grandmother Kathy and her mother Leanne, her brother Levi, stepfather Wes, stepbrother Caleb, and trainer Kim Thomas with helping her in every way. They help her compete as often as possibletaking young horses to exhibitions or small jackpots once or twice a week. Emily is currently racing towards the UPRA Rookie Of The Year title. With that in mind, she adds as many UPRA and High School Rodeos to her tight schedule as possible. And when not training or on the road, Emily is a typical 18 year-old, hanging out with her friends.

Although still a tender age, Emily has an impressive list of Rodeo accomplishments and championships under her belt including: 2011 Reserve Josey Jr. World Champion and 2008 Josey Reunion Champion, 2008 Mega Barrel Racing Champion, 2009 THSRA Region V Champion Barrel Racer and State qualifier, 2010 THSRA Region V Champion Barrel Racer and State qualifier, 2009 WPRA Jr. Division Reserve World Champion, 2010 WPRA Jr. Division Reserve World Champion. Currently leading the WPRA Jr. Division, Emily and was 2010 Josey Jr. World High money earner. She is currently a member of the WPRA Jr. Div., Texas High School Rodeo Association, Better Barrel Races (BBR), United Professional Rodeo Association (UPRA), and National Barrel Horse Association (NBHA).

Rest assured that, when the timer is running this Team FLAIR Barrel Racer from Texas has one thing on her mind – winning. “”I love the adrenaline rush… that feeling you get when all the hard work you put in pays off and you win! I just love my horses and being able to see them and ride every day of my life.”

Kelsey Jo Lutjen

Junior Champion Kelsey Jo Lutjen credits her mom with getting her and keeping her squarely on the Rodeo trail. “My mom Lisa rodeoed when she was young. I grew up on the back of a horse! My mom got me started running barrels and poles in the little junior races.”

Kelsey credits her parents with being her biggest supporters. “My dads name is Bob. He helps me be able to do this sport! Both of my parents are great!!” She says her mom Lisa also has been there through thick and thin. “She helps me start my colts and helps me warm up, cool out, and take care of my horses at the barrel races!” Mom is also Kelsey’s traveling partner — along with Dachshund and Chief Rodeo Dog Lacey, and a her mother’s tea cup Chihuahua.

Along her rodeo journey, Kelsey has had the help and guidance of such notables as Jolynn Alexander (Sherry Cervi’s sister), and Patsy Alexander (Jolynn’s daughter and Sherry’s niece) — both of whom Kelsey credits with playing a huge part in her success. “They have been there since I was a little girl and had me riding properly. They have taught me how to win and train to do so.”

When training, Kelsey has definite goals. “I like my horses to be light and really responsive… those hard-turning, ratey horses! Jolynn and Patsy Alexander have done a great job helping me get to the point where I can train my own horses as well as train horses for clients!”

Bringing along a nice string of youngsters the right way is important to this Arizona native Barrel Racing Champion: “I have quite a few young promising colts coming up. I have gotten a GREAT opportunity to ride a few of Kenny Nichols horses. He’s let me ride some of his great stallion FRENCHMAN’S FABULOUS’ offspring. I have two four-year-old buckskin mares by him that are very promising. They are going to Time Only’s right now and will be run at the futurities in 2012.

Currently, Kelsey says she rides “… a six year-old mare by CORONA CALIENTE and out of Kenny’s Nichols good DASH TA FAME mare, MISTYS DASH of FAME. Sue Miller started her on barrels and I am going to finish her out. She will be one of my main mounts. I also have a nice filly off the racetrack, and a half sister to my good horse Marana!”

Kelsey is part of the Arizona High School Rodeo Association and the Arizona Junior Rodeo Association. She turns 18 in September, when she will join the PRCA. Traveling just about every weekend to 4D barrel races and rodeos, Kelsey says that, between training, competing and school, she has little time for anything else. When asked what she does in her down time, she replied laughing “What down time?”

WPRA World Champion Barrel Racer

For most people, growing up in a non-horsey family prevents them from ever having access to horses or even learning to ride. Fortunately for Susie McConaghie, that wasn’t the case. Even though she didn’t grow up on a ranch or farm, she had her first pony at age three.

As the youngest of four children in a family that knew nothing about horses, Susie had to figure things out for herself. And that included learning to ride. She taught herself to stick on a horse and by the age of 13 she was chasing cans.

The three-year-old quarter horse she trained carried her all the way through high school, and along the way they both learned what they needed to know to compete in barrels. With a short, but typical hiatus from horses and barrel racing for college and a marriage, Susie returned to the world of barrel racing that she loved.

Today, she is married to a man who is her partner in more ways than just marriage. For 22 years, Larry has been with Susie literally every step of the way, as he participates in the horse business with her – LSM Barrel Horses (Larry and Susie) – and also goes on the road as she competes around the country.

Many people may be surprised to learn that Susie rarely trains the barrel pattern. “I do most of my training away from the pattern,” she explains. “I like my horses very broke. So I do drills throughout the week in the arena, and also in the pasture. And I fix most problems away from the pattern. Sometimes I’ll work phantom barrels in the pasture or arena. This keeps my horses’ minds fresh to the pattern so they don’t anticipate it, and also makes them very responsive to my cues. My horses really have a lot of try.”

Barrel racing has come a long way since it first began. Though the pattern may not have changed much, the way riders and owners take care of their horses has changed dramatically. “I think we’re reaching a time in the sport where it’s more humane than it’s ever been,” said Susie.

Among the equipment she uses routinely, you’ll find the typical leg protection boots, and also newer therapeutic devices like magnetic therapy blankets. She also uses FLAIR® Nasal Strips on her horses and believes they make a significant difference in how well they perform. Susie’s goal? Pro Circuit Finals.

Look for these three horses Susie is campaigning this year:

• Take A Second Glance (Glance)
• Silver Hummer (“Hummer”)
• Fabulous Harry (“Harry”)

For Team FLAIR’s Jennifer Romriell, Rodeo is truly a family affair. Jennifer, an Ithica New York native, WPRA and National Barrel Horse Association member, is a top barrel racer. Her husband Cory is a Team Roper, PRCA member and New York State High School Rodeo Association board President. Jennifer’s son Jacob Rounds competes in Team Roping, Tie-Down Roping and Steer Wrestling and is NYSHSRA student secretary.

Jennifer discovered riding when she was a child. “My paternal grandfather and my father gave me the opportunity to ride… My grandfather used to haul, myself, my younger brother, and two cousins, with our ponies, to local gymkhanas to compete.”

This self-described Weekend Warrior teaches Home & Careers at Broadalbin-Perth Middle School in Broadalbin New York. During her down time, Jennifer and her family run a small boarding and lesson barn in Broadalbin, NY called “R” Quarter Horses. “… After school and summers I teach some lessons including some handicapped lessons in the western riding discipline.”

Jennifer has a breeding program that builds her racing string. “My main ride, for the past ten years, has been HI BARS VICTORY (a.k.a. Vicki) that I bred and raised. I purchased Vicki’s dam, FIRE BARS DANA, while I was in college at Murray State University in Murray, KY.” Romriell competed the late Dana, winning the 1987 ECWPRA Rookie title, and ran her first DNCFR in 1991. Then she raised three Dana foals.

With Dana’s daughter Vicki, Romriell has won three First Frontier circuit championships and two average titles, making five trips to the DNCFR. She also took first two circuit titles and an average title on her homebred WIND O HI, Vicki’s paternal half-sister. “Windy had three foals, one of which I still own — WIND’S FUEL MONEY, a five year old that I intend to haul and compete on this year. I also have another nine year-old half-sister to Vicki that’s a DASH FOR CASH great granddaughter — DANA’S CASH VALUE (a.k.a. Val). Currently, Vicki is bred to STREAKIN’ FOR PERKS — due to foal in about a month.”

Besides riding, competing, teaching, cooking, baking and sewing, Romriell starts her own horses. She then takes the green horses to Bob DeLorenzo of DeLorenzo Training Stable in Middle Grove NY for some polish work before starting to haul them. Of DeLorenzo, Jennifer says, “He has been a great friend and wonderful mentor for a very long time. He introduced me to the Resistance-free’ training method, and has helped me with it continually.”

Jennifer Romriell says that she loves barrel racing because, “You and your horse are a team and you don’t have to rely on others to be successful.”

TEAM FLAIR barrel racer Chelsea Tanner’s first ride on horseback was taken while sitting on her mother’s lap, wrapped in a Snuggy-Sac. Since that moment Chelsea has been passionate about horses. This now 22-year-old is just as passionate about Barrel Racing.

Training horses for over 14 years – first her own and then for the past nine years for others — her goal is to promote the sport of Barrel Racing. And with her fierce dedication, Chelsea Tanner says she plans “…to raise some of the toughest rodeo horses in the country.”

Currently living in Iowa, Chelsea — in addition to growing her herd and raising Australian Shepherds — competes every weekend and a few weeknights during the nine-months-long season. This year’s plate is full for this extremely competitive gal. She plans on riding in Women’s Professional Rodeo Association, Iowa Rodeo Cowboys Association, Better Barrel Races, International Barrel Racing Association, National Barrel Horse Association, United Barrel Racing Association sanctioned competitions – the latter of which she is a director. She also has her sights set on qualifying and competing at AQHA and APHA Worlds.

Chelsea currently has ten horses including her main barrel horse that she trained and is hauling hard right now – DASHIN FOR FREEDOM. DOUBLE GALATEA – also a 1D horse – will be running now that she has delivered a bay filly by BULLY BULLION. In addition to her main racing string Chelsea also has several young fillies pointed towards the futurities, rodeos and open races.

Chelsea is proud of her herd of competition horses and her breeding program which includes a DASH FOR PERKS daughter, a LEAVING MEMORIES daughter, and a SHAWNE BUG daughter who is in foal to BULLY BULLION for march 2012. DASHIN FOR FREEDOM’s dam, FAST FREEDOM also foaled a gorgeous black filly by DASH FOR PERKS in March that Chelsea is very excited about. (She is a full sibling to DASHIN FOR FREEDOM)”I have a big, strong herd growing that I have been working hard to put together for years – I really take pride in the horses that I own and breed, ” says TEAM FLAIR Barrel Racer Chelsea Tanner proudly.