A Barrel Racer's Letter to Santa
Dear Santa,This year, I've been very, very good. I have taken my horses to the vet when I thought they were the very least bit sore, and I've rested them when they've needed it. I have cleaned my stalls each and every day, and I've always picked my horses' feet before and after riding. I make sure there are enough shavings in the back of my trailer, and I keep my truck clean and above a quarter tank.I have paid my fees through money I made working pleasure horses and have paid my fuel bills by pumping plasma out of my arms twice each week. I have spent hours sitting through mundane meetings for work and have written hundreds of

Poll! What's your favorite PA/OH winter series?
With many of us struggling through the snow and the wind in Pennsylvania and Ohio throughout the winter, it's great to have an indoor arena to escape to regularly. While many local arenas offer shows of some sort during the colder months, few actually have true winter series with year-end awards. In western Pennsylvania and eastern Ohio, Buckhorn Arena (West Sunbury, Penn.) hosts Fast Times events that combine steer wrestling and barrel racing, giving out great year-end awards. This year, Blue Lakes Arena (Newbury, Ohio) will be giving out a series saddle at its winter series contest shows. Dave Martin always hosts the

Despite Knock, Poppino's Team wins WPRA Finals Team Tournament
This year, the Women's Professional Rodeo Association tried out a new team event at the organization's World Finals, and The Barrel Racing Blog 's good friend Tana Poppino 's team took home the team title. Despite her knock aboard Goose , the rest of the team dominated and brought home the title.To read Tana's full blog on the event on her website

Another Giveaway at On The Rodeo Road!
My good friends at On The Rodeo Road are giving away another bag of Daily Edge from Total Health Enhancement! All you have to do is write a comment on their blog about what your goals are for 2010, and they'll pick a new winner sometime soon! So click here to go straight to their site and get to typing.

When Navicular is the Best News I've Heard All Day...
Normally, I save this blog as an outlet for journalistic expression. I usually write articles about top barrel racers, arena conditions and new products. But, today, I'm reflecting. I'm thinking about where barrel racing fits into the grand scheme of life, and I wanted to share a story with you all.While I was at the All-American Quarter Horse Congress a few weeks ago, I received a phone call from my mother, letting me know that my aunt had been diagnosed with stomach cancer. I come from a very close family - 'very close' doesn't even begin to touch upon how much love my family has for one another. When I heard about my aunt, I was standing in the middle of Lagrange, looking at