Excitement was in the air as 430 former Josey students came back to run at the 13th Annual Josey Reunion Round-Up on April 28-30th 2006, sponsored by World Champions R.E. and Martha Josey at their ranch nestled in the pine trees of Marshall, Texas. The weekend was full of competition using the 4D format that the National Barrel Horse Association started over 10 years ago. R.E. and Martha are National Directors of the NBHA and they love this format.

The contestants ran two go’s with 120 qualifying for the short go-round. The Final Champion was Whitney O’Neal, of Simms, TX, on her spirited gelding, Little Sitting Chief “Sparkplug” with a time of 16.275. Whitney won a beautiful new three-horse goose neck trailer courtesy of Cimarron/Big Tex Trailers presented by Randy Domino and Mitzi Long. The 2D Champion was Blaise Bercegeay of Summit, MS riding El Nino Money and running a great time of 16.779.

The 3D Champion was D’Anne Harrington of Waxahachie, TX riding Ducky Move and running a time of 17.315 and the 4D Champion was Danita Ford of Hallsville, TX riding Pooh Bear and running a time of 18.408. The highest placing senior rider was Brenda Agnew of Tenaha, TX on her horse, Town Warrior and running a time of 16.595. Brenda won a beautiful trophy saddle. The Pony Race for ponies 52” and under was a huge success with Meaghan Gray of Grand Cane, LA taking the Championship spot on Lil Sugar winning a Championship Saddle sponsored by Team Josey.

Amie Still of Plant City, FL was our 1D Reserve Champion riding the great horse First To Perk, running a time of 16.329. One Hundred and eight contestants won money at this year’s event, with over 25 states and Canada represented. Our wonderful Corporate Sponsors helped make this an awesome event; they included: Eagle Valley ABM, Circle Y Saddles, Cimarron/Big Tex Trailers, East Texas Ford, EZ-All, Oster, Priefert, ProKold, Purina, Rambo Blankets, Roper Apparel, Thoro’Bred, Troxel Helmets and United Vet Equine. There were beautiful Championship Trophy Saddles by Circle Y.

The weekend was filled with memories of days at the Josey Ranch, a fish fry, Church Service with Coy Huffman, and a delicious early morning pancake breakfast given by the Marshall Lions Club and sponsored by the Josey Ranch. Martha and R.E said, “We are so fortunate to have such great sponsors and dedicated people who help us put on such a great barrel race.” Having taught over 80,000 students horsemanship, barrel racing and calf roping over the past thirty-eight years, R. E. and Martha Josey have seen many of their students go on to win world championships and become NFR contestants. “Champions Training Champions” best describes their teachings as they continue to host clinics at the Josey Ranch and throughout the World.

Team Josey Clinics, held all around the U.S., are taught by instructors Ty Mitchell, Chad Crider and Chris Martin, and they could be on the road heading to your town! “The competition at this years’ Reunion was fierce with the times being so close. Everyone was on the edge of their seats Sunday. My family and I come here each year for our vacation because of the family friendly atmosphere and the friendships we have made. The toughness of the competition is the icing on the cake.” said Fred Boyd of Boyd’s Ranch in Summit, MS.

The 430 contestants rode for checks totaling over $47,000, a horse trailer, plus 5 beautiful saddles and many awards. Participation in a Josey Clinic is all that is required to attend the 14th Annual Josey Reunion in 2007. Kenneth Springer, NFR Photographer, and Mark Burt of Mark’s Video Productions were on hand to take every picture and record every run. Planning for next year’s Reunion is already under way as well as clinics in many other states (check the Josey website for the nearest location).

Josey Reunion Contestants sold saddle raffle tickets as a Fund Raiser for this event and Mrs. Denice Rutledge of Coleman, Texas was the winner of the beautiful Martha Josey/Circle Y Ultimate Saddle. This year’s Johnny Miller College Scholarship was given to Beth Peterson Townsend of Port Allen, LA where she attends college at LSU Shreveport. The Bill Utsey College Scholarship was given to Melissa Larkin of Livingston, AL and she is a student at Mississippi State University.

For more detailed information on the Josey Reunion and Josey Enterprises, please visit the Josey website at www.barrelracers.com.