The sun was shining and the times were sizzlin’ for the 8th Annual Rocky Mountain Super Race (RMSR) held in breathtaking Colorado Springs, Colorado. After the dust had settled on May 8th, over 1,100 contestants had passed through the entry gate trying to win some of the $44,000 in cash and prizes up for grabs. The barrel race, which was produced by TNT Events, attracted contestants from Colorado, Kansas, Nebraska, New Mexico, South Dakota, Texas, Utah and Wyoming. Barrel racers were chompin’ at the bit to perform at top speed in the Norris-Penrose Event Center Outdoor Stadium (the same arena that will host the Pikes Peak or Bust Rodeo in July). Dazzling trophy buckles by L.E. Tack were handed out to the Average Champions in the Open 4D. The Open 1D also received an etched trophy vase. Pro Rodeo Originals hand crafted the stylish cowhide brief bags, which were given out to the second place winners in the average for the 1st and 2nd Divisions. The 3D and 4D second place champs took home Pro Rodeo Originals spur straps. Third place in the average won Wrangler gift certificates. Contestants placing in the average also hit the jackpot with an assortment of other bonuses including John Ewing Gift Certificates, Wahl Pocket Clippers, Western Horseman Prints, Necessity products, Purina Gift Certificates, Hawthorne Products sole pack and Wrangler gift certificates.
Check out the Results Here
http://www.ebarrelracing.com/organizations/tnt/05-MayResults.htmWinning the 1D was NFR qualifier, Brandie Halls of Carpenter, Wyoming with an average time of 16.081. Kaycee Nelson of Hillrose, Colorado, took home second place honors and Julie Pluemer of Bosque Farms, New Mexico finished third. Brandie and her 11-year-old quarter horse gelding, I Am Not Te, had the fastest time of the entire weekend on Saturday with a 15.983 to win the Open 4D as well as the WPRA Divisional Tour. In fact, they were the only duo to clock a 15-second time! They also placed 3rd in the Open and WPRA on Friday, and cleaned house by winning the Open and WPRA again on Sunday. It’s no wonder that Halls and “Slim” make such a great team as she’s raised him and trained him. She says of her trusty steed, “he’s just very honest, I’ve learned to appreciate what you’ve got when you’ve got it. I feel very blessed”! Brandie had given her horses the month of April “off” and her mother, Linda Lay, wanted to come to the RMSR. So, they hit the road and made it a family affair. After attending her first TNT Events race, Brandie said, “I enjoyed it very much! The ground was great and very consistent – it didn’t matter when you drew up. They also gave out some very nice awards.” In fact, after seeing the awards, Brandie actually favored the Pro Rodeo Originals cowhide bag because of its uniqueness. Lucky for her consistency pays off as she was runner-up in the 2D on her second horse, Not A Lotta Te. She was able to put the tote to use right away, packing it full of her weekend’s winnings. Brandie rode off into the sunset with a total of $3,057.74 in prize money and a truckload of goodies. Incidentally, Linda and Really Jettin placed second only to Brandie in the Open 4D on Sunday. A great way to spend Mother’s Day!
Returning home with the Championship Buckle in the 2D were Fara Garcia and Merridocs Savannah of Springer, New Mexico, with an average time of 16.690. Brandie Halls and Krystal Prather of DeBeque, Colorado finished second and third respectfully. The 3D champs were Robin Cole and De Ces Teddy Jo of Franktown, Colorado, with an average time of 17.111. Judy McCaughey of Larkspur, Colorado, placed second and Jamie Rydberg of Amarillo, Texas won third. Taking home the gold in the 4D were Eaton, Colorado, residents, Kelly Ebberson and Visions of Cash with an average time of 18.116. Jeaneal Presley of Dalhart, Texas, finished second and Deb Schroetlin of Yuma, Colorado headed home with third place honors. Daily awards were also given in the Open 4D and as always, random draw awards so everyone would be eligible for some of the dynamite prizes. Award donors included: Wrangler, Classic Equine, Corona/Lexol, Farnam, Hawthorne Products, International Horse Vets, John Ewing Company, Justin Boot Company, Purina Mills, LLC, The Equine Touch, Wahl Clipper Corporation, Western Horseman Magazine and TNT Events.
Weekend Average Winners in the other classes waved good-bye holding a Custom Etched Glass Trophy Vase and a Western Horseman print. Top qualifier for the WPRA average was, of course, Brandie Halls and the amazing Slim. The Youth 4D title went to Nicole McKnight and Ole Truxton of Pueblo, Colorado. Cindy Thompson and Hoaks Royal Bar who reside in Pueblo, Colorado took home the Senior 4D honors. Karen Turek of Ft. Collins, Colorado, along with It’s Stretch Time claimed the $1000 Novice Horse title while an excited Deborah Belknap and Chocolate Mist DB enjoyed the $1000 Novice Rider victory.
When they weren’t racing, contestants were able to look through the numerous vendor booths on site ranging from trailer sales to tack sales, photographs to horse supplements. They were also able to take advantage of Colorado Springs and all of the tourist attractions, fine dining and beauty that it has to offer.
The incredible support we get from our Sponsors makes it possible to produce these events. TNT Events is very grateful to have had The Colorado Springs Convention and Visitors Bureau, First National Bank of Las Animas, La Junta and Monument, Hitchin’ Post Trailer Sales, Justin Boot Co., Midnight Rose Hotel & Casino,
www.PalmerLakeMotors.com, Rhinestone Ranch, Wrangler and Classic Equine as our Platinum Sponsors for the Spring RMSR. Gold Sponsors included New Generation Homes, Pro Rodeo Originals, and John Connolly. Jackson Construction Services (
www.coloradobarns.com) was the WPRA Divisional Tour sponsor for the entire weekend and TNT Hay Sales sponsored the PeeWee class. The dedication and hard work from our staff is priceless and we tip our hats to Kim Schulze, De Chapman, Dianne Rinaldo, Janice Reese, Ardith Bruce, Carols Salazar, Jordon Salazar, AJ Biggs, Kyle, and the Norris-Penrose Event Center crew. We especially want to thank all of the contestants and their faithful traveling partners who make it all happen.
We look forward to the next Rocky Mountain Super Race, which will take place over Labor Day Weekend – September 3rd, 4th & 5th. Complete with $5,450 ADDED MONEY, 75% PAYBACK in the Open 4D (100% of Added $), Average Awards in ALL CLASSES, thousands of $$$ worth of other AWARDS, American West 4D sanctioned (FIVE X’s the points), Better Barrel Races approved, SCBRA approved, WPRA Divisional Tour all three days, ideal Vacation Spot – Colorado Springs and much more! If you want to stay updated on TNT Events, just log on to our official web site,
www.BarrelRacingNow.com and if you’d like to receive periodic email updates, be sure to sign up on our Site Mailing List (option is at the bottom of the home page). Have a dynamite summer and we’ll see you at the Labor Day Rocky Mountain Super Race. TNT Events, the hottest races in the Rockies!
