By
Destry Fleming
“Charmayne is retiring.” When I heard those words this past weekend I felt like someone had hit me in the chest. Could it possibly be true? What will “we” do without out her in the arena on some of the industry’s most talented and famous horses? And then I wondered “Can they even have a NFR at the Thomas & Mack without her? I had so many images and emotions rushing through my head that I finally had to take a deep breath as I hung my head in silence and disbelief. Being a man I don’t cry very often, but to be perfectly honest I actually had a lump in my throat, a little tear in my eye and felt a tremendous sense of sadness and loss. I don’t want this fairy tale rodeo career to be over yet for my own selfish reasons. I just love to watch her run. It just can’t be over,,, not yet. Barrel racing fans from across the globe have just lost one of their most beloved champions, and the rodeo world has lost one of its greatest ambassadors. Over the years, Charmayne has been responsible for many of my most vivid barrel racing memories. Who could ever forget the little 14 year old girl that seemingly just appeared at the 1984 finals and squared off with the “wolves” of the top 15? I remember watching her send the now famous superstar “Scamper” from WAYYYY in the back, all the way down the alley as hard as they both could go and exploding onto the arena floor. When the arena dirt settled she emerged a Champion with the Gold Buckle, a World Title and all of our hearts. Or who could ever forget when Charmayne and Scamper blasted a run at the finals WITH-OUT the bridle? But I have to say; my favorite memory of the dynamic duo is a simple picture I saw of them at the Houston Astrodome. After winning the rodeo, the announcer then asked Charmayne if she would bring Scamper back into the arena for the “sold-out” capacity crowd to see. What happened next still gives me Goosebumps to this day. As they walked toward the center of the arena, the entire crowd slowly started to rise and begin clapping, giving the equine legend a thunderous standing ovation. But what made this even more incredible was the fact that Charmayne led the great guy in, walking beside him, allowing him to bask in all the glory. Scamper seemed to understand that all this attention was admiration for his many accomplishments and his incredible career. He had his ears perked up looking back at his many admirers, including his biggest fan, Charmayne herself. Oh no, there goes that lump in my throat again.
For the next decade the pair was seemingly unbeatable winning 10 consecutive World Titles. I would dare say that we will never see anything even close to this again. And I also have to say how impressed we all were when she decided to retire Scamper with dignity while still a champion, having never tasted defeat in his quests for the World Title. I can’t even imagine what that must have been like for her, and for him. Just how hard was it for her to pull down her driveway, leaving Scamper standing at the fence for the first time?? Scamper wondering why “he” wasn’t in the trailer this time? But once again, Charmayne’s did the right thing. Her champion nature shined through even brighter then the glare of the industry spotlight. However the story didn’t stop there. With her security blanket gone, Charmayne then went on to qualify for 9 additional NFRs, making for a total of 19 consecutive NFR berths on 5 different horses. She also won the NFR average championship 7 times. Then in 2002 she set the industry on fire again with another self-trained and tutored champion named Cruiser. The 2002 campaign saw the pair setting numerous arena records including one at Ellensburg, Washington which was previously held by yours truly,, Charmayne and Scamper. At year’s end, there was yet ANOTHER World Championship Title for her, making a grand total of 11,,yes count them,,11 World Championships and an induction into the National Cowgirl Hall of Fame also came along the way. Just simply amazing by anyone’s standards.
In my life as a barrel racer and race producer, I have been lucky enough to meet some of the industry’s greats. In all this time, I have NEVER heard one bad word about this rodeo icon. But to the contrary I have heard over and over again how humble, kind and down-to-earth this legend is to everyone she meets. I was talking to a friend recently who had just returned from competing against Charmayne at the Albuquerque rodeo. She told of a story that really highlighted this point. At this particular rodeo there was a special race included for some local youth (allowing them to run at the same time with the “Big Girls”). While all this was going on, my friend noticed the youngsters pointing at Charmayne with awe. Seeing this and knowing Charmayne, she yelled over to the Champ and said “C’mere I have some people who want to meet you.” At this point, the first lady of rodeo graciously stopped what she was doing and walked over to meet her young fan club. Putting everyone at ease, she talked with each of them, asked questions about their horses, gave them a little pep talk and finally wished them “Good Luck” with a smile. Folks that kind of class can not be faked, it is genuine and so is Charmayne. She will be greatly missed by all of her rodeo fans as well as her fellow competitors. With that said, we would all like to say “Thank You Charmayne for allowing us to feel like we were all a part of your greatness.” The world is a better place because you are in it. Good Luck with your new life. We all hope it works out great for you and that your dreams continue coming true! But just remember, you’ll always be in our hearts.
