Editor's Blog

Hello barrel racers….I’ve never ever blogged before but here goes.
It’s very cold here in Colorado, which has kept me from going to many barrel races. I am a fair weather barrel racer and my main horse prefers outdoor pens so I’m hanging tight and reserving my energy for when the temperature soars to over 40 degrees! I really have the utmost admiration for people that can train those awesome horses that win in both the buildings and the big outdoor pens. My horse quit firing inside in about November so I just opted not to fight it, went a few places but mainly stayed home.
However, being grounded this winter has kind of opened up some doors. For instance, I’ve never been much of a social networker and now, low and behold, I have my own facebook page. That’s quite something considering that I’ve always had a shy personality and can kind of count my best friends on one hand. Also, a new platform taking shape very quickly as an offshoot of Barrel Horse News is our e-newsletter, titled Barrel Horse News Short Go. I am very excited that we now have a way to reach readers with very timely news and results from the industry, as well as bonus interviews and feature material that you won’t find anywhere else. Sign up online to receive the newsletter and watch for it in our inbox in March. In the meantime, send your news to bhneditorial@cowboypublishing.com. Label it “newsletter” in the subject line to ensure it reaches the right individual.
So, since this is my blog, I think it’s a good chance to introduce myself on a more personal level. I’m looking at this first one as kind of my “brag page,” but from here on out I want to hear more about you and the stories you identify with most.
I live Colorado with my husband of over 10 years Scot and we have two terrific kids, ages 2 and 6. We’re busy! Scot rode bulls in the PRCA and PBR for about 12 years and is now a very good roper, in my humble estimation. He has a knack for sports that require great timing and balance. He rides the horses that I don’t like to run barrels on and gets along with them great, so it’s a good deal all the way around. I would rope with him, however I’m scared to death to dally. I really love to rope at brandings where there are good cowboys around to help me if I get in a jam. I like to rope in the pasture with my dad. I come from a family of truly great horsemen and I’m so thankful that advice is just a phone call away if I’m fighting my head about a horse-related issue. Sometimes the simplest advice like “sit in the middle,” or “be lighter in your stops;” stuff like that goes a long way if you think about it and develop better skills. That’s a big reason that I love doing the Charmayne columns because I always come away with simple yet effective advise.
Okay, so enough about my little world. What I really hope to accomplish through these blogs is to gain feedback. The world is getting smaller all the time thanks to technology. Via our website, our e-newsletter and other platforms in the works, it’s our goal that all the members of our extended barrel racing family get to know each other better. So, send us your news and views because we will find a place to share them with others.
Until next time, take care.
Bonnie Wheatley, Editor Barrel Horse News