Experienced horsewomen and ranchers, mothers and daughters, and career-oriented young women made up the list of barrel racers attending the clinic in Lubbock, Texas. Also participating were enthusiastic and fearless young girls whose hard and fast runs were reminiscent of Charmayne’s early barrel racing days. Students came from as far away as Red River, New Mexico and Fort Stockton, Texas to hone their barrel racing skills. The Texas Tech Equestrian Center was a great place to have a clinic, with a large indoor arena, several outdoor arenas, plenty of stalls and good ground. Patsy McBee of TTEC with Rocky and Joe Don were helpful beyond words. Charmayne tremendously enjoyed working with the students and the unique challenges of helping each student reach their goals.

We had a great time in Lewisburg. The weather was cold but the countryside was lovely. The leaves had turned to burnt orange and golden yellow, the roadsides were still green from recent rains, the corn crops were ready for harvest, and each morning the fields were covered in frost. However, while the weather was cold, barrel racing is HOT in Ohio. We had some serious barrel racers of all ages and levels that were goal oriented and intent on improving like nothing we’ve seen before. This kind of dedication to barrel racing and improvement is what it’s all about. This clinic was also the mecca for barrel racing clinic volunteers. We had Laurie Braman, a Scamper’s Choice dealer, shooting video and all of her friends and fellow barrel racers from Wisconsin setting up barrels. Corrie Carr and her sister Emily from Indiana, whom we met at the Pelzer, South Carolina clinic, helped change out bits and helped set up the sound equipment. Jessie Howell from Ohio, boyfriend of clinic student Sheryl Sabino, assisted Charmayne in the arena to help keep students on track while they practiced their hand sets and circles. There were a couple of unruly horses to add some excitement, but as usual, all went smoothly. The Circle G was a great place to have a clinic. The indoor arenas were heated and the ground was perfect. Manager Dennis Cherry was very knowledgeable about barrel racing and was always friendly and willing to help in any way necessary. Charmayne and some of her crew met with her cousin Larry and his family from nearby Vandalia for Mexican food and had a real nice visit. Thanks to all at the Circle G, our volunteers, the clinic staff, and especially to the students for helping to make this a successful clinic, and we hope to see everyone back here next year.