Winter is around the corner!

It has been about a month since the Extreme Retired Racehorse Makeover Barrel Race.  Although, I am somewhat enjoying having some down time in no planning, organizing, preparing, I am looking forward to putting the application out to all those interested.  I continue to hear from folks that want to apply in 2014, so I have no doubt that we will have a larger number to sort through and to select from in 2014!

One of the things I wanted for the trainers that participated this year, was for them to get the publicity from it all and to gain clients and to get opportunities in the industry from it all!  I am so happy to tell you, that most of them have had more inquiries, and more opportunities since!

The winner of the Makeover, Lacey Tomasik and several other of the trainers will be headed to the Retired Racehorse Training Project 100 Day Makeover & Symposium October 5th at Pimlico in Baltimore, MD! They will be part of the Western Invasion of Steuart Pittman's challenge and will certainly help bring awareness to our Event next year, as Steuart has a larger following.  I hope we can continue to be a part of his Event every year with our winner and trainers to demonstrate barrel racing during his symposium.  I think it is a great opportunity for the trainers and for DO3!

Lacey & Sassy in her new tack she won from Makeover!

After the Makeover, owner of Sassy, Jen Ruberto, decided that Lacey and Sassy had such a bond and could go far, that she decided to give Sassy to Lacey.  Lacey sold her quarter horse and will be continuing on with Sassy.

Read more of their story:  http://offtrackthoroughbreds.com/2013/08/20/ottb-convert-wins-barrel-race-wearing-a-sling/


So now that things have slowly come back to normal in my house after the Makeover, I am able to get back to my own competing.  This year, although with the rain, and being busy otherwise, I've only pulled one check.  I seemingly am falling in that crack between 1st division and 2nd!

Sis n Jackie @ Crooked Creek at 1:30 a.m. 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RKv3jztsjXI&feature=c4-overview&list=UUUX-jFKMluE29-mJDlSd-8w

I have a few more races to attend before hanging the saddle up and covering it for winter, as with the fading of daylight after work, it gets hard to keep Sis fit.  I refuse to take a her to a barrel race if she isn't fit, as I worry about her issues.  So, she'll get a few months break most likely come November.

With fall and winter sneaking in, it's time to buckle down and get reorganized as far as being a non-profit.  Things have been so crazy, that I haven't sat down to read books, or organize as much as I'd like to.  I need to create budgets, come up with a plan as far as fund raisers, and all around be more organized.  I have a great group of Board members who are willing to help when needed and I do believe we will grow with every year.    Things just have happened so quickly, and I never expected what I started to become a "Non Profit" organization.  I am so happy and proud that it has, but with non profits, things need to be run by the book and be organized.  Therefore, that is my plan for winter!