Shawn Flarida Rides Wimpys Little Chic to Reining’s First “Triple Crown”

Oklahoma City, Okla., – History was made on the night of June 28, 2008, in the historic coliseum at the Oklahoma State Fairgrounds in Oklahoma City, Okla., as NRHA Two Million Dollar Rider Shawn Flarida maneuvered Wimpys Little Chic to the NRHA Derby Championship. The win made the 4-year-old mare the only horse in National Reining Horse Association History to ever win the top three events the sport has to offer – the NRHA Futurity, the National Reining Breeders Classic, and the NRHA Derby – what is essentially reining’s version of a Triple Crown. Flarida and Wimpys Little Chic, or “Lexi,” as she is more affectionately called, dominated the event all week, beginning by winning the preliminary go-round with a 227. All eyes were on the flashy mare by Wimpys Little Step and out of Collena Chic Olena as she entered the pen for the finals. With her trademark precision, she maneuvered through Pattern 5 with the ease and grace that have become her distinctive style. As the pair blazed on to the pattern-ending three stops, the crescendoeing crowd bellowed its approval. As the pair exited, many fans rose for a standing ovation, paying homage to the mare that many have called one of the most talented horses in reining history. “This mare, she could have finished last tonight and my respect for her wouldn’t be diminished at all – because I know how great she is,” Flarida said after the win. “But I was just really happy she could show everyone what I knew she was capable of doing.” The pair scored a 233 – their third consecutive score above a 230 – to top the Open Derby by a definitive six points. Breeder Monica Watson of Double Run Farm had tears in her eyes as she ran to Lexi to give her a well-deserved kiss – something that has become a tradition for the horse and her former owner. “She was just amazing tonight,” Flarida recounted. “She’s been great every time, but this might have been her best performance yet.” Flarida had three horses in the Open NRHA Derby finals, and in addition to the ,000 he won for first place, he also took home a check for ,760 for a fourth-place tie on KR Lil Conquistador, owned by Jeff and Cheree Kirkbride, and another ,915 for a tenth-place tie on Western Whiz, owned by Sammy Ely. Additionally, he won nearly ,000 for placing first in the preliminary, and tying himself for eighth. When all the checks were totaled, Flarida took home ,607.55 – putting him within 5,000 of hitting the unprecedented Million Dollar Rider mark. “We’re so grateful for all the support we’ve been given from everyone – our fans, our family, and of course, our sponsors,” said Michele Flarida. “I hope we’ve made them all proud because we couldn’t do this without them!” Flarida is the NRHA’s All-Time Leading Money-earning rider, with more than .8 million dollars won and counting. He is just the second rider to earn two million dollars in NRHA competition, and has four NRHA Open Futurity wins to his credit. Flarida is proudly sponsored by EZ-All, Horseware Ireland, Lubrisyn, Leonard Trailers, Wrangler, Classic Equine, Purina Mills and Pards Western Store. For more information, contact kellie@thegreenshirt.com, or call 940-626-4250.

07.01.08 09:16

Team eZall goes PINK in support of BREAST CANCER!

Are you tough enough to use pink? This summer you can support breast cancer research when purchasing your favorite eZall grooming tool, the revolutionary eZ Foamer. “This is a cause we believe in and our goal is to win. At the Josey Ranch we’re “Tough enough to use Pink” states Martha Josey, Hall of Fame Barrel Racer. eZall Technologies is a Grove City, OH based company serving the equine and the livestock industry that thinks pink. With a high percentage of female customers, many of whom have shared their stories of fighting breast cancer, eZall recognizes that this disease is one of women’s greatest health concerns. This year we are launching the PINK Foamer, with the efforts of our thousands of dealers and satisfied customers across America, a portion of sales will help benefit breast cancer research. The heavy duty foamer features a quick attach nozzle, compatible to any garden hose. Just fill the foamer with the eZall product of your choice to bathe your horses, livestock or clean off the trailer. The eZ Foamer mixes the concentrate automatically with water as you apply it – no guesswork is required! The Pink Foamer is now available and comes packaged with a free 8oz Total Body Wash concentrate and more than in coupons. The eZall Foamer makes it simple and saves you time, effort and money when grooming your animals. “Breast cancer is something that effects the lives of everyone around us, says Sherry Cervi, World Champion Barrel Racer and eZall Ambassador. “It is important that we do all we can to help support the fight against the disease that takes from so many.” Join Team eZall and Go Pink to support breast cancer research by purchasing your pink eZall Foamer today! A portion of the proceeds benefit this worthy cause.

06.11.08 11:10

Dun It Big/Jay Holmes are NRCHA Open Bridle World Champions

Written by Rebecca Overton and Susan Morrison. Dun It Big and Jay Holmes. An electrifying fence work that brought many spectators to their feet earned Jay Holmes and Dun It Big the 2007 National Reined Cow Horse Association Open Bridle World Championship in Stephenville, Texas, on Feb. 23. Holmes, a Sarasota, Fla., cow horse trainer and roper, and Dun It Big (Hollywood Dun It x Genuine Redbud x Genuine Doc) were the 2004 Open Hackamore World Champions and have made the World finals every year since then, except last year. One of the highlights of this year’s show was when the pair turned a cow twice down the fence, then circled it as the crowd applauded. “I thought our cow would be good because he honored us really good,” said Holmes, whose Triple J Ranch bought the 9-year-old stallion when he was 3. Holmes was one of three generations in his family to compete in the World Championship finals. His daughter, Morgan, placed eighth in the Youth Limited on Smart Shooter, while his mother-in-law, Charlene Morgan, earned ninth on SF Check Me Out. Holmes and Dun It Big’s 440 composite score (215 in the reined work and 225 in the cow work) earned them a check for ,388.

03.05.08 11:05

32oz Ready to Use Cleaner

eZall® Multi-Purpose Cleaner is bio-based, readily biodegradable and safe to use like all the products you trust from eZall. Concentrated Fresh Lemon Scent No Harsh Chemicals Saves you time, effort and money Barn • Saddle pads, blankets, sheets, trailer floors • Splint boots, nylon halters, lead ropes • Feed and water buckets, stalls, tree sap • Fitting mats, brushes and combs, clipper heads Kitchen • Countertops, stovetops, sinks, cabinets • Appliances, grills, vents, filters Bathroom • Tubs and tile, sinks, countertops • shower stalls, toilets, floors • light fixtures and decor Household • Pets and Laundry stains • Walls, Woodwork, Furniture • Upholstery and carpets. eZall Multipurpose Cleaner is a partner in the US EPA Design for the Environment (DfE) program and meets USDA requirements for use in food processing.

01.03.08 10:19

Clint Allen inducted into the National Cutting Horse Association Riders Hall of Fame

Trainer Clint Allen Born in New Zealand, Clint Allen has been riding and showing in different events all of his life. He moved to the U.S. with a chance to start training and showing in the cutting horse industry and has been competitively showing for the past six years. He has lifetime earnings in excess of .5 million and will be inducted into the National Cutting Horse Association Riders Hall of Fame in December 2007.

12.05.07 12:55

SHAWN FLARIDA WINS 2007 NRHA OPEN FUTURITY CHAMPIONSHIP ON ARCESE QUARTER HORSES USA’S WIMPYS LITTLE CHIC

http://nrha.com/

LIKE FATHER, LIKE DAUGHTER: SHAWN FLARIDA WINS 2007 NRHA OPEN FUTURITY CHAMPIONSHIP ON ARCESE QUARTER HORSES USA’S WIMPYS LITTLE CHIC They saved the best for last Saturday night at the 2007 NRHA Open Futurity Finals. The final rider, NRHA Two Million Dollar Rider and NRHA Professional Shawn Flarida, scored a 231.5 to win the Open Futurity Championship on Wimpys Little Chic, owned by Arcese Quarter Horses USA, of Weatherford, TX. Flarida has won the Open Futurity Championship four times; tonight’s win was déjà vu. In 2002, Flarida won the NRHA Open Futurity Championship on Wimpys Little Chic’s sire, Wimpys Little Step, owned by Mark Schols of College Grove, TN. Congratulations to Shawn Flarida and Wimpys Little Chic.

12.03.07 06:09

Ky Stierwalt Grand Champion at NAILE

Known as the largest all-breed, purebred livestock show in the world, the North American International Livestock Exposition (NAILE) draws nearly 22,000 entries and approximately 200,000 visitors to Louisville each year. This year Ky Stierwalt of Leedey OK, exhibited the Grand Champion at the Junior Steer Show.

12.02.07 17:42

CONGRATULATIONS to eZall team member Shawn Flarida of Springfield Ohio. Winner of the 2007 NRHA Open Reining at the 2007 All American Quarter Horse Congress.

10.26.07 17:02

CONGRATULATIONS to eZall team member Shawn Flarida of Springfield Ohio. Winner of the 2007 Congress Reining Futurity - Open Division Final Go.

10.26.07 17:02

2007 Ohio Lamb Fitting Contest

07.29.07 19:42

Josey Clinic & Event Calendar

http://barrelracers.com/calendar.htm

Clinics are for men, women, girls, boys, beginners to advanced and all types of barrel horses. All Josey Ranch Clinics provide stalls, camper hook-ups, dorms (while they last) an outdoor arena and a covered arena. Lots of horsemanship and back to basics work, with a final run for a Josey Ultimate Saddle and prizes. Perfect for the beginner and just right for the experienced barrel racer needing a tune-up or bit selection for that new horse. Bits and saddles are always available to try during clinics. Enter today and join the many champion barrel racers and ropers who started here.

05.11.07 13:46

Ohio BEST Program fitting Contest

03.16.07 12:31

Ohio's BEST Leading the Way

2007 Leading the BEST Conference Highlights By Joni Naylor, OCA/OBC Youth Activities Intern Story writen for Ohio Cattleman Magazine When they are not at a show, many of the Ohio Cattlemen’s Association’s BEST participants spend their weekends working in the barn, sleeping in or hanging out with friends. Forty-four BEST participants spent a weekend away from all of that at the Ohio Cattlemen’s Foundation’s second annual Leading the BEST Conference. The conference, which was held at the Ohio State University on Jan. 26-28, 2007, was sponsored by Bob Evans. The Leading the Best Conference was started because many BEST committee members wanted to provide additional education to the BEST participants. When kids are at shows they are always on the go, but at the Leading the BEST Conference they are able to learn about the industry, develop leadership skills and make new friendships. “We wanted to make sure that these juniors had a better understanding of the scope of the cattle industry beyond the show ring,” said Elizabeth Harsh, OCA Executive Director. “At this conference they were able to do just that.” “This conference is an excellent opportunity for these kids to excel outside of the show ring,” said OCA BEST Chairman, John King. The conference began with a round of ice breakers and then the kids were greeted by the conference’s first speaker, Carrie Rhoades-Behlke. An Ohio native, Behlke works for Show Circuit Magazine and was formerly the Director of Activities for the American Shorthorn Association. The first session focused on teamwork and values. Small groups were formed to complete different tasks as a team. At the conclusion of the first session, it was time for the kids to have a little fun. The youth could be found playing Twister, swimming, playing Corn hole and many other games for the rest of the night. Saturday morning came with an early rise as the participants made their way to the OSU Animal Sciences building for made-to-order omelets provided by the Ohio Beef Council. Following breakfast, the kids tuned in for the second session of the conference. Behlke continued her session from the previous night, encouraging the participants to think about setting goals and the choices they make. The kids were encouraged to set a goal and write it down. “Learning and growing personally is one of the benefits of attending this conference and it’s extraordinary to be a part of that,” said Behlke. Setting goals helps people to think about their future. Throughout the conference, the participants were encouraged to think about their future, including a career path. As livestock producers, many of the conference participants were interested in veterinary medicine, so they were treated to a tour of the OSU Veterinary Teaching Hospital. Following the tour, Justin Kieffer, a third year veterinary student and member of the Food Animal club, spoke to the group about getting into veterinary school and what it’s really like. “The Food Animal club presentation was really interesting because it’s neat hearing about how much is required to be a veterinarian,” said participant R.J. Blankenship, Highland County. Following a lunch break, the participants were greeted by one of the nation’s top cattle fitters, Kirk Stierwalt. Stierwalt’s presentation was sponsored by eZall. Stierwalt taught the kids about proper fitting equipment and techniques to help fitters with clipping. His primary message was for exhibitors to put in the work at home and be prepared in advance and to learn from their mistakes. “Luck is when preparation and opportunity cross paths,” said Stierwalt. Stierwalt’s demonstration was a crowd favorite. “I came back this year because I was really excited to see the Stierwalt demonstration,” said Jonathan Sforza, Licking County. “I learned a lot from it,”. The afternoon only got better as the participants were later given a tour of Ohio Stadium. The tour included the press box, Huntington Club level, field pump house, home locker room and recruitment room. “I enjoyed the Stadium tour. It was really cool,” said Macie Ott, Huron County. OCA BEST Committee vice-chairman, Al Gahler facilitated the next conference session. The kids participated in a BQA session, jeopardy style. “We want to ensure that the BEST program is focused more on the kids than the cattle, and that we are educating them as producers,” said Gahler, when asked about the importance of Beef Quality Assurance programs for Ohio’s youth. Saturday evening, youth enjoyed dinner provided by City Barbeque founders and owners Rick Malir and Bonnie Coley-Malir. During and after dinner, the Malirs hosted a question and answer session with the participants. The kids asked about the company’s beef usage and tested the Malir’s knowledge of the beef industry. Both Bonnie and Rick have a solid background in the agriculture industry. Rick grew up in Kansas and was involved in 4-H and FFA showing cattle. Bonnie was raised on a registered Hereford cattle operation in Tennessee. After a day full of educational experiences, the kids were ready for a little fun on the ice. The group made its way to the OSU Ice Rink for a few hours of ice skating before heading back to the hotel to rest up for the next day. On Sunday morning, Dr. Tom Turner, OSU Animal Sciences assistant professor, taught the kids about livestock evaluation. He used different scenarios and EPDs to help the kids understand animal selection. At the conclusion of Dr. Turner’s presentation, the kids bundled up, put on hair nets and headed into the OSU meat sciences lab. The session on meat science was facilitated by Dr. Henry Zerby, OSU meat sciences professor. In the meat lab, Dr. Zerby taught the kids about yield and quality grades and the different cuts of meat. After warming up and grabbing a snack, the participants sat down to listen to Stacey Katseanes, National Cattlemen’s Beef Association Legislative Affairs director. Katseanes spoke to the group about industry issues and then did a question and answer session. During her presentation she encouraged the youth to be aware of current issues such as animal ID programs, property rights and being actively involved at the local, state and national levels. “It’s very important for these kids to get involved and be aware of issues and what’s going on outside of the show ring,” said Katseanes. The group then got a chance to practice answering questions and show off their industry knowledge in a session conducted by Ohio Beef Council staff members Elizabeth Harsh and Trent Fredenburg. Participants were put on the spot in a media-type situation where they had to be quick thinkers when answering questions about the beef industry. Following lunch, sponsored by Certified Angus Beef, the participants sat down for the last session of the conference. Jessica Slone, 2006 Ohio Beef Ambassador, encouraged the participants to think about the qualities of good leaders. The kids were reminded of the importance of setting goals and building leadership skills. “This has been a really good experience, said Kayla Alexander, Clinton County. “I think that this conference gives us a chance to see all aspects of the beef industry. It gives us a chance to excel outside of the show ring and make new friends.” Overall, the 2007 Leading the BEST Conference, in just two days, provided 44 participants with a quick look at the different aspects of the beef industry. Participants were able to learn new things and develop their leadership skills while still having a great time. “I learned that winning isn’t everything, and that’s an important lesson that I think everyone should learn,” said Chase Sanders, Stark County. “Ultimately we are here because we want to be leaders and have fun. That’s what the BEST program is all about.”

01.27.07 12:39

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