FWSSR 2013

This year my good friend Erica Cole, whom I also sponsor in Craft & Crown gear, ran at the Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo(FWSSR) AQHA classes. She competed in the Amateur and Senior Barrel Racing and Pole Bending after only having a baby back in December. I was very proud of her to take on the endeavor, much less actually make it to the Cowboy Publishing Timed Event Challenge. I have to say it's probably the toughest I have seen in years and I knew even if she had the perfect run it would be tough for her to make the top 65. There where probably close to or over 300 horses all-together that she had to out run.She had some tough luck in the barrel race classes, but we where still looking forward to Pole Bending, which her mare, Foxy Jab O Lena, excels at.

She had not ran but 2 pole patterns since a year ago at the last stock show so I was curious to see how the pair would mentally handle everything. Some of the best horse/rider teams in the US are at this race and saying that this is tough is an understatement. Of course, Erica rallied and they ran a 21.6+5 and a 21.5+10. Although the second run wasn't fast enough, her Ammy run made it to the top 65. She drew number 45 and when it was her turn to go Erica and Foxy wowed the crowd as they slithered through those poles with effortless speed. Unfortunately they pulled the very last pole down. They ran a  blazing 20.85 with a +5, which would have been good for 11th place without the +5.

  Despite Erica's tears of disappointment I, and everyone else, couldn't have been more proud of her 3 beautiful runs in one day after a year off from having a baby! Afterwards, she saw her video and realized how great they really did run. She is now more determined than ever to go out and win and show what a team they are! That is why I am so very happy to be sponsoring this up and coming young lady who has made leaps and bounds from where she just started a mere 2 years ago when she started barrel racing! What a team Erica and Foxy has become and they most definitely get noticed everywhere they go. Check out the pics I was able to take while I documented her experience at the FWSSR and first time back at race since having her beautiful baby boy, Lawson. Congrats Erica!

Above, Erica Cole and her 17 year old QH Mare, Foxy Jab O Lena ready for their 1st run back in almost a year since she had her baby boy in December 2012.

Below is the Stall Sign I made for them to display Foxy's great pedigree and information.

 

Below-Craft & Crown gear that they ran in, Classic Equine Dy-No-Turn bell boots and fuscia polos with Fleur De Lis embellishment.  

 

The arena getting drug at the John Justin Arena. Some of the best Pole Bending horses and riders in the US are competing in this event.

 

Making their way up to the warm up pen.

 

 

Foxy is a very nervous mare who loves to do her job, so Erica hand walks her to keep her calm and focused. Once she get's in the alley she's like a stick of dynamite ready to explode and go to work as fast as she can! 

Below Foxy sure is looking like a sleek and gorgeous race horse. 

The one and only Martha Josey even told Erica "She sure is a beautiful mare".

 Made it down from the alley and half-way around the 1st pole in 3.3 seconds! Wow!!!

 

 After a hard days work, Erica bathes Foxy in cool water and a body liniment. She also "muds" her legs to make sure she is feeling great and not sore the next day. Care for our horses is #1.

 

 Here is Erica's 20 second pole run! Fox sure is a natural at weaving and cutting it back. I personally believe Pole Bending is one of the most difficult, nerve-wracking event's to compete in. Once again I can't say enough about how much they accomplished at the FWSSR 2013. I think they are going to be pretty tough this year, so be on the look out for this team at local North Texas Barrel and Pole Bending races.

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