2007 marks 40 years at the Josey Ranch

News Herald Photo by Lester Murray Tori Boaze, 14, rounds the barrel in turn one during the Christmas clinic at the Josey ranch. Boaze, a Maude Laird eighth grader has been competing for six months. The Josey Ranch is world famous for barrel racing. (see Lifestyles for more photos) With the start of the new year just hours away, 2007 will mark 40 years R.E. and Martha Josey have been introducing young and old to the sport of barrel racing.

Martha Josey is considered a Legend in the barrel racing world and is a world champion WPRA, AQHA and NBHA which has spanned a career of over 40 years.

R.E. Josey is no slouch either being a three time AQHA calf roping champion and accomplished it on three different horses.

This weekend was the Christmas World Champion Barrel Racing & Horsemanship Clinic with riders not just coming from all over the country but the world. “We have a rider that came from Australia,” said Martha.

Martha said in the 40 years at the Josey Ranch there have been over 80,000 riders come for

competition and clinics. “Our clinics are for beginners all the way up to experienced riders,” said Martha. “The clinic is designed to focus on the rider, the horse and what needs to be improved on.”

Martha said the bonds that people make that come here are incredible. “I have students that have been coming to clinics for 19 years,” said Martha. “Most of my employees are ex-students.”

Martha said R.E. won’t let a rider out of the arena until he is sure they are getting the attention they need to make improvements.

Martha is not one to boast about her accomplishments but she won a gold medal in the 1988 Olympics in Calgary. “It is all about dedication,” said Martha. “When these riders leave here I want them to know how to practice, focus and set goals.”

Martha said and it is not all about the riding. “I want these riders to succeed in other areas too,” said Martha. “That is why I stress education and the need to balance the sport with education.”

Martha said barrel horse competitions are not just rodeos anymore. “There are ways to compete in barrel racing in different classes which means the average person that wants to compete for the fun of riding can still receive recognition,” said Martha.

Martha said there were 84 riders in the Christmas clinic. “I always have a waiting list,” said Martha. “We try and accommodate as many riders as possible but we want to make sure we have time to give each rider the attention they need.”

Martha, who is originally from Kilgore had three riders from Kilgore in this clinic. Tori Boaze, Brittany Steelman and Whittany Baton all participated in the clinic, it was Toris first clinic but Brittany and Whittany are veterans at the Josey

Ranch. “Tori got her first horse three years ago and has been active in competition for the last six months “Lori Boaze, Tori’s mother said. “Tori has been active in the Kilgore Saddle Club and is a student a Maude Laird Middle School.”

Tim Boaze said Tori took first in points in the spring at the Kilgore Saddle Club. “Tori is on her second horse, Ruby, a five and a half year old and recently placed 4th in a competition in Louisiana,” said Tim.

Tori, who is in the eighth grade will be competing in the Wrangler Division Junior High Rodeo in Lufkin. “The Wrangler division is for eighth graders only getting them ready for high school competition,” said Tim.

Johnnye Baton, grandmother of Whittany and Brittany said Whittany was the youngest child to compete in barrel racing and she currently is the ripe old age of seven. “Brittany, who is eleven and attends Maude Laird Middle School has numerous competitions under her belt and has won many awards,” said Johnnye.

Whittany and Brittany are the daughters of Jody Baton of Kilgore. “Brittany rode her horse, Big Jake, for many years until an injury forced Jake into retirement

and now Brittany rides Bob,” said Johnnye. “Besides competing in Josey Junior World competition Brittany has competed at rodeos around the country.”

Martha said riders in these three day clinics have a jam packed schedule. “Barrel racing and horsemanship, individual barrel work, tack shop demonstrations, funnel barrels, equine massage are all worked in starting at 8 a.m. and going to 9:30 p.m.,” said Martha.

Martha said she puts on 27 clinics a year, 12 at home and 15 around the country. “The Junior World competition will be held May 4-6 and our reunion clinic will be April 27- 29,” said Martha. “The ranch is open everyday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Saturday so anyone wanting to visit the ranch store, trophy room please stop by.”

All riders attending a clinic get a video of one of their rides, a certificate of completion and a group photograph taken in the main arena. Anyone wanting additional information about Martha or R.E., clinics or competitions check their web site at www.barrelracers.com