The legacy of the Josey Ranch reached a milestone this summer, teaching their 60th year of the iconic Josey Rodeo Schools.
What started in 1967 by Martha Josey and husband R.E. Josey was the start of a tradition that has become a stand out success in the rodeo industry. Bringing over 300 students and their families to Marshall, TX in June, Martha and the Josey team have been busy.
After finding success on the rodeo road in the start of their career’s Martha and R.E. Josey hosted their first rodeo school at their ranch in Marshall, Tx in 1967. The school lasted two weeks where they took in 50 barrel racers and ropers and kept them at their home for two weeks. From that first school four students went on to make the National Finals Rodeo (NFR) later in their careers.
“When we started, we had one school with about fifty students, and their parents dropped them off for two weeks. We taught them how to barrel race and rope calves, and they became family,” World Champion Barrel Racer Martha Josey said. “Today, we have students returning year after year and bringing their children and grandchildren back to the Ranch. We even had a fourth generation Josey Student that attended Barrel School II. That's what makes these schools so special."
Four decades of NFR qualifications, Olympic Medalist, three World Championships and many hall of fames, Martha says that her greatest claim to fame is her students. Many have gone on to be world champions in and out of the arena.
The Josey Ranch kicked off its 60th year of rodeo schools with the first week-long school held May 30 through June 6. A total of 78 barrel racers and 59 calf ropers traveled to Marshall, Texas, for a week of hands-on instruction in the arenas, roping alley, and classroom.
At each of the Schools/Clinic students focused on horsemanship, winning techniques, mindset, proper equipment, and keeping their horses in peak condition. Traditionally along with working, students also get the chance to participate in Josey Ranch activities like the shaving cream fight, ribbon roping, rope n run, talent show, and a snipe hunt.
Along with the learning opportunities students also compete for prizes throughout the week. For barrel racers competition is in the form of a final run, competing for belt buckles, prizes and a brand new Martha Josey Lightspeed Circle Y Saddle. This year’s Barrel Racing Champion was Makayla Lycka from Richmond TX, followed by the 2D Champion Maddi Spoonemore of Detroit TX, 3D Champion Grace Mayes from Milton FL, and 4D Champion Pricilla Steckler of Natchez MS. It was a very exciting barrel race and the perfect way to end the perfect week
The Calf Roping students competed in a tournament roping during the week competing for a Priefert Calf Chute and a trophy roping saddle donated by Marty and Mia Davis of Davis Fence Company. This year Wylie Jo Hodges of Bloomburg TX was the Match Roping Champion taking home the Priefert Shoot. The Tie Down Tournament Champion was Thomas Arnold from Sparta TN, and the All Around Champion was Payton Murphy of Jonesboro AR. The Jr Tie Down Champion Carter Hazeleous from Durant OK. In addition to the tournament roping, the ropers have a final roping where the Breakaway Champion was Dub Lummos of Bloomburg TX, the Tie Down Champion was Carter Ryan from Jonesville LA, and the Ribbon Roping Champion was Payton Murphy of Jonesboro AR.
Following the week-long school, the Ranch hosted its annual Summer Three-Day Clinic June 8-11. Eighty barrel racers attended the clinic, receiving one-on-one instruction and participating in slow work drills and pattern work designed to help riders improve their consistency and confidence.
Champions of the three day clinic were Caydence Kunkel of Hinton, IA in the 1D, 2D was Presley Jade O'Quinn from Wells, TX, 3D winner was Ace Lundry from Idabel OK, and the 4D champion was Hannabeth Curtis all the way from Toney AL.
The summer concluded with a second week-long school June 14-20, which welcomed 70 barrel racers and 50 breakaway ropers. Throughout the week, students worked daily with instructors and concluded the school by showcasing their newly learned skills in competition for saddles, buckles, and other prizes.
Final day competition concluded with another set of Josey Champions. Taking home the new Josey Lightspeed Circle Y Saddle was Harleigh Hammack followed with the 2D Champion Wrenley Scott, Georgia Mitchell took the 3D, and Indy Spinn took the 4D.
Again students competed in a tournament roping during the week competing for a Priefert Calf Chute and a trophy roping saddle donated byMarty and Mia Davis of Davis Fence Company. This year Lola Parnell from Texas took the win and the Priefert Chute, and the reserve Champion, Madelyn Welch of Quitman AR took the Trophy Saddle. Final day competition Roping Championships went to Sawyer Powell of Longview TX in sled roping, Junior Breakaway Lola Parnell, and Senior Breakaway Blayne Knox of Marshall TX.
Continuing with the Josey Tradition of giving back to their community, The Josey Ranch offered scholarships to high school students at both summer schools. The Ranch awarded four scholarships this year. At the first summer school the Martha Josey- Josey Ranch Scholarship was awarded to Miss Meadow Williams of Corsicana, TX and the R.E. Josey Memorial Scholarship was awarded to Thomas Arnold of Sparta TN. At the second summer school the R.E. Josey Scholarship was awarded to Ava Dixon from Plumerville, AR and the Martha Josey-Josey Ranch Scholarship was awarded to Blakely Clements from Duncan OK.
“These four applicants just really stood out with their drive and determination,” said Martha’s nephew and Josey Instructor Gary Arthur. “We are very excited to see what the future holds for these young men and women.”
Altogether, nearly 340 students participated in the Josey Ranch's 60th anniversary summer events, continuing a tradition that has impacted generations of rodeo families coming from a total of 23 different states, with some traveling over 2000 miles.
One of the unique aspects of the Josey Rodeo Schools is the great and prestigouos instructors themselves. Many are former students who once sat in the same arena seats and now return to help teach the next generation.
The Josey roping staff is comprised entirely of former students. Chad Henry, Agriculture Professor at Northeast Texas Community College, and Jeb Barney, manager at Mark West Energy, lead the roping instruction alongside NFR Qualifier Kincade Henry, Spence Barney, Bryce Barney, Troy Aucoin, Keely Henry, Caitlyn Heath, and Jace Bustad Many of these instructors are actively competing on the professional rodeo circuit.
Leading the barrel racing instruction is Martha Josey with her talented team of instructors. Four-time Josey Jr World Champion Ty Mitchell joins Martha's nephew Gary Arthur and longtime friends and trainers Terry Thomas, Pam Randall, and Lisa Mitchell. They are joined by former Josey students who now serve as instructors, including Mark Burt, Elaine Lambino, Whitney Bettis, Ashley Herr, Cindy Durham, Marje Dahle, Landin English, Cookie Myers, Lyndsay Beck, Kim Williams, Deb Watson, and Charmarie Allen.
Six decades after Martha and R.E. Josey held their first school, the Josey Ranch continues to host events year-round for barrel racers and ropers of all ages. The Ranch remains open to the public, and visitors are always welcome to watch students train and compete.
For more information on upcoming schools and events, visit www.barrelracers.com.
