In 1966 newlyweds R.E. and Martha Josey were competing on the Rodeo Road with success in the barrel racing and calf roping events. Shortly after their wedding, the couple decided to move to Martha’s hometown of Marshall, TX to start a rodeo school. They hosted the first Josey Rodeo School in the summer of 1967 and have continued the tradition to kick off their 56th year with the Valentines Clinic.
“We are so excited to be starting our 56th year of clinics and schools,” exclaimed owner Martha Josey. “Our sport continues to grow, and I just love seeing the opportunities out there for all levels of riders. We are thrilled to see so many of our students competing and winning, and proud to welcome new students at each clinic. Every year we work to be bigger and better, and I think this will be the best year yet.”
This past weekend the Josey Ranch welcomed 41 students from 7 different states for their first clinic of 2023. The Valentine Clinic is open to a limited amount of students to give a unique opportunity for a more individualized clinic experience.
These barrel racers spent the weekend on horses in the three Josey arenas. Martha Josey along with her team of highly qualified barrel racing instructors mentored students on the pattern, working on horsemanship, consistency in slow work, and confidence in their barrel racing.
With three different arenas, as well as demonstrations around the ranch, barrel racing students learned about winning techniques, slow work drills, and proper equipment. The clinic was filled with several talented horse and rider teams with many riders making their first trip to the Josey Ranch. After 2 days of training, the students set out to compete in their final runs on Sunday afternoon after attending Cowboy Church.
Sunday afternoon brought improvement across the board as students knocked multiple seconds off their runs. The race was run in a 4D format allowing students the chance to improve their original times from Friday night.
Returning student, Gracelann Brown, took the clinic championship with her partner Bugs and a final run time of 16.599. The 2D winner was Addison Krieg, running a 17.358. Following in the 3D was Logan Krieg with an 17.807 and Kalli Hall won the 4D with a 18.626. You can find the full clinic results here
With the conclusion of the Valentine’s Clinic, the Josey Ranch begins preparations for a full year. Their next event will be March 10-12 for the Adult Only Clinic to be followed by 15 other clinics, schools, and races throughout the year. The full 2023 schedule can be found on barrelracers.com.
Contact: Ashley Schenck
Director of Marketing
marketing@barrelracers.com
817-832-4745