09/18/2024
Dear barrel racers,
Hang in there, this is a long one!
Thank you so much for a great 2024 season! We love having you come and enjoy our facility and are looking forward to many more events in the future, including new indoor events and different formats for outdoor events!
As the 2024 season is now winding down, I want to reach out to fellow producers, or anyone who has ever considered producing a show! In this picture you will see just a few of the gifts of appreciation we have received from grateful organizations and individuals for hosting races -- we love our barrel racing families and are humbled by the support we have received putting on races.
For a while, barrel racing in central Wisconsin was looking pretty small, with only a handful of different arenas putting on divisional races. In the last few years, we have had a true revitalization of competitive racing in central WI, with new arenas and producers hosting fabulous events with added money, weeknight shows, points series -- just about anything you can think of! Our area really needed this, and it is amazing to see how much successful barrel racing is happening in our area.
What i would LOVE to see, is for some of our new producers to consider sanctioning some of these awesome events with the NBHA or IBRA (or both)! These organizations have been the cornerstone of divisional barrel racing since its inception, and some of our NBHA districts are struggling to find more arenas/producers to sanction with! I will always have a soft spot for NBHA & IBRA, as these were the organizations that gave me my introduction (and so many others) to divisional barrel racing. The NBHA pioneered the amazing format that we have grown accustomed to using which allows riders of all levels to compete on the same playing field. The WI NBHA State Finals has become one of largest attended races of the year in WI, if not the largest! Providing more sanctioned races to allow members to qualify for this State Show will only grow this event and make it easier to meet the three show qualification. If you are a current producer, consider adding a sanctioning to one of your events--A sanctioned race can also benefit your turn out as many riders are following the organization for points for year-end prizes or a trip to Nationals/Worlds.
Already sanctioning with other organizations or WPRA? No problem, there are so many options to co-sanction with multiple organizations! The more the merrier! Are there sanctioning fees or post-show paperwork? Yes, but all are simple, up front, and easy to follow -- points are the responsibility of the organization's director--you simply supply them with the results. Are there organizational rules/requirements? Yes, but honestly, you are probably already adhering to most of them, as they have become pretty common place among jackpots. Payout rules? Yes, there are formats to follow, but again, these are provided and likely the same or similar to what you are already doing!
Not a producer yet but have considered it? Not sure where to start? There are lots of us (and many who have done this MUCH longer than I) who are willing to help you get started! Cliffords Arena and Showtime Arena were indispensable helping us to get started. Our friends at Over Yonder Ranch have previously mentioned that they would have the information you would need if you were interested in producing a show at the Manawa Rodeo Grounds! I would love to see someone get back in there--we all love running at Manawa!
I'm more than happy to chit chat with anyone who has an interest in sanctioning their show (especially for NBHA 01). Anything I can't answer personally I will connect you with people who can, such as Kelly Doll, our NBHA district 01 director.
Thank you all again, and let's see if we can get some new arenas on our NBHA & IBRA schedule next year!
Happy barrel racing,
Kim Nass
Skeeterwood Acres
