Barnes Banks At Lucky Dog In Texarkana
Barnes Banks At Lucky Dog In Texarkana
James Barnes rode 4-year-old Wheres My Soxx "Cartier" to the average win at the 2017 Lucky Dog Futurity Barrel Race in Texarkana, AR.
By: Hope Sickler
35-year-old (although you would never guess!) Barnes has been riding horses since he was a wee little boy, however he only started running barrels when he was 12-years-old. Since then, Barnes has dedicated his life to learning what he can to become one of the best barrel futurity trainers in the industry. He has won money at the toughest futurities throughout the country and can add another championship to his incredible resume; 2017 Lucky Dog Futurity Champion.
The Lucky Dog Futurity, put on by Lucky Dog Productions, is held in Texarkana, Arkansas and can easily be one of the toughest futurities of the season. Barnes rode 4-year-old Wheres My Soxx "Cartier" to the average win against some of the toughest futurity horses and trainers in the industry.
"Cartier" was purchased by Barnes from Amanda Kay and has turned out to be a great investment.
"LeAnn Kay Rafferty is a good friend of mine and she worked the deal out between me and her sister, Amanda. I am truly honored and blessed to have been given the opportunity by the Kay family to purchase "Cartier"," Barnes said.
"Cartier" is by BHR Frenchie Socks and out of Picabo Gold who won close to $60,000 at the futurities with Kebo Almond.
Barnes explains that "Cartier" is such a natural that she makes it look like he knows what he is doing.
"She is so talented but if you watch me slow work her, you would never guess that it comes so easy for her. Her slow work and training is very unorthodox and nothing is structured but she is all business. She is not even fun to exhibition or trot through the pattern, but she is an absolute blast to run," explained Barnes.
Prior to the Lucky Dog, Barnes ran "Cartier" at the LG Pro Classic in Kinder and struggled a bit so Barnes went home and adjusted her routine to prepare for the Lucky Dog. In the first round of the futurity, Barnes explained that although run was not an issue, now turn was.
"She ran so hard but missed her rate points on her entries of every barrel. We went to the wall at the first barrel and struggled to turn 2nd and 3rd tight. I think we ran a 15.3 or 15.4, I can't remember," Barnes said. "I wanted to block that run completely out of my memory. I knew that she could place in the second round if I could just clean the pattern up."
With a slower run of 15.458 in the first round, Barnes wasn't sure if he could have a chance at the average even if he placed high in the second round. He made the call to switch to his "tuning" bit for the second round to give him control if he needed it.
"It definitely worked out in our favor and I ended up having enough confidence to leave her alone and let her work. We improved our time from the first round by 8-tenths of a second and I knew that it would place in the round but I had no idea that I was winning the average after my run."
Clocking a 14.652 in the second round, Barnes total time on two runs added up to 30.110, which was all he needed to win the average. Craig Brooks and Grandiose Guy finished second in the average with 30.162 on two runs.
"I am very grateful and fortunate to have won this futurity. Especially since I was down and out after the first round. It just proves to never ever give up," explained Barnes.
Barnes priority is keeping "Cartier" and his other horses happy, so he is always taking one run at a time. Barnes is especially grateful for his partner on "Cartier" Ashley Rice.
"If it wasn't for Ashley, I wouldn't be able to do what I am with "Cartier". Both are huge blessings in my life and "Cartier" has brought so many "firsts" into my life. His well-being and happiness will always be my priority."
Barnes is also quick to credit his sponsors who go above and beyond for him and his team of horses; Outlaw Equine Vet Clinic and crew, 5 Star Saddle Pads, Equi-Resp, Big V-Feed, and Equi-Sure.
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35-year-old (although you would never guess!) Barnes has been riding horses since he was a wee little boy, however he only started running barrels when he was 12-years-old. Since then, Barnes has dedicated his life to learning what he can to become one of the best barrel futurity trainers in the industry. He has won money at the toughest futurities throughout the country and can add another championship to his incredible resume; 2017 Lucky Dog Futurity Champion.
The Lucky Dog Futurity, put on by Lucky Dog Productions, is held in Texarkana, Arkansas and can easily be one of the toughest futurities of the season. Barnes rode 4-year-old Wheres My Soxx "Cartier" to the average win against some of the toughest futurity horses and trainers in the industry.
"Cartier" was purchased by Barnes from Amanda Kay and has turned out to be a great investment.
"LeAnn Kay Rafferty is a good friend of mine and she worked the deal out between me and her sister, Amanda. I am truly honored and blessed to have been given the opportunity by the Kay family to purchase "Cartier"," Barnes said.
"Cartier" is by BHR Frenchie Socks and out of Picabo Gold who won close to $60,000 at the futurities with Kebo Almond.
When I went to pick up "Cartier", I was a little nervous about my decision because she was pretty skittish and quirky, having two swirls on her forehead. However, she has been a natural on the barrels since day 1.
Barnes explains that "Cartier" is such a natural that she makes it look like he knows what he is doing.
"She is so talented but if you watch me slow work her, you would never guess that it comes so easy for her. Her slow work and training is very unorthodox and nothing is structured but she is all business. She is not even fun to exhibition or trot through the pattern, but she is an absolute blast to run," explained Barnes.
Prior to the Lucky Dog, Barnes ran "Cartier" at the LG Pro Classic in Kinder and struggled a bit so Barnes went home and adjusted her routine to prepare for the Lucky Dog. In the first round of the futurity, Barnes explained that although run was not an issue, now turn was.
"She ran so hard but missed her rate points on her entries of every barrel. We went to the wall at the first barrel and struggled to turn 2nd and 3rd tight. I think we ran a 15.3 or 15.4, I can't remember," Barnes said. "I wanted to block that run completely out of my memory. I knew that she could place in the second round if I could just clean the pattern up."
With a slower run of 15.458 in the first round, Barnes wasn't sure if he could have a chance at the average even if he placed high in the second round. He made the call to switch to his "tuning" bit for the second round to give him control if he needed it.
"It definitely worked out in our favor and I ended up having enough confidence to leave her alone and let her work. We improved our time from the first round by 8-tenths of a second and I knew that it would place in the round but I had no idea that I was winning the average after my run."
Clocking a 14.652 in the second round, Barnes total time on two runs added up to 30.110, which was all he needed to win the average. Craig Brooks and Grandiose Guy finished second in the average with 30.162 on two runs.
"I am very grateful and fortunate to have won this futurity. Especially since I was down and out after the first round. It just proves to never ever give up," explained Barnes.
Barnes priority is keeping "Cartier" and his other horses happy, so he is always taking one run at a time. Barnes is especially grateful for his partner on "Cartier" Ashley Rice.
"If it wasn't for Ashley, I wouldn't be able to do what I am with "Cartier". Both are huge blessings in my life and "Cartier" has brought so many "firsts" into my life. His well-being and happiness will always be my priority."
Barnes is also quick to credit his sponsors who go above and beyond for him and his team of horses; Outlaw Equine Vet Clinic and crew, 5 Star Saddle Pads, Equi-Resp, Big V-Feed, and Equi-Sure.