Remembering Longtime Industry Supporter Vivian Blackwell

Vivian Blackwell of Naylor, Missouri, passed away July 28. She was 81. Vivian, along with her husband Harry, who passed away in December 2020, were longtime supporters of the barrel racing industry as event sponsors, owners and breeders. Together the couple, who discussed bloodlines over the kitchen table, are amongst the industry’s all-time leading breeders with earners of more than $1.8 million.

By Tanya Randall

Vivian Blackwell of Naylor, Missouri, passed away July 28. She was 81.

She is remembered as “a phenomenal cook, an avid St. Louis Cardinals baseball fan and quite the sharpshooter. She loved holidays with her family, picking out fast horses, and tending to her tomato plants.”

Vivian, along with her husband Harry, who passed away in December 2020, were longtime supporters of the barrel racing industry as event sponsors, owners and breeders. Together the couple, who discussed bloodlines over the kitchen table, are amongst the industry’s all-time leading breeders with earners of more than $1.8 million.

They raised several champion performers and sires Leo Nick Bar, No Pressure On Me and Heavenly Firewater. Some of their futurity champions include Romancing The Red and Vanilas Sudden Fame. They raised top performers such as Famousfirewater Anny and Feelinthefirewater that have gone to be top producers. One of their most recent stars is Carlee Otero’s National Western Rodeo champion HB Firewater Vanila.

Vivian was a top barrel racer producer too. Her daughter Amanda Clayman has three WPRA Great Lakes Circuit Championships and a National Finals Rodeo qualification, and daughter Lori Amoss was the 2004 Great Lakes Champion.