January seems to creep up on us faster and faster each year. With the new year comes new opportunities and a fresh look at our lives. Whether it’s new goals, young horses, or adjusting priorities, I hope you enter 2025 with excitement and joy. There’s a lot to be thankful for in our industry these days, and myself along with all the stall at BHN are looking forward to spending the next year with you, sharing your stories and accomplishments right here on the pages of Barrel Horse News. No matter your age or skill level, we hope you join us as we journey through the new year and experience all the barrel racing industry has to offer alongside one another.
Each year as the BHN staff is working to put together the January edition, we’re also spending part of our time between the premier events of the season — the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo, the Barrel Futurities of America World Championships, and the OKC Futurity. It’s always a whirlwind this time of year, but as barrel racers there’s no better time to enjoy top-shelf horses. By the time this hits your mailboxes, BFA, NFR and OKC Futurity champions will have already been crowned. Be watching for our February 2025 issue, where we dive into the newest Women’s Professional Rodeo Association World Champion and all the highlights from the Wrangler NFR and the OKC Futurity. You’ll find everything you need to know about the BFA in this issue on page 50.
The January issue is dedicated to stallions, and this month we take a look at one program that grew to prominence with good instincts and just the right timing in Ross Hecox’s “Right On Time,” beginning on page 30. We also go behind-the-scenes with the management of a stallion station in BHN associate editor Maddy Rohr’s “For The Boys” on page 36. Plus, we take an in-depth look at five of the leading EquiStat Junior Sires on page 40.
You’ll also find the biggest shows of the season like the WPRA World Finals, the NBHA Open World Championships, Top Shelf Breeders and more.
We hope you enjoy this issue as you ring in the New Year. Be sure to stay up-to-date online at barrelhorsenews.com as BHN staff bring you the latest news, entertainment and training tips.
Until next time, stay safe.
— Kailey Sullins
Get your copy of the January 2025 issue here.
