As a writer, often the hardest part of a project is the blank page. I have a framed quote in my office to remind me to not get hung up on being perfect, but to simply just get started. It reads: “First drafts don’t have to be perfect; they just have to be written.”
For this month’s Beginners Issue, I encourage you to think about this mantra. Often, we worry about being perfect from the start. We worry about the mistakes that are bound to happen and before you know it, we’ve wasted valuable time waiting around contemplating the start of a new endeavor instead of accepting that with new paths come a learning process. If you simply take that first leap you’ll be closer to your end goal. There will always be a learning curve, and you’ll make mistakes, but that’s the process of starting a new task.
This month we dedicate the issue to the beginners in the sport, no matter your age. You’ll find expert advice from world champions and leaders in the industry that will help you take those first leaps into the barrel racing world.
On page 18, Dr. Christine Sutherland, DVM details common horse health protocols and shares tips on how to learn to take better care of your horse. On page 32, Morgan Anderson caught up with professional barrel racer and clinician Kristin Weaver Brown to share her story and offer insight on why clinics are important for your success as a barrel racer. Plus, on page 38, in Tanya Randall’s “Saddle Up for Success” you’ll find useful information on how to find the right saddle for your specific horse and riding ability.
It’s fitting that this issue coincides with some of the biggest youth rodeos and barrel racing events of the year. We take a dedicated effort highlighting the next generation of barrel racers in both the Youth Rodeo Roundup, NBHA Youth and Teen World Championships event coverage, and for the third year highlighting the BHN Youth Ambassador Program.
This new program was developed to foster growth in the sport, but helping to encourage youth barrel racers to step out of their comfort zone, learn about equine media, and develop skill that will help them in their future endeavors. Read about this year’s BHN Youth Ambassadors on page 24.
Also featured in this month’s issue is all the coverage from all the biggest events of the season like the NFR Open, Ruby Buckle West, Glacier Chaser Classic, the College National Finals Rodeo, 5-State Breeders Futurity and a collection of the biggest Better Barrel Races events of the summer and more, all beginning on page 43.
We hope you enjoy this issue. Be sure to stay up-to-date online at www.barrelhorsenews.com as BHN staff bring you the latest news, entertainment and training tips in the industry.
Until next time, stay safe.
— Kailey Sullins
Get your copy of the September 2025 issue here.
