Each year, the February issue of Barrel Horse News highlights the newly crowned Women’s Professional Rodeo Association barrel racing world champion as well as all the highlights from the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo. No one had a more record-breaking year than WPRA World Champion Brittany Pozzi Tonozzi and her arsenal of equine athletes, including the Busby Quarter Horses-owned gelding Jets Top Gun.
Because of press deadlines, I’m writing this column just days after the New Year. While New Year’s Resolutions are top of mind for most everyone this time of year, I can’t help but reflect on Tonozzi’s epic year. The three-time world champion truly accomplished things in this year’s season that barrel racers will be chasing for years. Work ethic and top-shelf horseflesh led her through the monumental year and inspired fellow competitors and fans of barrel racing, from both futurity competition to the professional rodeo world. As Tonozzi inspires us all to chase our dreams and believe in the impossible, I hope everyone watching her this year felt the same surge of motivation and encouragement that I felt while watching the cowgirl from Lampasas, Texas, earn her third world title.
It’s a fitting reflection, as this issue is jam-packed with horse-and-rider teams accomplishing goals. From the NFR to the Better Barrel Races OKC Futurity, the February issue celebrates historic moments, big wins, crowning of champions and so much more.
Barrel Horse News congratulates Tonozzi, Busby Quarter Horses and all the connections around the coveted title. Read all about her win and the round-by-round action from the NFR, beginning on page 44.
This month, we also have a special feature where three expert trainers and clinicians answer their most commonly asked questions in Jessica Lash’s “From the Top” on page 26.
February is also The Mare and Foal Issue. Don’t miss Abigail Boatwright’s comprehensive piece on page 30 entitled “Baby Ready,” where she caught up with experts in the field to discuss the foaling checklist you’ll need to be prepared for your mare’s foaling experience. Plus, we take a deep-dive look at barrel racing dams who have earned status as blue hen mares in Tanya Randall’s expertly written feature “Barrel Racing’s Blue Hens” on page 38.
As always, we also highlight winners from the biggest events of the year, from the NFR to the BBR OKC Futurity to the All In Barrel Race and everything in between. Don’t miss the best event coverage of the season.
We hope you enjoy this issue. 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 February 2024 issue here.
