Yee!! Ha!! I can't believe I qualified to run in the Extreme 15 this year.  My 5 year old futurity mare, JJ Dixie Dash, exceeded my greatest expectations by running in the 15's during the July 2010 HEI event.  Whatever she clocks during the Extreme 15 race will be fantastic.
 
Dixie's biggest limitation to her ability is her rider, Jean Lopour(Cedar City).  I feel like such a rookie when competing against the likes of the fast women and horses who consistently excel in the Blackhawk.  Hopefully, I can stay out of her way and let her work.
 
I got into barrel racing later in life.  My high school and college years were spent competing in field hockey, basketball and women's lacrosse.  During my 30's and into my early 40's I challenged myself by participating in marathons, ultra marathons and triathlons including the Hawaiian Ironman.  With age comes wisdom and the return of horses into my life.  Learning to ride barrel horses has been a "trip".
 
I wish all the barrel racers the best of luck!