Tribute to Martha Josey- "A Dreamer named Charmayne" and "Barrel Racer" by Tamara Hillman.

                                 "Martha Josey - The Legend" by Ron Atwood

         Barrel Racing is a timed event, Tthe contestant enters the arena at full speed riding an American Quarter Horse in a cloverleaf pattern around three barrels positioned in the arena. The pattern may be started from either the left or right; but if the horse deviates in any other way the rider is disqualified. The horse and rider trigger an electronic eye as they start; and that is what triggers the clock. The racer rides the cloverleaf pattern around the barrels and then races out of the arena, tripping the eye and stopping the clock as she leaves.

    One of today's outstanding barrel racers is Martha Josey. Nationally know artist Ron Atwood is currently in the process of painting Martha (see image above) and some of her most famous horses; Cebe Reed, Sonny Bit O'Both and Orange Smash. Cebe was Martha's first great horse and together they won 7 horse trailers and 52 barrel races in a row. Cebe qualified Martha for her first National Finals Rodeo (NFR) in 1968 and again in 1969. Martha later teamed up with the big bay gelding, Sonny Bit O'Both. This powerful combination went to the NFR four years in a row, from 1978 to 1981. In 1980, Sonny set an all time record: He was the only horse in history to win the AQHA and WPRA World Championships in the same year. In 1997, Martha rode a sorrel gelding named Orange Smash: She won the NBHA Senior World Championship and Reserve Open 1-D Championship in Augusta, Georgia. With Orange Smash, she, qualified for the NFR in 1998,

and received the Gold Go-Round Winner Buckle. At the same time, Orange Smash received the 1999 AQHA "Best of America's Horse Award", His image was sculptured by Peter Stone; and it is available as a collectable statute. Martha was inducted into The Texas cowboy Hall Of Fame in 1998. The photo at the right of Martha and Goldie Taylor, was taken following the ceremony. You can read more about Martha on her web site: http://www.barrelracers.com/index.htm
                                Or contact her at: joseyranch@marshalltx.com

( A copy of the painting by Ron Atwood of Martha and Cebe (featured above) can be obtained by ordering on line at:
                      www.ronatwood.com or call 903-935-5358.

BARREL RACER
By Tamara Hillman

We wait at the line,
my horse is plum’ hyped,
I sweat thru’ my new shirt,
snap-down pockets, gold striped

We fly thru’ the rope gate
when I hear buzzer’s sound,
gotta charge to that first barrel
an’ make a clean round

My horse leans in close
an’ her hooves kick up dirt
as we do figure eights
an’ I whip with my quirt

The wind feels like sixty
as it slaps at my face,
wanna win that prize money
placin’ first in this race

The rootin’ an’ hollerin
is all meant for me,
as I circle the last barrel,
the crowd shouts with glee

Now they’re all on their feet
as my hat goes a flyin’,
my heart beatin’ so fast,
I think that I’m dyin’

Back thru’ the gate
my horse stops with a slide,
as I pull back the reins
from one hell of a ride

The gals are a slappin’
my back as it ends,
shoutin’ ‘n claimin’
they’re all my best friends

The next girl speeds out
an’ she makes a good show,
her pony’s fast runnin’
but down a barrel goes

Second was cinched
by the first rider out,
the one just before me
knew what racin’s about

The next, an’ the next
try to keep up the pace
but time counts against ‘em,
one takes only third place

But I took the ribbon
an’ prize money too,
I got plum’ excited
but between me ‘n you—

Tonight, at the bar,
as we all sip our beer
all that’s important is
competin’ next year…

Tamara Hillman ©2006