What I Have Learned From Online Horse Shopping

As a horse enthusiast and bloodline junkie, I enjoy surfing different websites of all types of disciplines from cutting and reining, to team roping and barrel racing. While scanning the web looking at horses advertised for sale, I have ran across every type of horse imagineable on the market. After years of researching the barrel horse market I have found myself sometimes scratching my head when looking at or inquiring on a horse for sale.  For argument’s sake, I will focus this post solely on the barrel horse market. Please understand, that by me writing this I am in no way shape or form demeaning those of you that may have advertised horses like I am about to explain. I am not a "horse selling expert", selling horses is not my primary source of income.  This post is simply for suggestions sake. My hopes is that potential sellers will read this coming from a buyers standpoint. Here’s a couple things that I would like to highlight from my point of view as a buyer.

Invest in a good photo. I say invest because I feel like good horse pictures are an investment and highly overlooked. Instead of taking pictures of your horse knee deep in mud with his head stuck in a hay feeder, have someone hold the horse, try to perk his ears up (a mirror or a broom works wonders!). Brush your horse off, clean him up, get a REAL camera, or if you don’t have one, borrow one and take quality pictures. Don’t lay on your belly and try to make your 14 hand horse appear as he’s 16.2hh. This will disappoint a potential buyer should they come to look at this horse. I feel this is greatly overlooked, especially when there is a $20,000 price tag on a horse accompanied by a terrible photo. Even if you have to pay someone $100 to take some pictures of your horse it will be worth it in the long run.

iPhone's and iPad's DO NOT TAKE QUALITY VIDEOS! Nothing is more frustrating to me, as a buyer, when I request a video of a horse and it's so far away I can’t tell if the horse is even running a cloverleaf pattern. I understand the hand held video cameras are a thing of the past, however, they do have an excellent zoom and provide the best quality video as opposed to an iPhone or iPad. If you are forced to use either of these, try and get as close to the pattern as possible so it is discernable to the viewer.

Since we are on the topic of videos, here’s another tip: when someone requests a video of a barrel horse, (this is for a horse that is currently running, or being entered) don’t send them videos that are three years old. If I am interested in buying a horse that is currently RUNNING, I prefer to see recent videos (as in the last 6 months to a year). As a buyer, if I am interested in a barrel horse that is advertised for $20,000 or higher and there is no current video of him, that’s a red flag. (Unless of course, the horse is just coming off an injury or the owner has been pregnant or ill or something like that.  Or you know if the dog ate the video camera.....or your brother's wife's sister left her husband....Or you've been in North Korea visiting your best friend) I'm kidding, but the first two are reasonable excuses I suppose.

You can’t price a horse as ‘what they used to be’. I once inquired on a horse where the seller told me “he was a $30,000 horse three years ago”. Often times in this instance, a seller is trying to justify an un reasonable price tag they have on a horse.  What you paid for this horse three years ago is not my concern, I care about what the horse is NOW, (how he is running, how he is clocking).

When listing reasons for selling (and by the way, I don’t always feel this is necessary), don’t list "too many horses and not enough time" for selling and then write "open to trades" at the bottom of the ad. If you don’t have time and you already have too many horses, why are you interested in trading your horse for another one? Red flag.

Credentials.  Apparently everyone has different ideas about what credentials really are. I don’t feel like I need to spend a lot of time on this because I think most people that are looking for a quality barrel horse understand that a 1D time at a jackpot with 20 entries should be represented as “running 1D locally” and not a “true 1D horse”. In my opinion, a true 1D horse has current, verifiable stats which includes large, open races and this horse should also be a competitive rodeo horse. While I'm on the topic, there is normally - not always - a difference between jackpot horses (or horses that run in open races only on beautiful ground and in a controlled environment) and rodeo horses. Rodeo horses must deal with a ton of more variables than jackpot horses and it often takes years of seasoning to get one used to these sometimes, adverse conditions.

Soundness issues or any issues in general: You might as well call them up front.  It will come out sooner or later. As a buyer, it's your responsibility to vet check a horse, whether you choose to or not. It is not fair to come back to a seller a year after purchasing and accuse them of selling you a horse with bad knees if you didn't care to vet the horse. And since we are talking about soundness, I'm not sure how I feel about buyers asking sellers to "guarantee a horse sound" (as in: "I won't vet this horse as long as you guarantee him sound"). I believe that any vet could find something wrong with any horse if they dig deep enough. However, as a seller, representing the horse "sound to your knowledge" is hopefully being honest and I think, the right call.

Price range on horses:  “A horse is only worth as much as someone will pay you for them.” And that’s all I’m gonna say about that!
 

The Life and Times of Jana Kelly

THE Jana Kelly

As I was tossing around ideas in my head of who I should write a new blog post about, I was also in the middle of writing an article for the Tri State Livestock News about a Jordan, Montana rancher by the name of Mike Pierson (the article will be published in the Stallion Showcase edition, December 31st, CHECK IT OUT!). While I was writing the article on Mr. Pierson, I called on his neighbor,  Jana Kelly for some tid bits and insight about some of Mike's horses. Then it dawned on me. I have this blog which is dedicated to incredibly handy women and I've yet to do an interview with Jana! C'mon Bailee! I quickly rendered my mistake by contacting Jana again asking if she would be willing to do an interview.  As most can hear Jana saying she replied with "Hell yes I will but you might have to edit out most of it!" If you are ready to meet the most happy go lucky, brutally honest woman in the country, read on! 

 

At 56 years of age, Jana proudly says that she celebrates her "un-birthdays" 364 days a year. And if anyone knows Jana, you can bet she's celebrating those "un-birthdays" with a Bud Light, or maybe 10. As the youngest of seven siblings and self proclaimed "perfect baby" of the family, Jana stated she grew up a river rat being raised on the Musselshell River. She now resides with her husband Kevin in the rough river breaks of Garfield County, north west of Jordan, MT near Brusett. If you have attended a ranch rodeo in Montana or surrounding areas lately you have probably heard Jana's name mentioned as "Top Hand" (she's won quite a few of those!). You can also bet she will be on a Top Horse (an award which she has also won). Jana is a sought after ranch rodeo team member, whether its on an all women team or an open team.  

 

I was able to spend some time with Jana this past January while we were both soaking up the Arizona sunshine, escaping the cold winter temps for a few weeks. I can tell you that Jana is passionate about ranching, roping, horses, good friends, family and of course, Bud Light. If you hang around Jana for very long and your sides aren't aching from belly laughing, you don't have a sense of humor! 

Here's some splendid life advice from the top hand herself:
 

 1) Growing up, did you always want to be a cowgirl:

JK: I didn't always want to be a cowgirl. When I was about 9 yrs old,  I was gonna be a bull rider, but the milk pen calf quickly educated me on that!

2) What is your favorite part of "ranch life"?

JK: My favorite part of ranch life is the view I see between my horses ears! That's when I'm the happiest too!

3) What is one thing you wish more people knew about the ranching/western lifestyle?

JK: I wish more people knew, (especially the "rule makers" in Washington) about the blood, sweat and tears it takes to put food on their table!

4) Tell us about the best horse you've ever rode:

JK: This is a tough one, so far I've been fortunate enough to have 2 BEST ones! They both came from Pierson's: "Marley", the little brown, with the biggest heart, and my current #1, "Nacho". Both are cowy sonsabitches!!!

5)What is the greatest piece of advice you've been given?

JK: The best advice came from my Dad, Clint Woodford, as I was leaving home one time, "Remember, for every mile of road, there's two miles of ditches!" (Pictured below is Jana's dad! Doesn't he just look like a gem of a guy!)



 

Kevin & Jana Kelly

6) What is one piece of advice you would give to women who work in or hope to work in the ranching industry amongst men?
JK:  I work with men all the time. The keyword in my opinion is "with" not "for"! I've never felt I had to "watch the gate" or "hold their horses"!  Everywhere you go, learn something. Either what works or what doesn't! Keep an open mind and slow up before you get to the gate!!!
7) What's a typical day like for you and Kevin on the ranch?
JK: Each morning for Kevin and I, starts with a 6 a.m. game of cribbage. Sometimes I have to let him win or he'll quit playing! Then we head out usually in different directions, I like to work alone, that way it's my story and I can tell it anyway I want!
8) You have had a lot of success in the Womens Ranch Rodeos, explain to the readers about ranch rodeos and your team and why you enjoy competing:
JK:  Ranch rodeos are so dang much fun! Where else can you compete in events you get to "practice" almost daily? It's the team work that makes them so much fun! Our women's rodeo team is sponsored by the ranch we manage (and by we, I mean Kevin!!! ha!)  I'm the captain because I'm older and wiser! And I have what I call my "dream team" which consists of Sam Kortum ( I stole her from another team) she's as gritty as they come, and my 2 young guns, Jennifer Weeding and Tierani Brusett. These gals are the best! We take care of business but ALWAYS have fun! Making of memories that will last a lifetime!!! (Pictured below is the dream team!)

9) What is one thing most people don't know about you:
JK: Probably the best kept secret is my stint as a secretary where I had to wear a dress to work. Go ahead and poke yourself in the eye to get that image out of your mind
10) What's on your bucket list?
JK:At the very top of my bucket list, I WANT TO WIN A SADDLE! And take a hot air balloon ride, I figure I can fuel that baby for miles!
11) And finally, the handiest person you know is?
JK: My Dad. He never let me think "I can't because I'm a girl". And my brother, Jay, he's carrying on the family tradition of hard work and honesty and he's mighty handy with a rope!!! And also, Dallas Currey! This guy has a boatload of knowledge but you have to ask the right questions!

 

Jana says she traded the neighbor young 'un, Cash Pierson this hat for "dinner & a movie"!

The two love birds, Kevin & Jana doin' a little team ropin'!

**All photos courtesy of Jana Kelly**

**Interview happily compiled by myself, Bailee Murnion**

My husband is great but........

Over the last several weeks I have saw the "Spouse Challenge" photos flooding my news feed. Don't get me wrong friends, I truly enjoy seeing the pictures of you all in love - I really do! I especially get a kick out of some of the "really old" wedding pictures! I fully understand what the movement is about - sharing the love and trying to take the negativity out of the Facebook world, great idea! I'm all for it and you people keep posting away as your little hearts desire. Here's why I am not doing it:

If I am telling my husband I love him, I will tell him to his face, instead of on social media.

Professing my undying love for my spouse on a public page is just not for me. Just because I did not participate in the picture posting frenzy does not mean I am not a happily married woman. (and just for the record, of course I am, have you seen the smokin' hot son of a gun I married?!)

But really, Parker and I aren't the "lovey-dovey" type of couple anyway. (Well, after approximately 14 Cheladas and 23 Coors Lights we have been known to tear up the dance floor with offbeat jitterbug steps and sing "14 Carat Mind" at the top of our lungs, but that's true love right?)

Of course, it's heart warming to see the couple like my dear friend and her fiancée who are whispering sweet nothings in each others ears giggling and making googly-eyes at each other while singing karaoke "Party For Two". Ah young love! It's cute - and I wish I could say I remember those days but mostly our "young love" stage consisted of who could take the most shots of Wild Turkey contest to see who had to drive to the rodeo the next day. Everyone has their own love language!

Listen, there's nothing wrong with being proud of your significant other! All I am saying here is that just because your friends that you tagged in the spouse challenge didn't participate doesn't mean their marriage is falling apart and they are filing for divorce! Carry on friends!

And, my man of many talents

Relatively decent on a knee board

Piss poor fisherman, but pretty good at drinking beer
 

Not the best KISS imitation I've ever seen

But fairly good in the branding pen
 

Just kidding, he's like really good in the branding pen

Suck It Up Buttercup!

My glory days at University of Montana Western in Dillon, MT

I have had several people ask if I quit blogging (since I hardly ever update this!) and no I sure didn’t, I just haven’t had anything that has really moved me to write about. Until now that is. OK here’s the deal: I grew up on a ranch and grew up rodeoing.  My parents believed in hard work.  They were not the type of, “oh little Jimmy, you took the trash out today! Good for you, here’s $20”. My parents were more of the “it’s 5am, get your ass out of bed, here’s a fence stretcher and wire clips, if I see you back in this house before 7pm you aren’t going to have any chute help tonight.” That may seem harsh but my parents didn’t baby my brother and me, or constantly pat us on the back and reward us with gratification every time we did a chore.

A couple of my best friends and I on our ponies at a junior rodeo WAY back in the day!

 

 

While we didn’t play sports since we were home schooled, my folks did make it a point to haul us to rodeos from the time we were in the Junior divisions to when we graduated from High School. I am passionate about rodeo; it’s what taught me so many valuable life lessons growing up. I made lifelong friends, experienced unforgettable victories and felt great disappointment and frustration.  I firmly believe there is no better sport that teaches us from the time we are young about sportsmanship. Ah, sportsmanship, the one thing my parents were adamant about. I can honestly say, I never remember them hanging over the fence yelling at a judge or harassing stock contractors. They were level headed, whether I won or lost.

 

 I can recall very fondly my junior year of the State High School Finals. The previous year I had won the State Championship in the goat tying. I came into the Finals that year with a lead, however, in the 1^st round my goat got up (rules stated back then, that the goat had to be down for 6 seconds, not sure if it’s changed since then). I was devastated.  I was certain that goat was down for over 10 seconds. The judge waved the flag signaling a no time. I wanted to spew out a line of cuss words that my mother would not be proud of, and pick up my goat string and fling it at the judge but I refrained (mainly because I knew that would result in a disqualification from the rodeo as well as a major ass chewing from my parents).  I walked out of the arena with my tail between my legs. No State Championship and no National High School Finals for me that year.  I remember fighting back tears on the long walk back to the trailer while several friends came up stating that I should go talk to my event director since my mom had it on the video camera showing how long the goat was tied! I already knew there would be no sympathy from mom and dad when I got back to the trailer but I really wanted to throw a two year old tantrum. “This is so unfair; one bad call from a judge took me out of a state championship!” I whined to my parents back at the trailer. I was greeted with a “Yeah that sucks, but guess what? That’s rodeo, you will get bad calls, so get over it” speech from mom and pops.

But times, they are a changin’! I recently read about a parent and contestant getting disqualified from the National High School Finals about a disagreement in the arena.  I have spoken with several judges that used to work the High School and College rodeos back when I was participating that do not judge those rodeo associations anymore. The reason?  Parents.  Parents, what are you teaching your kids by harassing judges and throwing fits in the arena?  You can’t punch a judge and get your way. Teach them respect and how to win with humility and lose with grace.  You have to respect the calls that you get in the arena, fair or unfair. Undoubtedly, unfair things will happen to you in this life, that’s part of it. This thing we call life is not always roses. So instead of making a scene in the arena and pouting over a no time or no score, pat your kid on the back and say “that’s rodeo, and I bet they will run another one in for you at the next one.”

And the stars of the story, my dear ol' mom and dad!