Barrel Bash hitting the fairgrounds Saturday

June 24, 2011
August 6, 2011, marks the date for the Praying Monk Ranch Barrel Bash down at the Boundary County Fairgrounds!

Praying Monk Ranch, LLC, Moyie Springs, is offering another event of fun-filled barrel racing event offering great prizes and, as always, one free for the spectators.

Last year the Praying Monk Ranch (PMR) produced an eight week series with $800 total money added to the open pot and over $1,500 in buckles and other awards for the contestants.

Trying to entice more contestants to participate, PMR opted this year to waive all awards fees and charge a minimal entry fee.

The turn out was not as successful as it was hoped to be, but the support of Bonners Ferry businesses has been greatly appreciated, and a good show is promised!

For 2011, PMR has come to a conclusion that they would like to offer another barrel race for contestants around the region as well as offer local businesses another chance to make revenue and advertise.

This time, it's going to be one big day of racing with a total of $1,000 added in the open 4D as well as $100 added to the youth 3D and the senior 3D. Not only is the payout going to be grand, but superior trophy Wade Saddle Pads, the best saddle pads in the world, will be awarded to the winners of each division!

The Praying Monk Ranch, LLC. is owned by Trey and Lynn Haworth, along with daughters Heidi, Amanda and Carly. Amanda is the middle daughter and the “barrel racer” of the family. The ranch focuses on raising, breeding and training top barrel prospects and has a small broodmare band of proven race-bred mares.

“The goal was to make sure Amanda has up-coming mounts for futurity races and one that will some day take her down the road to the NFR" Lynn said. "Raising our own babies then having Amanda do the work makes it an ideal circumstance. We also breed one or two babies each year to offer to the public at reasonable prices. Amanda has two finished horses she trained and a 4-year-old futurity horse she is gearing up for the 2012 futurities. Along with our two year olds and babies and a bit of outside training, we stay fairly busy. We produced a race series last year and got our feet wet. We hoped that bringing out-of-town racers to our town would require them to buy our gas, eat at our restaurants and encourage folks to visit local stores while in town. The set-up this year will attract, hopefully, 50 to 100 racers coming to contend for the $1,000 added and Wade Pads. (We wanted the best of the best saddle pads and Wade Saddle Pads are top of the line.) So spread the word; let’s get some racin’ going on!”

The Haworths have been asking for sponsors to help offset some of the cost of producing this race, and businesses have come through.

Boundary Tractor Company was the first to step up, offering some cash and a New Holland tractor for use during the race!

Other gracious sponsors include The Sand Stallion in Sandpoint, General Feed and Grain with a large sponsorship that will get their name on the barrels, Performance Off Road, LLC., Wonder Horse Ranch, LLC. Bonners Ferry Vet Clinic, JB Tires and Automotive, Dr. Moore Chiropractic, Sugar Plum Nursery and Bear Auto.

Also sponsoring the race is Carter Country Feed Store, which carries all your animal needs, Walt Dinning Farm Bureau Insurance as well as Edward Jones.

There are more sponsors needed to make this race a success. Over $1,200 is going to fund our top-of-the-line saddle pads, $1,200 total money added as well as rental of arena. Anyone interested in helping to make this an annual event and getting their name out there as a sponsor with a banner on the fence, please contact Lynn or Amanda at 267-1738.

“It’s an expense and we never plan to make money on theses races, but it would surely be nice to break even, if possible!” Amanda said.

The date is set in stone for August 6, 2011. Race time starts at 10:30 a.m. and it's free to the public to come watch and cheer on the many races from around the North West. For more info regarding contestant information visit www.brn4d.com  or call 208-267-1738.