We like for everyone get to know the Best of the Best Teams.  We will be posting interviews from now through September 12,  2013……. We hope you enjoy

If you can not make it to the BOTB you can watch your favorite teams run Saturday night by logging on to www.mwspix.com.  Hope you can  make it to the show one way or the other.

Bert Thompson & Iffy

This blonde bomber from Byesville Ohio will be racing up the shoot at The Champion Center on the evening of September 14th to see if she can take home the Champion Title at the Best of the Best Charity Barrel Race in Ohio.

If you don’t know Bert she is the petite blonde that rides anywhere from 4 to 6 head or more at a show and usually ends up at the pay window every time.   She has numerous wins over the years – she has won the Congress and the Congress reserve title, along with multiple top ten finishes, and she has been a Congress Sweepstakes finalist.  Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and Ohio’s IBRA state finals have her name on them as well as OKC World Derby and Futurity Finals on multiple horses, she won the 1st go of the OKC World Futurity and several other wins under her belt.  It amazes us how so many titles can fit under such a small belt.  🙂

Bert can be seen with her mom Autumn by her side helping with the horses and cheering her on with every run.  We are pretty sure as Bert takes to the alley way her Mom will be one of the top voices cheering her daughter on.  ( Editors Note – We know where Bert gets her graciousness and caring spirit- Thank you for sharing that with her Autumn.)

When the Calcutta starts you will want to make sure you have a group together if you are planning on buying this team – I think Autumn will give you a run for your money – no pun intended.

How old is your horse, how long have you been together and where did you qualify?

My horse “Sunfrosted Sahara” aka Iffy is a 5 year mare. We have been together since she was 3!   I qualified at for the BOTB at Henderson’s Arena in Jackson, Ohio. I was second out of about 200 horses.

Any quirks the 2 of you do before you run?

No quirks she’s fairly easy to warms up. Just make sure she is soft and listening.

What do you feed your horse?

I feed Iffy Omolene 300 with Amplify top dress it with Fastrack and Bleed Block. She get an Alfalfa mixed hay.  (Editors Note – Both supplements that Bert choices to feed her horse will have information at the BOTB – Stop buy and say hello to these vendors) 

What is one secret training tool?

Patience lol! I will often use a Running German Martingale or Draw Reins.  This just helps keep them soft and subtle. (Editors Note – Patience will get you a long way that is for sure)

How often do you ride in a weeks time?

This particular mare I may only ride 1-2 a weeks she doesn’t really need a lot. On a daily bases I ride 5-10 horses daily 🙂 I get lots of saddle time

If you could name one thing that made you the rider you are today, what would it be?

Desire and dedication.  It’s a passion.  If you love it you never stop trying to be the best you can be!

What is your Favorite arena and why?

My favorite pen is Circle G.  I have always found good luck their, good ground and facility.  This pen test your horses ability to run and turn!

Tell us something that not every one knows about you and your horse?

She is not something I would have picked for myself! I typically go for race bred. She a mixture of everything!

Do you have any goals for you and your horse in the next year to come?

Our goals are to stay happy and sound and trying to do our best!

What Charity would you like to support if you had the chance and why?

My preference charity is Cancer.  We have had many shows donating to Cancer and Cystic Fibrosis.

What has been your all time favorite win as a rider. – Any horse, any time, any arena?

As a rider I have two favorite wins. The first was 2007 winning the first go of Okc World Futurity on Offlee Special aka Lea and winning  Congress on Shesa Huricane Bay aka Amber!

And there you have it from our house to yours.   Thank you Bert so glad you could join the BOTB this year.

We want to thank all the sponsors who make this show possible!   T&L Welding keeping the BOTB going each year with their support!  Thank you! 

Be safe and Love one another a little more each day.

Dawn & Clea