Another day closer to the Best of the Best as Nina ask – ARE YOU READY!
Brandi Whitesel IS READY- this small framed, mother of 4 and now a grandmother of 1 hair stylist from Centersburg Ohio is more than excited to be part of the BOTB. She won her slot in one of the two wild card spots. The wild card option was a new thing the BOTB committee (Clea & I) did this year – we wanted to mix it up a little – we may or may not have it for 2014 but we do know one thing for sure, wild card or full on qualifier this grandma and her little horse Sammy (that is not even 14 hands) will give it everything they have when they run up the shoot and they are certainly looking to do their best at the Best of the Best Charity Barrel Race in Ohio!
Brandi Whitesel and Sammy
How old is your horse and How long have you 2 been a team?
Lil Peppy Valentine aka Sammy is 13 years old. We have been a team for almost 5 months. I bought her from Raegen Stegner (Doc Greuey) on April 27th.
Any quirks the 2 of you do before you run?
No quirks…..just try to stay relaxed so she doesn’t get to excited.
What do you feed your horse?
12% sweet feed
What is one secret training tool?
I ride her in draw reins at home prior to a show.
How often do you ride in a weeks time?
3 times a week
If you could name one thing that made you the rider you are today, what would it be?
My husband, Dustin, who has pushed me all the way which has almost been over the edge at times…..lol. I’m very thankful for all his hard work that allows me to have such a nice horse. (Editors Note: Don’t worry I have your back i.e. congress last year when I jumped on him like a spider monkey)
What is your Favorite arena and why? I don’t really have a favorite.
I just appreciate good ground. (Thank you Ben and Tom) Sammy and I haven’t ridden in all the area arenas as a team yet.
Tell us something that not every one knows about you and your horse?
Sammy isn’t quite 14 hands!
Do you have any goals for you and your horse in the next year to come?
When I purchased Sammy I had two goals……to be in the BOTB and to finish in the top ten at the Quarter Horse Congress.
What Charity would you like to support if you had the chance and why?
My charity would be American Cancer Society. Cancer affects so many people and takes loved ones away so suddenly.
What has been your all time favorite win as a rider. – Any horse, any time, any arena?
This spring at the Panty Raid I was 3rd out of 203 entries in the ladies barrels on Bully’s Country Girl. I’ve not won a barrel race however this is the first year I have come out of the pen a few times and heard the announcer say “that’s your new leader” which is a great feeling! (Editors Note: Yes it is and you and Sammy are a great team and we wish you good things in the years to co
me)
Thank you to every person who will enter the arena to ride, watch, cheer or work at the Best of the Best – without you we could not bring this show to life.
Love and Kisses
Dawn and Clea
On the Road with Dawn and Clea 