Ranchgrownlogic

04/13/2026

So thankful for this

03/23/2026

Years ago, during a roping school in Idaho, Jake shared some wisdom with me that has stuck with me ever since.
I have followed through and use it, in the arena and far beyond.

'Don’t quit till you’re in the catch pen.'

Thank you Jake Barnes

I always hated the cliché, “𝗬𝗼𝘂’𝗿𝗲 𝘁𝗿𝘆𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗼𝗼 𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗱.” My thinking on that was, “How do I try less?” That never made any sense to me. I don’t see how backing down fixes anything. On the bright side, 𝗱𝗲𝗳𝗲𝗮𝘁 𝗵𝗮𝘀 𝗺𝗮𝗱𝗲 𝗺𝗲 𝗯𝗲𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿. Getting knocked off the throne and being at the bottom has at times in my career elevated me to a whole new level. When I thought I was giving it my all, I had to dig deeper. You might think you’re giving it your all, but there may well be more you can give. 𝗪𝗶𝗻𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗶𝘀𝗻’𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗼𝗻𝗹𝘆 𝗸𝗲𝘆 𝘁𝗼 𝘀𝘂𝗰𝗰𝗲𝘀𝘀. Sometimes you can learn so much from your defeats that it makes you stronger and better on the other side.

Jake Barnes on finding mental strength: https://bit.ly/3s5bHZz

12/08/2025

The struggle isn't the end, it's the chapter that builds your strength, vision, and purpose.

12/08/2025

08/09/2025

“Some women ride to make history, Betty ride because it was in her blood.”
She made mark in our lives and our hearts, Art of the Cowgirl

𝙎𝙤𝙢𝙚 𝙬𝙤𝙢𝙚𝙣 𝙧𝙞𝙙𝙚 𝙩𝙤 𝙢𝙖𝙠𝙚 𝙝𝙞𝙨𝙩𝙤𝙧𝙮. 𝘽𝙚𝙩𝙩𝙮 𝙧𝙤𝙙𝙚 𝙗𝙚𝙘𝙖𝙪𝙨𝙚 𝙞𝙩 𝙬𝙖𝙨 𝙞𝙣 𝙝𝙚𝙧 𝙗𝙡𝙤𝙤𝙙.

With grit in her hands and a wild horse beneath her, Betty Kunesh blazed trails where few dared to follow. A fearless horsewoman, a passionate advocate for western heritage, and a quiet force behind the scenes — Betty never sought the spotlight, but her legacy shines brighter with each passing year.

The Betty Kunesh Legacy Award honors women just like her — those who carry on the traditions of the West not for applause, but because it’s in their bones. They are the ones preserving the lifestyle, mentoring the next generation, and living with integrity, courage, and quiet strength.

🏆 Nominations for the 2026 Betty Kunesh Legacy Award open August 8th.
🔗 Submit a nomination here: https://artofthecowgirl.com/betty-kunesh-legacy-award/

✨ 𝘈𝘭𝘭 𝘱𝘢𝘴𝘵 𝘯𝘰𝘮𝘪𝘯𝘦𝘦𝘴 𝘸𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘶𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘣𝘦 𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘴𝘪𝘥𝘦𝘳𝘦𝘥 — 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦’𝘴 𝘯𝘰 𝘯𝘦𝘦𝘥 𝘵𝘰 𝘳𝘦-𝘯𝘰𝘮𝘪𝘯𝘢𝘵𝘦.

02/12/2025

12/08/2024

Nice Job Cowgirl
What a story
Congratulations

🔥 Lionesses of the Reining World: Witnessing History at the NRHA Futurity

As I sat in the stands of the historic Jim Norrick arena, watching the NRHA Futurity finals unfold, I couldn’t help but feel an overwhelming sense of pride and hope. Beside me was my 9-year-old daughter, her eyes glued to the arena floor, captivated by the performances. She’s reining-obsessed and, like many little girls, dreams of one day stepping into that same ring.

For me, these moments are about more than just the runs or the scores. They’re about the people—the women—who step into these arenas and defy stereotypes every time they saddle up. Women like Kaci O’Rourke are blazing trails in a sport that often demands an impossible balance of strength, skill, and grit.

People like to talk about why women “can’t” make it to the top as professionals in this industry. I disagree. It’s not that we *can’t*. It’s that women were designed by God to play so many roles simultaneously—daughters, sisters, wives, mothers. We love big. We feel deeply. We carry so much. And that strength, that love, comes with sacrifices and challenges, especially when climbing the ranks alongside the boys.

Yes, men may have physical strength on their side, but let’s not forget: lionesses lead the pride for a reason. It takes incredible heart, instincts, and feel to excel in this sport, and women have all of those in spades.

This year, my daughter and I followed Kaci O’Rourke and The Fireman through social media and competitions, and finally got the chance to see them in action over these past two weeks. There’s something indescribable about witnessing the kind of connection they share. It’s magnetic, electric, and rare. When you see it, you know you’re watching something extraordinary.

And on this night, in front of a packed arena, Kaci and The Fireman delivered a performance for the ages. From their breathtaking run-in to their massive stop and lightning back, every move was precise, powerful, and perfectly timed. Their circles were like clockwork, transitioning into small slows with the grace of a figure skater. And those stops—the kind that leave you breathless—had people on their feet cheering before the pattern was even finished.

Kaci made history as the first woman to win the Open L4 NRHA Futurity, and she did it in a way that will leave an indelible mark on this sport. It was fitting that her win came in this iconic arena, just before it’s set to be torn down. A historic performance in a historic place.

As we walked out of the arena that night, I looked at my daughter, her face lit with excitement. For her—and so many little girls watching that night—this moment will be unforgettable. Kaci O’Rourke didn’t just win a title; she showed the next generation of girls what’s possible.

To all the lionesses out there climbing, grinding, and loving this sport with everything they’ve got: keep going. The next generation is watching, and you’re inspiring them every step of the way.

Congratulations Kaci, Jack, and the whole Pond Hill Team as well as owners Morgan Reiners! What a night it was! Well deserved.

Photo credit: Carolyn Simancik Photography

12/06/2024

Walk in her boots, great interview with with talented cowgirl, business owner, podcast host and friend. Jordan Jo Hollabaugh
World Needs more Cowgirls
Everybody fits, we have boots on the ground. “Don’t limit yourself.” Pam Minick
NICE JOB COWGIRL
Judy Wagner

12/06/2024

Amberley Snyder is an incredible example of turning a tragic accident into an inspiring example of strength, perseverance, and purpose. I am very proud to call her friend. Nice Job Cowgirl

Champion barrel racer Amberley Synder overcame a horrible accident to return to her cowgirl lifestyle, showcasing just how resilient she is.