Thank you again to everyone that has participated in one way or another by riding, working, hosting or just coming to watch the races this year.

Thank you to Grand Prairie Saddle Club and Tip Top Riding Club for donating your arena for the 4^th & 5^th tournaments.

Thank you to Kim Kelley, Pepper Kuykendall, and Kim Race for judging at the later tournaments.  A huge thanks to Bonnie Gilmore for her excellent announcing ability.

Winners from the last 2 tournaments were:

       4^th Tournament                                                               5^th Tournament

       Jr.’s-Mini Mule Train Express                                         Jr-N/A                  

                            Timed-Outcasts                                                              Timed-Email                                  

                            Open-(tie) Bout Time & Silver Bullets                             Open-Raiders        

As the date for finals approached the rain started.  We were blessed the rain stopped at 2 AM Friday before the Big Day on Saturday.  Mike Kelley, (VP of Joshua) worked almost non-stop with the help of Russell Martin & Ray Berry to get the arena ready for Saturday night.  The discs, drags, shovels, and tractors were being used.  While men were doing dirt work the women were mowing and weed eating.  Kim & Marilyn do you have blistered hands?  Thank you to the Colliers for the phone calls and meeting Kim & myself at the arena.  The big day came and the arena was in great shape inside and out.          

We had 1 Jr. team-Mini Mule Train Express; 4 Timed Teams-Purple People Eaters, Officers, Email and Mule Train & 3 Open Teams-Bout Time, Raiders & Silver Bullets compete in the finals.  We were supposed to run 26 races but it came down to the last race and the Raiders and Silver Bullets were tied. So another race was required.  The tension was high in the air---who would win?  Raiders won the coin toss and chose to run inside for the jump.  The race was neck and neck down to the 5^th riders.  Oh my--a missed hand-off can determine the outcome. Thank you to Kim Kelley, Tina & Eddie Nolen for judging Pony Express Finals.  Thank you to Jaqueline Kuykendall for recording the times.

                                                  Finals Winners

Jr.’s-Mini Mule Train Express

Timed-Mule Train

Open-Silver Bullets

(Awards to be given at the convention)

I was very appreciative of everyone this year.  The majority of the people were cooperative and willing to help out wherever or whenever possible. Pony Express in the past was a rough and tough sport—but times are changing.  Pony Express is still very competitive but we have a class for everyone.  Regardless of your age, gender or riding ability we have a place for you to ride….Come join us next year.

God Bless,

               Terrie Race

               2003 NARC&SP
               Pony Express Chairperson