From the Sand Cup to the Ice Breaker

Welcome to the 4th edition of The Arena Feed!

This week we hear from Krystal Grad and Rylee McKenzie. I asked them both a training type question so we don’t have a separate “ask the trainer" section this week. I can see there is a lot knowledge to be gained by reading the interviews as well. Krystal was the runner up Maturity champion in Washington at the Sand Cup and Rylee was the futurity side pot champ at the Thorsby, AB Ice Breaker jackpot this past weekend. Thank you gals for your contributions to this newsletter and barrel racing community.

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In this issue:
➡From The Arena Floor: Interviews with Krystal Grad and Rylee McKenzie
➡Training Tips with Krystal and Rylee
➡Upcoming Events & Deadlines
➡Featured horse
➡Road Apples - tidbits from around the web*
➡Featured Ranch
➡Mindset Minute with Michelle
➡Meme of the week
*if you are viewing on the web without subscribing, you won’t see the whole newsletter. You must subscribe and approve your email to view all content.

From The Arena Floor

A stand out as a 5 year old, As Famous French Kiss is back to her winning ways at 6. Her first outing of 2025 found her in the winners circle winning 2nd in the Average and over $3000 USD at the Sand Cup in Washington. I was able to catch up with her trainer and rider Krystal Grad between events down there as she is set to run again this coming weekend at the VGBRA Futurity and Maturity.

Can you tell us about this A Famous French Kiss and her background?

My dad, Keith Grad, bought a few broodmares in a package deal from the states and one of them was a Lions Share of Fame. He called and told me about her and asked who I thought we should breed her to. At that time I had Queen Flingtima in for training, now owned by Karli Cowie, and I thought a lot of Fling! I loved the ASOF, and especially crossed on a Dash Ta Fame mare. I had heard a lot about French StreaktoVegas and had asked a few of my friends down south what they thought, and they said they were fast and they liked to turn, and that they were exceptional on DTF. So that’s who I suggested!! A year later, Stevi was born!! She was a little spitfire and my Dad was through the moon with her. I never get overly excited until I get to swing a leg over them, but she excited me. Dad wanted her to go through my whole program, so I called my best friend of 30yrs, Amy Finnerty and made sure Jesse, her husband, would take her when the time came. 3 yrs later Dad dropped this little brumby looking thing off at their house. I called Amy and asked how she looked and she said, well she stands camped out and she’s a little…unkept!! lol 2 weeks later she called me back and told me that I was gonna love her and that she is exactly my style! Jesse had her for a month and then she’s been with me ever since. I didn’t ride her for the first bit, and didn’t even really look at her. I just wanted her to settle in and get comfortable with her new home. When we started working with her, she was wild!!! She looked like she came out of the bush, she stood like she was crippled, and she was snorty as heck!! I knew Jesse wouldn’t have sent her home unless she was safe, but she sure made me question that at first!! Haha I got Kyle to work with her a bit in the round pen and get her a little more trusting and not so scared. I rode her a few times that summer and then took her to Arizona with me that winter. The next spring Dad was asking for videos but I couldn’t even lope a 20ft circle in a smooth let a lot a 5 ft circle. She was so aggressive that when you asked her to shape up she would just get gritty and try to turn on her front end! She had so much grit and confidence in what she thought was right! I spent a lot of the following summer doing dry work on and off the pattern. A lot of dry work on and off the pattern. She was so aggressive that every time you touched her she would shut her feet off and try to turn. She needed to learn how to be patient and how to handle the bit. To this day, when she gets mad about doing something she doesn’t want to, she still leaps all 4 feet off the ground, to try to get out of it. Lol 😂 she is very opinionated! At this point I was still unsure about what Amy had told me. That fall I finally decided to let her work the barrels more and she started to show me what Amy and Jesse saw in her. She worked so great and I was thinking ok maybe we got something. Crackout came, she spent the next few months colty and watchy and didn’t really try to to hard to run. The middle of March I took her to a Brooks jackpot and threw her to the wolves and stayed out of the way. She absolutely blew me away! So we entered Washington. The weekend before I left I went to Wilson’s Slot Race where she was a second off of where she needed to be and all I could think was “thank God she’s Dads! I hope I can win some of his money back in the open rollovers!!” The first weekend in Washington she was colty and we had some things we needed to figure out in her routine and how to approach my barrels. We made a little money still not quite where we needed to be consistently. The Wednesday night jackpot they have I decided to run her once more before VGBRA…she won it by 2/10ths and I felt like I had our routine down. She went on to win Reserve in the SIP futurity. It felt like overnight we just finally understood each other and the rest was history!! She won over $202k between April and September, pulling a check 98% of the runs she made!! She is what dreams are made of and she has changed our lives so much! She is truly truly special!

I read that Stevi had a bit of a setback/injury last year that she is coming back from this year. Would you share about that and what her recovery and rehab has looked like?

Yes, at ABRA Finals, I felt like that finals run she was a bit wild in her run. She made a few moves that are uncharacteristic but I just thought it was the energy in there and that’s something we both have struggled with. We both tend to try to hard sometimes. The following weekend we went to Fizz Bomb in Wyoming. She worked ok there, still placing but usually I have to dial her down a tick, and there I was having to make her more aggressive which was super odd to me. We ran in the slot race there Saturday night and she worked ok but just didn’t have no aggressiveness in her turns. She felt sound but my gut was telling me something wasn’t right. Sunday morning, bless her heart, I phoned Dr Tracy Pederson and told her what I was feeling and said I thought we needed to ultrasound and X-ray her front tendons and feet. She got me in Monday morning and we looked over her, deciding it would be best to MRI her front feet. We found a slight slit on her deep digital flexor tendon in her left foot. Between Tracy and Ty Corbiel, my regular vet, we decide to do 3 rounds of IRAP in both her coffins, and her pastern on the left. We MRI’d her again in February to find it fully healed and started to bring her back slow.

And how about you Krystal, tell us about yourself, your family and where you're from. What do you like to do outside of barrel racing and training?

My husband, Kyle Chappel and I live in a little farming community in southern Saskatchewan. Kyle works for Saskatchewan Crop Insurance and we have 2 very active kids…Keltyn, who is 14, is heavily into football and baseball. Kyle and Keltyn about put on more miles than Klancee and I, going to places like Florida, Vegas, Texas for football. When he’s done football season he starts baseball. Klancee, who is 9, definitely follows in my footsteps! She lives and breaths horses and barrel racing. She comes with me to all the futurities and we try to enter her in places that give her an opportunity to run for a lot of money. With her running Stella, my good horse, I’m trying to teach her that we don’t want to waste those runs as well as teach her the value of being smart about money, especially if she wants to live this lifestyle. Last year she won a little over $15k and hopefully we can keep her on that track and keep building her experiences and giving her opportunities! There’s not a lot outside of barrel racing and training it seems, but I do like to golf in the summer with Kyle and the kids. I try to get to as many of Keltyn’s games as I can. I love watching him play. I love watching both my kids. Their drive and dedication to their sports are inspiring to me. They make me want to be the best version of myself and I find that keeps me grounded as well as drive. Until I had kids I felt like I was just going in circles without a purpose, but those 2 gave me a purpose. I wanted to show them that with hard work and dedication, anything is possible and they both believe that to be true.

What was your riding and fitness plan as you brought Stevi back into riding and running shape this spring?

We started off with slow short rides in straight lines. We kept her in straight lines for about 4 weeks. I like to do a lot of interval timing with my horses, so after the first 2 weeks of light riding, I started her back on that slowly building up to where she was at most of the year last year, over following 6 weeks. These last 3 weeks we started with big circles down into small circles and back out while doing the interval timing, working toward loping and holding small 5-7ft circles. This not only builds her muscles back up but her lungs too. Speed work is usually done within this to help her air but we had nowhere where I thought was good enough footing for that so we just did our best with what we had to work with.

What are your futurity/derby plans this year in general and for Stevi in particular?

I like to go south quite a bit through the summer. There are so many great futurities and derbies with alot of incentives and added money. After Washington we will head home to let the horses regroup and get ready for the Yellow Rose and Royal Crown Canada. Beginning of June we plan to head to Colorado for the Colorado Classic and maybe see if we can work in the Calgary Qualifier somehow. If I have some time I might take her to a few rodeos just to challenge her with something new and see how she handles it. Essentially we will focus on the big paying events hitting Glacier Chaser, Royal Crown in Wyoming, Fizz Bomb. We would like to find an American Qualifier to run her at also in there. With having other client horses in the trailer too, we have to make sure we show them the best too so we will try to find places that benefit both for the most part!

Do you have a set feeding and supplement program for Stevi? Could you share?

Yes, the horses that are hauling, they have a set feed program. I have a great nutritionist that checks in on my horses. Stevi in particular, at home is on full feed Grass/alfalfa. On he road I buy irrigated hay from reputable hay sources, so I’m not dealing with dust, mold or any other contaminants. I mix off Timothy with 2nd or 3rd cut alfalfa, as well as feed Danco cubes! Buckeye Nutrition, is my main source of vitamins, minerals and fat. Stevi gets 1lb of Gro and Win, 3lbs of Safe N Easy, 1lb of Ultimate Finish 25, and as much soaked beet pulp as she can eat…usually 2-4lbs. I also feed MVP Amino 15x, MVP natural vitamin e, equine choice probiotic, KER electrolytes, and Tight Joints Plus.

You ride and train many different horses, but for Stevi specifically, what is your go-to saddle, tack and gear setup you use on her?

She’s in a Raylee Racer red tree, 5 Star pad and Alliance boots. At races I will warm her up in an Elliott 3 piece twist rope gag…she’s a little opinionated and needs something to break up her rib and get her soft without getting into too much of a disagreement. The rope gag does that for me. I run her in a Cameron Schoenberg Cam twist with a chain in the middle. At home I ride her in whatever I’m using for that day but I do ride her in the rope gag a lot! Her shoes I have her in a 3D pad to promote heel growth every other month and in a rim on the fronts and a modified plain shoe on the hinds. The modification is just a small rim that my farrier puts in on the toe. I use Equistreams around her front ankles to promote circulation and cloud boots to help with traveling or standing on concrete.

If there was one piece of advice you could give someone that has a goal of one day competing winning at futurities and derbies/maturities, what would it be?

Don’t be scared to step out of your comfort zone and challenge yourself. The futurity industry is intense, mostly because it’s where a lot of us are trainers and it’s our job, so it’s not a social thing for most of us, but it is an industry with so much opportunity to grow and learn. What a perfect place to watch and learn so much. Some stuff you will learn you don’t want to do and some stuff you will learn you do want to do! Take the opportunity to sit and watch time onlies, ask questions (when the trainers aren’t working is the best time)! Remember hard work and dedication will always make you better than you were the day before and eventually, when it all comes together, you will start to see all of that come to fruition!

As a final question, do you have anyone you'd like to use this space to thank?

First and foremost, Kyle…without him I would not be able to do what I do. He is the glue that holds it all together!’ The support and encouragement he and the kids give me…I’m just beyond blessed!
My sponsors are all companies that have products and services available that I use and believe in. It take a team and I’m thankful for the best! #silverliningherbs #bealegend #coyoteeflatsequinetherapy #brandedbyb #chadrobinsonfarrierservices #elliottbitnspur #drakeequineproducts #frontierwesternshop #rayleeracer #corveterinarianservices #northbattlefordfountaintire #healthistraw #allianceequine #rhinestoneacres #triplegfarms #ororosquad #tightjointsplus #teammvp #experiencethedifference

Best Of Barrels Only produced the Sand Cup and you can find their FB page and results HERE. There were several Canadians in the money!

From The Arena Floor 2

The Thorsby Ice Breaker at Thorsby, Alberta had a great turnout for their event April 4th and 5th. The Saturday open saw Lacey Caldas and Slick Sallee take the win. Full results HERE
Today we are hearing from the futurity side pot champion Rylee McKenzie who rode Batmans Raven Dash to the win.


What can you tell us about your horse. His background, how long you've had him, who has done the training etc.

Batman’s Raven Dash, is sired by tac fame. He is owned by Crystal Ochran. He came to me as a 3 year old and we put a winter on him into his 4, gave him a break through the summer and then got back on him in September of his 4 year old year into now his 5 year old year.

Tell us about yourself. What do you do when you're not riding and barrel racing? Where are you from, how long have you been barrel racing for?

I’m from St. Paul, Alberta. I’ve been barrel racing for 30 years, and training for 20 years now, and publicly for 15 years.

Have you been riding all winter? And what has been your horse's fitness program leading up to this spring race? 

Yes, I have been on this horse since September through the winter. We do a 20-30 minute conditioning program that involves long trotting and loping. We gain fitness by consistent effort into their fitness. He has been to a hand full of jackpots and has been consistently in the 1D at the majority.

What are your barrel racing plans for this horse for 2025? 

His plans are to go to the futurities.

Would you share your tack and feed list that keeps your horse running at top speed and health? Saddle, pad, bit, shoes or no shoes? Feed & supplements etc. 

He is on free choice hay, and is supplemented with Purina ultium, alfalfa cubes and platinum performance. Saddle is a SK elite, best ever pad with a BOT line. Currently no shoes but will be getting some today for the spring run.

You've made a winning run; what does homework look this week for your futurity horse as you prepare for the next race? Do you make adjustments based on the run you just had or go back into the same program that you were doing before? 

He will get mostly dry work before our next futurity, with a couple days of slow work on the pattern with the same program he has been on, since in training.

As a final question, do you have anyone you'd like to use this space to thank?  

Huge thank you to Crystal Ochran for allowing me to campaign this great boy, and for giving him every opportunity to be successful.

Thank you to my sponsors, SK Equine Canada, Equisports Therapy, Broke cowgirl tack (stabilizers), and Andria’s custom creations.

Upcoming Events:

If you want YOUR event listed free, please reply to this email or use the “hot tips” form on the website. Everyone is welcome to help me out and submit events ;)

The “Spring Fling” Futurity and Derby - Brooks, AB April 18-20, 2025 Entries open, late fees now apply. Link here under discussion.
$3,000 𝐀𝐝𝐝𝐞𝐝 𝐅𝐮𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐲 $2,000 𝐀𝐝𝐝𝐞𝐝 𝐃𝐞𝐫𝐛𝐲 $1,000 Added 4D Jackpot
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Entries are open for The Mother Of Dragons barrel race - Stettler, AB. FB Group HERE
It runs April 26th and it looks like an amazing lineup of prizes taking shape.
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CBHI announced and exciting 2D Slot Race to be added to their weekend. More info HERE The CBHI Flagship event is October (9TH-12TH) 2025 in Ponoka, AB. The have indicated this event and their approved race derby age is continuing to be 7 & under.
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The Calgary Stampede Ladies Barrel Racing Qualifier will be June 10 &11, 2025 at the Nutrien Western Event Centre. Competitors will have the opportunity to run for a chance at competing at the 2025 Calgary Stampede Rodeo. Entries Open April 15th and Close May 15th. More info HERE.
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Heart of the Horse 2025, August 22–24 at the Cypress Centre in Medicine Hat, Alberta. This year features Pat Parelli, the master of natural horsemanship, and Amber Marshall, star of Heartland, alongside a colt-starting competition, demos, Canada’s Top Ranch Horse Competition, and much more! Info HERE
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The Masterson Method and Relational Horsemanship unite as Jim Masterson and Josh Nichol join forces in a unique event held near Red Deer, AB April 29th and 30th. Learn to identify physical issues and ride in a way that supports long term change. Register HERE
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Horse Expo Canada - Red Deer, AB Features Barrel Racer Connie Combs. The event runs April 25-27th.
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Ride Like A Mother Barrel Series in Grunthal, MB have set their 2025 dates. You can find out more here (FB) The first one is July 10th.
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Randa Nugent and Family Benefit
𝗪𝗲𝗱𝗻𝗲𝘀𝗱𝗮𝘆, 𝗔𝗽𝗿𝗶𝗹 𝟯𝟬𝘁𝗵 𝗮𝘁 𝗚𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗼𝘄𝗮𝘆 𝗔𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗮 for a benefit race in support of Randa Nugent and her family. There will also be an online auction hosted on the linked page to raise funds to support the physical repair, vet expenses and emotional loss from the tragedy they experienced.

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Lipstick & Cowboy Boots has a list of barrel racings that are not sanctioned and located in BC, AB & SK on their website.

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The Rope & Race in Brandon, MB is scheduled for May 23-25. More on their FB page here. It is CBHI approved.

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The Prestige Barrel race is also noted as CBHI approved and scheduled for June 21-22 in Brandon, MB. There is a post running for those wanting to buy and sell slots. FB page here.

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Don’t Give A Buck Barrel Race and Roping is slated for May 17-19 in Virden, MB. The event kicks off with a wedding fundraiser jackpot for Janet and Ory, on the 18th, the 7th annual Don’t Give A Buck Barrel Racing $2500 WF approved JP in the 18th, concluding with a fundraiser team roping.

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Royal Crown Canada is back to Claresholm. Alberta 𝗠𝗮𝘆 𝟲-𝟭𝟭, 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟱 With $𝟐𝟎𝟕,𝟓𝟎𝟎 added over the 6 days. Enter before April 18th to avoid late fees. They run an open race as well as the signature events for Royal Crown Stallion eligible offspring.

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The entry deadline for The Yellow Rose Futurity and Derby held May 2nd - 4th at Claresholm, AB is fast approaching. April 1st was the first payment deadline for Futurity and Derby entries. May 3rd Open jackpot entries are also open and close April 30th.

RESULTS
Dunmore Equestrian, Dunmore, AB hosted their second race April 6th in the new building. Results HERE

The Thorsby Ice Breaker at Thorsby, AB Full results HERE

Presented by: Rodeoclassifieds.com

15 year old gelding Been there, done that and seen all the sights and different types of ground. Has an extensive list of placings at various different races and rodeos over the last few years. Lots of videos and stats sheets. Big strong gelding, point and go. Full ad HERE

🍎Road Apples - tidbits from around the web this week

Featured Ranch

Mindset Minute with Michelle Davey

The Story of the Chinese Farmer

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Until next week,

Michelle