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 Big Gun
Posts: 2216
 
Location: Texas | I am thinking about joining BBR this year. It looks like the finals were well run and fun. Just wanted some feed back on it and if you like it better than some of the big NBHA finals and price comparison. |
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  Keeper of the King Snake
Posts: 7622
 
Location: Dubach, LA | I wasn't impressed. The WBR always gave really nice contestant bags/samples to everyone. Running WJ does too. BBR did not. Concessions were movie theater priced. You wore out your starter and clutch trying to get around the fairgrounds. Dirt was only so-so. Check-in day was a nightmare. You waited in line to wait in line to get in the line. Barns not well ventilated. Two showers for the 300 spot RV park. (and those had the little push handles that only give you a few seconds of water) Last but not least, I think there were too many women together. Lots of temper tantrums. |
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 Former Hockey Smacker Player
Posts: 5095
Location: Texas Baby!! | I always enjoy it! For the amount of runs that is made I think they run a great show! Pays great and staff is always friendly and helpful. I never really have any complaints! |
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 Tough Patooty
Posts: 2615
Location: Sperry, OK | CanCan - 2014-04-27 11:54 PM I wasn't impressed. The WBR always gave really nice contestant bags/samples to everyone. Running WJ does too. BBR did not. Concessions were movie theater priced. You wore out your starter and clutch trying to get around the fairgrounds. Dirt was only so-so. Check-in day was a nightmare. You waited in line to wait in line to get in the line. Barns not well ventilated. Two showers for the 300 spot RV park. (and those had the little push handles that only give you a few seconds of water) Last but not least, I think there were too many women together. Lots of temper tantrums.
There are showers and bathrooms all over the grounds.. I always just took my shower stuff with me when i went to feed early in the morning. Stopped on my way back at a shower by the barns that have normal water flow and was done. Simple and easy. I didn't like the showers at the RV park either. |
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Keeper of the King Snake
Posts: 7622
Location: Dubach, LA | I never saw any actual show staff around the grounds after check-in, but I can say that the State Fair Park employees were polite and knew their way around a horse. I think that's the best I can say. I was impressed with those guys. |
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Regular
Posts: 87
Location: Oklahoma | This race is very well run for the amount of people that is accomommodating to. The office was always staffed and very helpful if you had any issues. As for check in, there is always the option of gold card. I give this bunch a huge kudos for their ability to pull this off year after year. |
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Regular
Posts: 75
| I wish NBHA paid as well at big shows as like the Mega or the BBR did... |
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 Veteran
Posts: 205
| I did not go this year however I am curious as to why, in the short go, first in each division paid so much and then droppped steeply for second on down? Why was it not more evenly distributed? |
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Member
Posts: 41
| This was my first year to go to the BBR Finals and I enjoyed it. I thought everything was very well organized and check in was not as long as I thought it was going to be. All the staff was very friendly and helpful I thought they did a great job maintaining the arena dirt considering the number of horses ran over it. I will defiantly qualify again to go good Lord willing. I thought it was an amazing experience that I was thankful to be a part of!!! |
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Tough Patooty
Posts: 2615
Location: Sperry, OK | sweetypi - 2014-04-28 11:28 AM I did not go this year however I am curious as to why, in the short go, first in each division paid so much and then droppped steeply for second on down? Why was it not more evenly distributed?
They put in a $25,000 bonus to first palce in each division this year.
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 Own It and Move On
Location: The edge of no where | Love going! It's the best large event there is (JMO).
No comparison to the NBHA as far as getting more bang for your buck, much better organization.
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Veteran
Posts: 205
| ACEINTHEHOLE - 2014-04-28 12:44 PM sweetypi - 2014-04-28 11:28 AM I did not go this year however I am curious as to why, in the short go, first in each division paid so much and then droppped steeply for second on down? Why was it not more evenly distributed? They put in a $25,000 bonus to first palce in each division this year.
Okay, just seems odd to me. |
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Big Gun
Posts: 2216
Location: Texas | thanks...that was what I was wanting to hear. although I heard you cant use a generator there at the facility? is that correct? |
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Keeper of the King Snake
Posts: 7622
Location: Dubach, LA | You can use your generator. |
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 Don't Wanna Make This Awkward
Posts: 3106
Location: Texas | Oklahoma City is such a fun city to go to and the show is awesome! Yes I've ran on better ground but with 4000 runs by the end of the weekend I think it's pretty darn great. I've never talked to a rude BBR staff member or just member in general. Everyone is so friendly and just ready to have FUN
IMO: You can chose to focus on all the negative aspects or you can be positive. I'd say its the best, most well ran race for it's size.
Edited by outrundaizy 2014-04-28 10:54 PM
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 It Goes On
Posts: 2262
Location: Muskogee, OK | It was my first year and I really enjoyed it! For as many entries as they get (almost 1500 in the main race and then more in the side races), it is VERY well ran. They keep things moving and start everything on time.
As far as the check in/numbering lines. Yes, they were long. But that is to be expected with a 1500 entry event. I applaud them for how fast they got everyone moved through! When I got there I thought I surely was going to be sitting in the numbering line for hours... Ended up being only about 45 minutes.
Overall it was a great event and I absolutely will be participating again in the future.  |
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 Making the post season
Posts: 7288
Location: your guess is as good as mine | Always love going to BBR...just sad I was only watching this year. The BBR crew always does a first-rate job IMHO - and like someone else said I've never experienced any rudeness from them or the Fairgrounds staff. In fact they're usually way more chipper than I think they ought to be dealing with all us barrel racers lolol. 
Strictly as an observer, the only thing I personally wasn't crazy about was running the slot race/futurity in Barn 8 simultaneousl with the main race. There was not even close to enough seating for the slot race...I got there 20 minutes before it started and the bleachers were jam-packed already. I know for a fact I wasn't the only one who had to settle for listening instead of watching. Also had a friend who was running a horse in the regular race and one in the futurity and came VERY close to running at the same time on Saturday in both arenas. Luckily she had help to hold her futurity horse while she ran Barn 6, then someone to hold her main horse while she ran to Barn 8 for her futurity run - was able to get on her futurity horse about 10 before her turn. Maybe it worked out better for the majority of the contestants that way, and if so cool  . But as a contestant I know it's really rough on horse and rider to be taken out of your routine in a big race like that. If this is going to be an ongoing thing for the futurity, maybe there's some sort of safeguard that can be put in place to where something like that won't happen again? I dunno...that's why smarter people than me are running things there lol.
Other than that awesome show as always and I can't wait until next year! |
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Veteran
Posts: 286
Location: hillsboro mo. | Could someone please tell me who won in the finals on Sunday? |
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It Goes On
Posts: 2262
Location: Muskogee, OK | lwagner - 2014-04-29 11:13 AM
Could someone please tell me who won in the finals on Sunday?
Jackie Ganter with a 15.192 |
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 Famous for Not Complaining
Posts: 8848
Location: Broxton, Ga | Did they use the "new" plastic barrels.........thought I read somewhere they did.......
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Member
Posts: 41
| yes they used the new barrels |
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 Super Bumper
Posts: 3392
Location: At the Brownderosa | I thought it was great. It's always very well ran! With as many entries as they get each year, I really don't think they have any other way to make the check-in/move-in process to go any smoother than it does now. 1467 horses ran this year - that is a lot of people to get moved-in/checked-in. They do make it a lot of fun. They have the band/dance the past couple of years & that doesn't cost anyone to go to. Plus a lot of shopping at the BBR & nearby as well as good places to eat. They rent those golf carts out to people but I think you need to rent them in advance because I know some people near us had to get on a waiting list to get one. They seemed to come in pretty handy & cut down on a lot of the traffic near/around the stall barns.
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Famous for Not Complaining
Posts: 8848
Location: Broxton, Ga | smak - 2014-04-28 2:42 PM yes they used the new barrels
From the feedback I saw on Facebook............many did not like the barrels and they were more down barrels than usual.........it was said these may be the new barrels of the NBHA. |
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It Goes On
Posts: 2262
Location: Muskogee, OK | CJE - 2014-04-29 5:08 PM smak - 2014-04-28 2:42 PM yes they used the new barrels From the feedback I saw on Facebook............many did not like the barrels and they were more down barrels than usual.........it was said these may be the new barrels of the NBHA.
I think some people are looking for a reason to blame a knocked barrel on :) But that's just me! I watched lots and lots of runs and these barrels did not seem to fall more easily. Maybe I would have felt differently if I knocked I barrel.. But there still were lots of "tips" that went back upright and saves thrown in the mix.
They had a set of these barrels set up outside the warm up pen in the coliseum just for people to see up close and look at. They did feel just as heavy as a normal barrel. Very interesting concept and I think it will be interesting to see the results play out over the next couple of years! |
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 Expert
Posts: 1454
Location: kellyville ok | BBR is always extremely well ran. Great staff, they work their tails off. OKC is an awesome facility. Pulling off a race with almost 1500 entries and a short go consisting of 300 horses, a futurity and slot race AND a non member non qualifier race, gold card race and youth is a Herculean effort!! Will there be glitches? Probably. But show me a group that tries harder, pays more, works for improvements each year and does it all with a great attitude. I don't think you will find anyone else who can manage it!!! Huge thank you to BBR staff and OKC fairgrounds. |
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Nut Case Expert
Posts: 9305
Location: Tulsa, Ok | johjr - 2014-04-29 7:22 PM BBR is always extremely well ran. Great staff, they work their tails off. OKC is an awesome facility. Pulling off a race with almost 1500 entries and a short go consisting of 300 horses, a futurity and slot race AND a non member non qualifier race, gold card race and youth is a Herculean effort!! Will there be glitches? Probably. But show me a group that tries harder, pays more, works for improvements each year and does it all with a great attitude. I don't think you will find anyone else who can manage it!!! Huge thank you to BBR staff and OKC fairgrounds.
I second this. Great race, first rate facility and the most awesome staff ever. |
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| I went for the first time this year, and loved it! Planning to keep going. |
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 Angel in a Sorrel Coat
Posts: 16030
Location: In a happy place | johjr - 2014-04-29 7:22 PM BBR is always extremely well ran. Great staff, they work their tails off. OKC is an awesome facility. Pulling off a race with almost 1500 entries and a short go consisting of 300 horses, a futurity and slot race AND a non member non qualifier race, gold card race and youth is a Herculean effort!! Will there be glitches? Probably. But show me a group that tries harder, pays more, works for improvements each year and does it all with a great attitude. I don't think you will find anyone else who can manage it!!! Huge thank you to BBR staff and OKC fairgrounds.
I second this. This is a group of people that always put the barrel racers first and are constantly trying to come up with ideas on how to make their production work better. You should be proud of your accomplishments. |
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Industrial Srength Barrel Racer
Posts: 7268
| What's the deal with the plastic barrels? I've never heard of this - is there an advantage to them or something? - I mean, why the change? JUST WONDERING - not trying to start a debate! |
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Super Bumper
Posts: 3392
Location: At the Brownderosa | Amen Johjr!!!!! BBR crew does a phenomonal job! |
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Super Bumper
Posts: 3392
Location: At the Brownderosa | I hit one of them in Barn 6 & they still leave a mark, just not as bad but I got a little bruise - they aren't lightweight plastic by any means & they don't just fall over easy. If you didn't know they were plastic, you could not tell. I had a couple friends that tipped them & they sat right back up like the heavy metal ones. I like the concept personally. My bruise isn't anything like what it would've been had the barrel been metal - it woulda taken some hide off & been really ugly. |
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Extreme Veteran
Posts: 386
| They do a great job. I go every year. The check in is a tough day, but worth it. The RV park could really use a remodel. I didn't like having the futurity, slot race in Barn 8. Loved watching it at night in the Coliseum, so everyone could watch, plus more seating. It was so crowded we had to stand. |
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 Dog Rescue Hero
Posts: 1660
Location: Oklahoma City OK | johjr - 2014-04-29 7:22 PM BBR is always extremely well ran. Great staff, they work their tails off. OKC is an awesome facility. Pulling off a race with almost 1500 entries and a short go consisting of 300 horses, a futurity and slot race AND a non member non qualifier race, gold card race and youth is a Herculean effort!! Will there be glitches? Probably. But show me a group that tries harder, pays more, works for improvements each year and does it all with a great attitude. I don't think you will find anyone else who can manage it!!! Huge thank you to BBR staff and OKC fairgrounds.
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Veteran
Posts: 205
| Griz - 2014-04-30 6:37 AM What's the deal with the plastic barrels? I've never heard of this - is there an advantage to them or something? - I mean, why the change? JUST WONDERING - not trying to start a debate!
These barrels have been scientifically tested to be exactly like a metal barrel; they weigh the same, fall the same etc.. They were designed to minimize the injury to horses when a barrel is hit and gets underneath a horse as well as to the ride when they hit the barrel. There have been several articles and posts on facebook regarding these barrels and they even have their own FB page if you would like to learn more information about them. Search for Turning Point Industry on FB to find more information. |
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Industrial Srength Barrel Racer
Posts: 7268
| Rockin BS - 2014-04-30 6:55 AM I hit one of them in Barn 6 & they still leave a mark, just not as bad but I got a little bruise - they aren't lightweight plastic by any means & they don't just fall over easy. If you didn't know they were plastic, you could not tell. I had a couple friends that tipped them & they sat right back up like the heavy metal ones. I like the concept personally. My bruise isn't anything like what it would've been had the barrel been metal - it woulda taken some hide off & been really ugly.
Wow - that is COOL! I already have ENOUGH divots in my legs! |
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 Triple Extra-Ordinaire
Posts: 4244
Location: Okla | johjr - 2014-04-29 7:22 PM BBR is always extremely well ran. Great staff, they work their tails off. OKC is an awesome facility. Pulling off a race with almost 1500 entries and a short go consisting of 300 horses, a futurity and slot race AND a non member non qualifier race, gold card race and youth is a Herculean effort!! Will there be glitches? Probably. But show me a group that tries harder, pays more, works for improvements each year and does it all with a great attitude. I don't think you will find anyone else who can manage it!!! Huge thank you to BBR staff and OKC fairgrounds.
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Rad Dork
Posts: 5218
Location: Oklahoma | I was only there as spectator and I knew nothing about the "new barrels"... I couldn't tell a difference. I saw girls that picked them up as they were falling and the went right back up like a metal barrel. It could have just been the wraps (or whetever was on the barrels for the advertising) on the barrels but I honestly just thought they were normal! |
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 Ms. Elvis
Posts: 9606
Location: Running barrels or watching nascar | Ive missed going the past couple years. May try again for next year! |
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Expert
Posts: 3127
| SC Wrangler - 2014-04-29 8:50 PM johjr - 2014-04-29 7:22 PM BBR is always extremely well ran. Great staff, they work their tails off. OKC is an awesome facility. Pulling off a race with almost 1500 entries and a short go consisting of 300 horses, a futurity and slot race AND a non member non qualifier race, gold card race and youth is a Herculean effort!! Will there be glitches? Probably. But show me a group that tries harder, pays more, works for improvements each year and does it all with a great attitude. I don't think you will find anyone else who can manage it!!! Huge thank you to BBR staff and OKC fairgrounds. I second this. Great race, first rate facility and the most awesome staff ever.
I was there the entire week and all I can say is what a OUTSTANDING job. Three arenas going at once a total of 7 tractors and drivers (all did outstanding work) 4 anouncers and God only knows how many office people and barrel setters. All with a smile on there face trying to help anyone that needed it . If anyone thinks this was easy try a small jackpot and see just how long you can last .STAFF and peole that care is the key to sucess at what ever your doing to get it done RIGHT. |
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Veteran
Posts: 237
| CJE - 2014-04-29 12:42 PM
Did they use the "new" plastic barrels.........thought I read somewhere they did.......
Im sorry but I dont care for these barrels. Does anyone know the cost? 600 now why would we change something that has been working. Duh JMHO
Are you going to go out and purchase these. I did feel them. they are good on the concrete but on the dirt they do have more wiggle and not as duplicated as a metal one. Like I said I cant afford to purchase these and not sure the Majority could. Go Ahead start Flaming!!
I do LOVE the Staff and BBR finals. I will probably be back time and time again because its just a fun time. Lots to see and Learn. |
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Veteran
Posts: 182
| I heard alot of complaints about the "plastic barrels". I personally hit barrels both days. The first day it would not have mattered if they were made of cement but the second day I barely touched it and it fell.
I wish they could have the sale at a time when more could attend. I was running and could not attend. Probably best for my bank account but I was very interested in a couple of horses. I know I could have had someone bid for me but did not feel comfortable with that. |
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wanted some feedback on BBR Finals