Barrel Horses – Nancy’s horses Bill Bill is a Grade 1991 buckskin gelding.  Came to us with issues, none of his own making.   Fortunately we figured him out and life has become great for all of us. Everyone gets quite a kick outta the fact I run barrels in a bosal with Bill.  Heck, you can do anything with Bill with just a halter.  He has attitude and still some issues, doesn’t like people and is really good at pretending he’d rather just be left alone.  We accept Bill’s quirks as he does ours and he’s here forever. Bill is an awesome cow horse.  He is so cowy.  I think the most fun I’ve ever had with him was helping our friends in North Dakota sort their range calves from their moms.  Something that could not be done on foot.  He just took over and did it.  Just wish he’d show the energy running barrels that he does chasing cows.  Working those cattle in the pasture, they don’t stand a chance with Bill, he knows where to go and what to do.  Wish we could say as much for the rider. Dick ropes off of him on occasion, although we don’t think it is Bill’s favorite thing and he always gets Dick’s heart racing at some point in the pen.  He’s so much fun to watch as he’s so effortless in all that he does.   Even with all the mistakes Nancy has made with Bill, he’s a great barrel horse and in 2001 was the Manitoba Barrel Racing Association 1D Champ and also won the handmade buckle at Barry and Lori Tully’s jackpot, along with another buckle in Midland MI. at a Lynn McKenzie clinic. Quincy or QBM Quincys Blue Merlot is a 1998 blue roan by Blue Boy Quincy out of a thoroughbred mare by Eastern Lord. Quincy is quite the horse, his presence is felt, you know he’s there.  Where to start …… Q is definitely Nancy’s horse.  He and Nancy seem to have some sort of bond and have so much fun together.  When she was going thru chemo and rode him, he seemed to know what kind of day it was for her and went accordingly.  Either acting like he was walking on eggs when Nancy wasn't with it, or he was himself – full of it.  He really missed the attention Nancy lavished on him and is really happy she is back to riding him again.  He is a character and demands attention. Gears Diamond Gears, 1996 sorrel gelding by Stripped Gears out of Stand Back n’ Watch.  The Gears came to us in an unusual way.  We had his full brother, whom we loved dearly and who has talent plus, but was started horrible and would have regressions.  Something that at Nancy’ s age isn’t something desirable.  But believing in the breeding we were blessed to find his full brother and haven’t looked back. The Gears was a dressage horse – well, no more – he’s a running machine who hasn’t even come into his own yet.  Gears loves to run barrels and gives an honest try each time out.  The only mistakes made are rider error. The Gears has accepted the Sobey life and is really, really happy.  Dick pulls him out of the pen every so often to go roping.  He tolerates it, but his heart just isn’t in it.  He’s a great pasture horse with his long comfortable stride and calm, calm attitude.  He does love working cattle in the pasture.  And he’s so much fun to breeze down the drainage ditch.  Just lean forward and he’s gone, sit up and he’s slowing.  Show him the barrel alley run in and hold on!!!  We just can't figure out why he can't walk down the road straight, he wanders all over the road.  And boy does he get mad when he wants to go and you won't let him.  He walks but strikes out high with his front feet like he's pawing the air letting you know he's displeased and wants to move. Ally Too Dance A Dash, 2001 chestnut breeding stock mare by Easy Jet Too out of a Streakin Six daughter.  Bred to the nines this girl is.  That’s why she’s here.  Couldn’t believe a horse of that breeding was available to us and couldn’t let her go.  Dick wasn’t crazy about her but has fallen under her spell.  "MIss Lips" as she's also known, loves her treats and constantly reminds you.  Ally isn't a horse you can work slow, she gets so discombobulated, but ask for some speed and she's as co-ordinated and athletic as they come. Ally is an extremely smart, soft, loving girl.  She is so spoiled.  Apparently that started as a baby we’ve been told.  Fortunately for Ally, she had a good racetrack trainer who started her right and she even won a race.  Lots of slow, quiet, TLC has resulted in a horse that really tries for Nancy and is always the same each and everytime ridden.  Leave her for weeks and get on, same horse.  Biggest problem with her is that she remembers too well so you gotta do it right the first time! Nancy pasture rides her in a light bosal and Ally is the fastest horse on the place.  That drainage ditch we race on tells the story.   Nancy’s really looking forward to taking her to some derbies this summer.  And to try and get in as many barrel jackpots as possible.