It took me quite some time to decide on a topic that I was confident to speak about because I wanted my speech to revolve around something, NO, someone, that meant a great deal to me. With this in mind, I refer to the colver-leaf pattern of Barrel Racing. Not because I am a barrel racer, but because I knew someone who was an incredible barrel racer, whose heart and soul, was the sport.
As one looks at this area set up for the barrel racing event, they see three barrels in a triangle shape. To me, these are not just barrels. They each stand for a remembered quality in a barrel racer who was a dear friend of mine, Chassidy Breese.
..........Good evening Rodeo fans! Again, welcome to Kansas' Biggest Rodeo. It's a beautiful evening as we go to the North end of the arena for the sport dominated by the ladies. That's right, Barrel Racing! It's time for pounding hearts and thundering hooves, so swing those gates open to welcome Miss Chassidy Breese, a local talent, and her flaming sorrel comrade, Heza Booger.
With bright, gleaming lights over the arena, the duo enters and immediately sparks fly. The image of a young lady astride her burly steed, each sporting the color yellow, her favorite, dash towards the first barrel. As they make their approach, she sets him up to make a pocket, adrenaline soaring high. Through her body goes a rush, a thrill of excitement for the run.
The quality I see at the first barrel is Chas' passion. Having the drive and desire for barrel racing, she gave it her all. This sport was one of the highest priorities in her life. She put forth an effort incomparable to others when it came to barrel racing; the will, the strength, the urge to compete.
Coming out of the first barrel, racing the clock, she looks ahead to prepare for the next. She aims Booger for the number two can, checking him up for a flying lead change to his left. Shifting his 1300 pounds of bulk to the inside, he molds himself around the metal cylinder.
The quality I see at this barrel is skill. Not only did Chas have the dedication to chase cans, but she had the skills to perform exceptionally well. She used her knowledge with every stride her horse made. When she wasn't riding, you would find her nose in a book or her eyes on a video, all to add to and improve on what she already knew about the sport.
Forming a communion, the pair darts in the dirction of the third barrel. With a fluid movement, the two as one, Chas and Booger round the third with agility and grace.
The quality I see at the third barrel is dreams. Like many people, Chassidy had dreams as great as the sky. Day after day, she focused on her ultimate goal, to become a professional barrel racer, running at the NFR like her idol, Charmayne James. Chas dreamed night and day of the rodeo life and the exhilaration under the arena light, kciking up dust.
The last stretch, full of stamina and all out speed. With the finish line in sight, she gives her big red horse one last push, brushing her oil tanned boots along his massive sides. As the magnificent team bursts across the line, the sting of wind in her face brings tears to her eyes. The crystal clear drops fall, only to lead to her beaming smile. Leaving muddy trickles down her face, she wipes the dirt from her eyes and slows her partner down. With a whirlwind of emotions, her focus moves to the scoreboard, seeking her time.
Randy Corley's voice booms over the mike - Ladies and Gentlemen, the results are in, as our last horse and rider have completed the barrel racing event. On this sold out Saturday night performance, it looks like Miss Chassidy Breese will be taking the victory lap around the Coca-Cola Winner's Circle with a record time of 16.63 here at Kansas' Biggest Rodeo's 76th anniversary. WHAT A RUN!
Okay, so this is one dream she didn't get to finish, but in my heart, by giving this speech I helped her to make it happen, whether fact or fiction. Chassidy Breese aspired to be an excellent barrel racer, to achieve more than the rest. She was an inspiration to me, in and out of the arena, to have:
PASSION...to get to that first turn in life, no matter where it takes you;
SKILLS...to help you along the way every second; and
DREAMS...to keep you moving forward and enjoy every day given to us
I think back to the things she taught me, from who I was, to who I am now, and knowing now, who I want to be. With memories fresh in my mind, her love is still my guide, and though I cannot see her, she is always at my side. At peace in the presence of God, I hear the cadence of hooves, as I believe she is runnin' the gates of heaven with a continuing will to win.
Written by Chas' friend Jesse Voss
