History of CWBRA

Colorado West Barrel Racing Association was formed November 10, 1984 because there was a need for a more localized organization for barrels racers on the Western Slope. The first meeting was held at TZ Ranch, the home of Bud and Dianne Rinaldo, in Grand Junction.

Unfortunately, a board member put the club in a financial bind from the beginning. In order for the club to get back in good standing, the members decided to host a clinic. The clinician was Jimmie Gibbs-Munroe of Valley Mills, Texas. Jimmie has ties to the Grand Junction area through longtime resident and horsewoman, Pauline Haller. Pauline's horse, Smooth Cadet "Cat", took Jimmie to the NFR in 1983-1986, and they still hold the arena record for the most consecutive wins in NFR history, 1984 rounds 1-5. That year they won the average and with that win, a new horse trailer, Jimmie served as GRA/WPRA president for 14 years and qualified for a total of 11 NFR's and was world champion in 1975. The original logo for CWBRA is a from a picture of Jimmie and Cat.

The first Board of Directors:

• Mary Anderson, President 

• Cheryl Harper, Vice President

• Fran Gustin, Secretary/Treasurer 

• Renae Milton, Finals/Awards

• Peg McGraw and Connie Frost, Editors

The first saddle winner was Tippy Hatcher in 1985. Membership fees were $25 and non-competitive membership was $15 (before email/web)

Thank you to Cheryl Harper for providing these results from the 80's.  Fun!