CASCADE WEST PRODUCTIONS

By Jodi Kvinsland

Hatched in February 2009, Cascade West Productions is in its infancy as a 5D Barrel Racing association. However, great things are already happening with CWP. Just like a newborn colt with impeccable breeding and exquisite confirmation, CWP is destined for success!

The infant organization was born out of the desire to improve upon the existing format of Divisional Barrel Racing in the Northwest. Formed by a group of dedicated, knowledgeable barrel racing enthusiasts, Cascade West Productions’ goal is to put the “FUN” back into barrel racing! Thus far, it has done just that.

Leading the charge to make the dream of CWP, a reality, Karen Askin is very excited about the fledgling association. “Our membership exploded in the first month,” says Askin, “I am very excited about CWP. We expect it to take some time to build, especially with the economy being sluggish right now. I honestly believe as time goes on BOTH the barrel racer AND the producers will look to us more and more.”

Askin has been steadfast in her commitment to offer the barrel racer a new and innovative option that allows for paychecks to be dispersed to a larger number of contestants by expanding the payout to a 5D format and refiguring the percentages so that more contestants are rewarded for their efforts. CWP is not geared toward the 1D or 2D riders any more than it is geared toward the 4D or 5D riders. It is designed to reward all 5D’s so that there are advantages for each contestant to want to enter CWP races!

“I am personally committed to our mission statement: FAMILY, FUN AND FAIRNESS,” says Askin, “as are the others associated in the building of CWP. I KNOW with the team we have assembled, we will be successful. Those involved in creating CWP are educated barrel racers. More importantly they are also team players that are determined to bring the fun back to barrel racing. Everyone involved in CWP is committed to not only the mission statement, but to the overall success of CWP.”

When going out on the limb to create a new association, there is the unavoidable question of WHY? Why take on such a gigantic challenge? Why spend the countless hours organizing, working, planning, stressing? Why not accept things as they are? The answer for all involved in Cascade West Productions is the same – because WE CAN do better! As a group working for one goal, it is exciting to see the pieces falling into place and the smiling contestants as they pick up the checks that with another association, they would not have received. It is exciting to hear the appreciative words of contestants who are able to attend and compete because the entry fees are kept low and the professionalism of the race is kept at an all time high! That is what CWP is all about: offering a professionally ran barrel race for a realistic entry fee, complete with great ground, a friendly and efficient office staff and doing so in a fun, family oriented and fair format! Then the ultimate reward is the Cascade West Finals, Thanksgiving Weekend 2009, at The Trails Arena in Olympia, Washington!

“I think our finals is going to be the icing the cake,” says Askin, “I know it will have the BEST ground conditions (with George Frick in charge how can that not happen?). Kim Sweem and Lori Hogarty have already acquired saddle sponsors and several vendors (it sounds like the shopping at finals will be amazing).”

Cascade West Productions’ goal is to offer a first class Finals in a first class venue with significant added money, awesome awards and do so at a price that families can afford to compete and enjoy the weekend! Fun, family and fairness are the three founding principles of CWP and the Finals will cater to all three!

Askin and her support staff are united in the determination to launch CWP as the go-to barrel racing association for the Pacific Northwest. “I was asked why I decided to take on this huge project,” recalls Askin. “I don’t know that I really have a logical answer for that other than I absolutely believe in what this group wants to promote in the barrel racing industry. Personally I think somewhere we lost some of the fun and I hate knowing that there are many who don’t go to races consistently because they feel they don’t have a chance. I know, absolutely know, a race can have enough added money, be professionally ran, and entice the toughs to come but be designed to give the most novice racer a chance to pick up a check and place in the awards. I believe that is what CWP offers. So, here we are, a group united in the same beliefs, it feels very good.”

Askin is also quick to give credit to the talented team behind the formation of CWP. “Amber Lee has points posted on our website (http://www.cascadewestproductions.org) so quickly it even amazes me. Mitzi Frick and Brandon Hull post the race results within hours of the races, that alone can be a chore and these two never even question the importance of posting the results in a timely manner. Barbara Sadewasser will literally blow you away with the pee-wee awards. She does an absolutely amazing job for these future barrel racers and LOVES doing it. Our membership coordinator Amy Boultinghouse is doing a fantastic job! Then with Jodi Kvinsland writing our articles, that is truly a gift.”

“Right now I have to say the tough part is getting the producers to take us seriously, but they will in time,” says Askin confidently. “We don’t expect to take over the barrel racing world, we just want to offer great barrel racing and that is just what we are doing.”

For more information on Cascade West Productions and the upcoming races as well as Membership Forms, check out http://www.cascadewestproductions.org. Find out what all the talk is about! It is not too late, there is plenty of time left to join and get qualified to compete for amazing awards at the 2009 Cascade West Productions Finals in Olympia, Washington, Thanksgiving weekend! Don’t get left behind, join today!!!!

Barrel Racers Have An Exciting New Option

CASCADE WEST PRODUCTIONS