Brian Barefoot, of Dunn, N.C., makes his third IFR appearance in steer wrestling. He has a $5,000 cushion on Thigpen, the second place competitor. However, between Thigpen, third place Jordan Wiseman of McAlester, No. 4 Donnie Tyner, of Elm City, N.C., and No. 5 Ryan Mims of Holdenville – only $493.81 separate them.

Mesa Leavitt of Blue Grass, Iowa, — only 11 years old when winning the title of 2006 World Champion Barrel Racer — comes into the 2007 finals in first place with $27,540.50 in winnings. Just this last weekend, Leavitt won the 1D in the Classic Equine Race for the Cash IV at Guthrie – World Barrel Racing Productions.

A.J. and Kyle Horton of Stigler are the ropers to beat for the team roping world title.

Jake Weddle, of Perryville, Ark., and Jared Standridge, of Dennard, Ark., are both looking at the number one heading spot as well. Heelers Jory Levy of Twin Oaks and 2006 World Champion Heeler Stephen Britnell, of Maryville, Tenn., will be attempting to overtake Kyle for the gold buckle.

The 2007 IPRA Timed Event Horses of the Year are: Team Roping-Heading Horse is “Monty”, owned and ridden by Jimmy Tanner; Team Roping-Heeling Horse is C.R. Son of a Doc, owned and ridden by Stephen Britnell; Cowgirls Barrel Racing Horse is All Eyez Are On Me “Legs”, owned and ridden by Jessica Moore; Steer Wrestling Horse is Mar Am Major “Ready”, owned and ridden by Ryan Mims; Hazing Horse is Fax It Bar “Wiz”, owned and ridden by Eldon Day; and Tie-down Roping Horse is Wills Rosalea, owned and ridden by Ronnie Davis.

For ticket information, call 800-511-1552 for single session tickets or go to www.tickets.com.

Almanac dates

January almanac dates to trim manes and tails to promote growth: 8, 11, 12, 16, 17, 20, 21.

Places to Go:

See www.randrbarrels.com for handbills and more detailed information

Weekly events: (Call before you haul.) Mondays, Barrel Racing at Hilltop Arena, exhibitions at 6 p.m., 4D jackpot at 8 p.m., 457-7337; Mondays & Thursdays, Team Roping, Checotah RUC, practice 6 p.m. and jackpot 8 p.m.; Thursdays, Barrel Racing at Hilltop Arena, Gates Productions, exhibitions 6:30-7:30 p.m., 4D jackpot at 8 p.m., Thursday, 5D Better Barrel Races approved barrel race, Stanton’s Arena, Beggs. Exhibitions 5:30-6 p.m., jackpot at 8 p.m., David Vert 260-8453 or Tricia McLain 289-1514, Fridays, team roping at Hilltop Arena, Bart Barton, Sundays, 2 p.m. team penning at Hilltop Arena.

Area Barrel Racing and Bull Riding:

4C Ranch and Loop 56 at Checotah RUC, Jan. 5, 12, 26 and Feb. 9, 23, 4D Barrel Race, $25 entry fee. Exhibitions at noon and jackpot at 2 p.m., junior barrels, $15, 3D, Pending BBR approval. Jan. 12 and Feb. 23 will have $250 Added Money. This is a buckle series, $10 nomination fee.