Charmayne James, the world's only 11-time National Finals Rodeo barrel racing world champion, now spreads her knowledge through clinics.
She's got the "zoom, zoom, zoom" speed that takes your breath away. And the neat, tight turns around the barrels. And a soft hand with a horse that makes little girls on ponies want to grow up and be just like her.
At only 32, Charmayne James is barrel racing's all-time leading money earner and the first-ever million dollar cowgirl - now with earnings that almost touch the $2 million mark. She's won more Professional Rodeo Championships in a single event than any other contender, and she's the first Women's Professional Rodeo Association member to be listed in the "Guinness Book of World Records." Her credentials read on.
But James, not content to win just the titles, is famous for winning the hearts and respect of rodeo enthusiasts and barrel racers, in particular, around the world. Through mail, e-mail and face-to-face communication, fans have told James they'd like to know what she knows. And that's why, just a few years ago, she sat down with her publicity manager and decided that, yes, it was time to share her knowledge and put on a few barrel racing clinics. So far, James has hosted clinics throughout the United States and in a handful of foreign countries, and the demand for her expertise continues to grow.
She's all business
On the first morning of a three-day Charmayne James barrel racing clinic held January 10-12 in Ocala, Florida, James asked all 31 participating riders to run through the barrel pattern before she did any coaching or training. As James watched, she made notes on a critique sheet, and throughout the three days, she continued to jot down notes on each rider.
"With the notes, I can tell where the problems are," James said. "I take that sheet and hang on to it, then make more notes. Then they can take it home with them, and they can remember everything from the clinic."
Later, James got on each rider's horse and spent anywhere from 30 minutes to more than an hour schooling the horse, simultaneously talking with its rider. Then, the rider would get back on, and James gave pointers from the ground, explaining ways to help the rider communicate better with the horse.
For those who thought their days with James' coaching would focus on getting faster times, it was a big awakening - James spent more time talking about getting control engaging the hocks up underneath the horse's body for better overall shape. She explained that in order to be fast, you've got to have control.
"Faster is about being a better horseperson," James said. "You have to know your horse and what he's doing to get the most out of him to make him work efficiently."
Beginners and professionals are welcome at James' clinics. Riders pay $500 for three days, plus an introductory evening, and spectators pay $50 per day to watch. As part of the package, riders and spectators can visit anytime with James' equine nutritionist and dentist, who travel to the clinics with her.
"All this just wouldn't be able to happen without their expertise," James said of her equine nutritionist and dentist. "It's so important to have all the pieces come together."
Being a Better Horseperson
James repeatedly pointed out that her goal is to constantly become a "better horseperson."
"The only way to be a better horseperson is by spending time - lots and lots of years learning - how to figure out what that horse needs," she said.
"True, I'm young," she added. "But on the other hand, I've made my living running barrels. I didn't have anybody paying my way. So if I ruined a horse, it wasn't like I could go get another one. I had to win if I was going to pay the bills and make my house payment. Sure, things were tough, but it made a difference and it paid off, and I know now what to do."
And that why, James said, she started putting on schools and clinics. To help folks become better horsepeople.
"We love the horses," she said. "And there are a lot of frustrated people out there, and there's a lot of bad information floating around."
James is pleased with the three-day clinic format, but she dreams of hosting a weeklong camp in the future, perhaps at her ranch in Athens, Texas.
"This isn't a plaything," she said. "This is about getting better as a horse person. I haven't figured out all the details, but I think a camp would help a lot."
James is engaged to sports marketer Tony Garritano and lives in Athens, Texas. Learn more about James and her upcoming clinics by visiting her Web site, www.charmaynejames.com.
