Bob Buchleitner Memorial Show

The Bob Buchleitner Memorial Series is a barrel racing organization held together by two things: the precious memory of a beloved man and a love of family-oriented barrel racing.  BBMS is a family of volunteers who work together to have two shows every year.  It takes a great deal of hard work, time, and dedication, but we hope that everyone who comes to our show enjoys their experience.  We share tears, sweat, and a lot of laughs to make it happen, but where did BBMS come from?

​

Before BBMS, there was a friend-family group who were running shows at Crooked Creek Horse Park, and Bob Buchleitner was among those who helped at those shows.  In 2002, he and his wife took over the organization to help those who were ready to hand it over to the next generation.  Bob loved barrel-racing.  He loved his family, and he worked tirelessly every day to make those things a success.  He was the first to jump in to lend a hand, help those who were his competition, and give an encouraging word to someone who needed it.  He was also the first to tell you when you needed a kick in the pants (he would have chosen different words there), voice his opinion, and laugh with a friend. 

​

He wanted to continue to make the shows a success.  Unfortunately, he only got one season to work on that.  In 2003, at the age of 49, Bob was killed in an accident.  This beloved husband, father of five, and friend was taken too soon.  His family and friends decided that the best way to honor him was to continue what he loved, and so, BBMS was formed.  It has taken so much work from so many friends and family members to continue this series, but we really believe in honoring Bob and spending quality time with those you love while having some fun at a barrel race.  We encourage young people to participate through our pee wee and youth average series.  Every show, you will see ten of Bob’s grandchildren running ponies and setting barrels – with more of them to come!  We take the proceeds of each show and put enough aside to continue BBMS for one more year, and then we donate the rest to various charities – usually St. Jude’s. 

​

So every time you come to a BBMS show, just know that you are part of something special.  In the words of a valued family friend who knew Bob well “If you listen real close as you go up that alleyway, I bet you will still hear Bob say: Ride Hard – Ride Hard.”