NEW BARREL RACING PRODUCTION HONORS LOCAL LEGEND
Ride the Ride Productions Launches to Honor the Legacy of Barry Whitley
A new barrel racing production is set to hit the arena this summer, born out of love for a man who spent his life giving to others - in his community, in the arena, and with his family.
Skylar Warren and Elijah Lawson have launched Ride the Ride Productions, a barrel racing venture created in memory of William "Barry" Whitley, a beloved husband, father, and grandfather from Butler, Georgia, remembered for his kindness, faith, and service to others.
Photography Courtesy of - Amy Pagenkopf
Remembering Barry Whitley
Barry spent decades serving the Taylor County community, including time on city council, the development authority, the board of health, and as mayor of Butler. He also owned and operated Whitley Furniture Clinic, where he restored treasured pieces of furniture for thousands of customers between 1995 and the final week of his life.
A true cowboy at heart, Barry devoted his weekends to barrel racing and horsemanship. He could often be found dragging the arena, hauling hay, or in the saddle on one of his horses. He taught countless family members and friends to ride, frequently leading his grandchildren around on the newest pony to join the Whitley herd, and he gave years of service to NBHA GA 05 as district director.
On April 18, Barry spent the day doing what he loved most - at a barrel race with his family and close friends - and rode his beloved mare, Joanie, to a 4D win. He passed away shortly after.
Barry is survived by his wife of over 40 years, Cindi, his children Payton and Abby, and his grandchildren.
Photography Courtesy of - Amy Pagenkopf, Skylar Warren and Elijah Lawson
A Motto Becomes a Mission
Barry lived by a simple phrase, one he'd often repeat to himself and to those he supported: "Ride the Ride." For Warren, Lawson, and Barry's daughter Abby Poole, that phrase has become more than a memory - it's the motto guiding this new production, a reminder that at the end of the day, all anyone can do is trust and ride the ride, just as Barry did.
The Barry Whitley Memorial Race July 31 – August 1 - Southeastern Arena, 2410 Arena Rd, Unadilla, GA
Classes
Friday – $500 Added Open 4D | EF $35
Saturday – Peewee | EF $15
Saturday – Futurity 2D, 75 split, $1,500 Added | EF $200
Saturday – Open 4D, $1,000 Added | EF $50
Side Pots (Saturday)
No Penalty – $100 Added | EF $20
Youth – $100 Added | EF $20
Sorrel Horse – $100 Added | EF $20, held in honor of Barry and his good horse, Joanie
More details and the full schedule will be released soon. Organizers hope the event will bring the barrel racing community together to celebrate a man who loved deeply, served faithfully, and left behind a legacy worth continuing to run for. Entries will be on saddlebook.com.
Follow Ride the Ride on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/events/833071193207953?acontext=%7B%22event_action_history%22%3A[%7B%22surface%22%3A%22home%22%7D%2C%7B%22mechanism%22%3A%22search_results%22%2C%22surface%22%3A%22search%22%7D]%2C%22ref_notif_type%22%3Anull%7D
Image Courtesy of the event Facebook page
Isabella Niemeyer
Founder & Editor, The Buckle Report
📧 howdyroadrunner@gmail.com
🌐 thebucklereport.com
Til next time,
