A Community That Rides Together: Barrel Racers Rally Behind Amanda McGinnis Morgan
Pictured : Left to Right (Alyssa Ranew, Amanda McGinnis Morgan, Jaimee Farr
In the Southeastern Barrel Racing and horse world, we talk a lot about grit — the kind you see in the alley when a horse is blowing fire, or in the arena dirt where dreams are chased one barrel at a time. But sometimes, grit shows up far from the arena lights. Sometimes it looks like a woman facing an unthinkable accident… and a community refusing to let her face it alone.
Recently, beloved barrel racer Amanda McGinnis Morgan suffered a devastating hunting accident that resulted in the loss of her finger. She was climbing down her deer stand, when her wedding ring was caught on a groove of the stand. The injury was sudden, traumatic, and life-altering, resulting in the amputation of her finger — This is the kind of event that sends shockwaves and great empathy through a tight-knit barrel racing family. Almost immediately, the barrel racing community did what it does best: it showed up.
A Benefit Ride Built on Love & Loyalty
Friends, fellow competitors, producers, families, and even people who had only met Amanda once or not at all gathered for a special benefit race. The race hosted by Jaimee Farr and Alyssa Ranew with Farr Ranew Barrel Racing Productions in Barnesville at Jaimee’s Farm, Farr Cross Farm started as a simple idea quickly turned into a powerful display of unity.
Riders hauled in from all over. Local businesses and families donated items, cakes and items for auction. Volunteers stepped up without hesitation.
Every entry fee, every raffle ticket, every donation was lifted with one purpose: to help Amanda with her medical bills and living expenses as she recovers.
The atmosphere was electric — not because of the competition, but because of the compassion that filled the arena. It wasn’t about times on the clock. It wasn’t about winning a check. It was about standing beside someone who has stood beside so many others.
Amanda Has Always Been the One Helping Others
For years, Amanda has been a giver in the barrel racing and horse training community. She’s helped at shows, supported other riders, checked on friends, shared horses, lent tack, encouraged newcomers, and been the first to offer help when someone else was struggling.
When people describe her, you hear the same words every time:
Kind. Generous. Solid. Someone you can count on.
So when tragedy hit her world, it wasn’t surprising that the community wrapped its arms around her with the same generosity she’s always shown.
A Reminder of What Makes this Community Different
What happened to Amanda is heartbreaking — but what happened because of it is a reminder of what makes the rodeo and barrel racing world special.
We might compete against each other.
We might drive hundreds of miles to chase the next check.
We might be stubborn, dusty, tired, and a little wild around the edges.
But when one of our own is hurting?
We show up. We haul. We donate. We pray.
We give.
This benefit wasn’t just a fundraiser.
It was a statement:
In the arena or out of it, nobody rides alone.
Continuing to Support Amanda
As Amanda continues to heal, there will still be challenges ahead — physically, emotionally, and financially. But with the strength of her community behind her, she won’t walk this road unsupported.
If anyone deserves to feel lifted during a season like this, it’s her.
If you would like to make further donations - you can reach out to Amanda directly on Facebook as Amanda McGinnis Morgan or venmo @Amanda-Morgan-243
Same arena, next run.
Thanks for reading The Buckle Report. We’ll keep showing up, telling the stories that matter, and covering Western sports in the Southeastern region the way they deserve to be covered.
Until then — keep your word, show up ready, and may you always ride good horses.
— Isabella
Connect with The Buckle Report:
Instagram — @thebucklereport
Story submissions & press inquiries — howdyroadrunner@gmail.com
