R. E. Josey, three-time AQHA World Champion Calf Roper, left his mark on the world by winning the prestigious titles on three different horses, Major Chalfant in 1970, a sorrel stallion named Toebars in 1972 and Silver Creek Jak in 1974. Toebars was ridden in forty AQHA calf-roping competitions and won thirty-five. R. E.'s unique skill of selecting and training winners, combined with his expertise of working with both horse and rider and making them into a winning team, has been sought after by top ropers and speed-event riders alike. Inducted into the Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame in 1998, R. E. continues to compete in Team Roping competitions on his newest champion, Phylis Can Phly. Together with top instructor, Jeb Barney, R. E. produced a series of videotapes designed to take calf ropers "back to the basics" by teaching the foundation necessary for beginners and essential for serious competitors going for that all important win.
Combining their tremendous love of rodeo with an extensive training and teaching program, R. E. and Martha Josey, along with top instructor, Ty Mitchell, host clinics and schools specializing in World Champion Barrel Racing, Horsemanship and Calf Roping at the famous Josey Ranch in Marshall, Texas and across the nation. With an emphasis on safety, they teach students how to choose quality equipment, understand the mind and body of the horse and share their "World Champion" techniques for making that winning run. Unique to R. E. and Martha is their special brand of inspiration and motivation. "You don't get the 'how-to' until you get the 'want-to,'" Martha likes to say. They always have a hug and an encouraging word for the youngest barrel racers and ropers and teach their students to never settle for anything less than their best. R. E. says, "When our students win, we win!"
R. E. and Martha have been featured demonstrators and clinicians at such national equine events as The Equine Affaire, Kansas Equifest, Equitana, Ride With The Stars, All-American Quarter Horse Congress and John Lyon's EQUUS AMERICA!. They have also been featured in numberous national horse publications including Western Horseman, Equus, Horse and Rider, Practical Horseman, Horse Illustrated, Quarter Horse Journal, American Cowboy, America's Barrel Racer, Southern Horseman, America's Horse, Barrel Horse News, The Hitching Post, Horse Gazette and Barrel Racer News.
The Joseys train and market the very best in barrel and rope horses at the Josey Ranch and offer a selection for every level of competition. Many winning competitors have purchased their horses and equipment from the Josey Ranch. The Joseys host several nationally acclaimed competitions at the Ranch, including the Josey World Champion Jr. Barrel Race and the Josey Reunion Round-Up. The Josey Western Store offers clients around the world a complete line of Josey Saddles, Championship barrel racing and roping equipment as well as horse health supplies. Nationally known companies, such as Ariat International, CircleY of Yoakum, Elder Dodge, Pfizer, Inc., Purina Mills, Inc., Priefert, CM/BigTex Trailers, and Josey ProKold, have chosen R.E. and Martha to represent their top-quality products. Many winning competitors, some of whom are former Josey Students, have purchased their horse and equipment from the Josey Ranch.
Martha Josey's legendary GRA/WPRA career has also been accomplished on many horses, reflecting her keen training and horsemanship ability. Beginning in 1964 on Cebe Reed, this explosive pair won 7 horse trailers and 52 barrel races in a row. Cebe qualified Martha for her first NFR in 1968 and again in 1969. Martha later teamed up with the big bay gelding, Sonny Bit O'Both, and this powerful combination went to the NFR 4 years in a row, from 1978 to 1981. In 1980, Sonny set an all time record of being the only horse in history to win the AQHA and WPRA World Championships in the same year. Inducted into the Cowgirl Hall of Fame in 1987, Martha continued competing and winning on the Pro Tour Circuit aboard two new partners, Jetonfer Pay and Royal Moon II, going to the NFR in 1985. Swen Sir Bug, "J.C." qualified Martha for the NFR in 1987 and was the champion she chose to ride representing the United States in the 1988 Winter Olympics in Calgary, Canada.
History was made once again as Martha Josey received a medal in front of 100,000 people, returning home an Olympic medalist. Mr. Revolution Bars took Martha to the NFR in 1989 and again in 1990, helping her become the only cowgirl to go to the NFR in four consecutive decades. "Rev" won the 1990 All American Quarter Horse Congress and was the two-time Wrangler Showdown Champion. In 1997, Martha rode a big sorrel gelding named Orange Smash and won the NBHA Senior World Championship and Reserve Open 1-D Championship in Augusta, Georga. This dynamic duo has continued to win big, qualifying for the NFR in 1998, winning the 3rd go round and finishing 8th in the world. In 1999, Martha was chosen as the Women's Sports Foundation AQHA Female Equestrian of the Year. She was also presented the Dennis D. High Award in Denver, Colorado as a distinguished Lifestyle Leader for the Western/English Sales Association. Orange Smash received top honors as well by receiving the 1999 AQHA "Best of America's Horse Award", and having his image captured by Peter Stone on a collectable statue.
