The Background and Capabilities of Thoroughbreds and Quarter Horses

Skilled businessman Randy Eastburg owns and manages the daily operations of Valley Ridge Roofing and Construction in Flower Mound, Texas. Thanks to his leadership, the company generates roughly $7 million in revenue each year. A horse racing enthusiast, Randy Eastburg used to breed and own quarter horses. He enjoys watching live horse races during his free time.

In the United States, the most common types of horse races involve quarter horses or thoroughbreds. Of the two, thoroughbreds are perhaps the more popular. These horses first appeared in England as a blend of different horse breeds, including Barbs, Turks, and Arabians. The Middle Eastern breeds are known for their faster speeds and tall, lean physiques, contributing to the fact that thoroughbreds are generally faster than other breeds. They have a top speed of about 40 miles per hour and are capable of running longer distances.

The most popular breed in the U.S., quarter horses were created by breeding thoroughbreds with the country’s “native” horses, beginning in colonial times. The native horses descended mainly from Spanish breeds. Unlike thoroughbreds, quarter horses are very stocky and were primarily bred as sprinters. Quarter horses are capable of reaching 55 miles per hour, but they cannot sustain this speed as long as thoroughbreds. Instead, they are primarily used to run quarter-mile races.

Achieving the Correct Posture on a Bike

Since starting Valley Ridge Roofing and Construction in 2010, Randy Eastburg has successfully grown the company into a $12-million business. Dedicated to staying active, Randy Eastburg enjoys bike riding.

Maintaining the correct posture when riding a bike increases your efficiency, feels more comfortable, improves your handling, and reduces your risk of injury. Yet many people don’t think about their posture when they’re riding.

Typically, the best posture for riding a bike involves the relaxation of the shoulders. All too often, cyclists move their shoulders up toward their ears while riding. This increases the strain on the back, shoulders, and neck and reduces riders’ ability to move the head.

Good posture also involves keeping the elbows slightly bent, which makes handling bumps in the road easier and lowers strain on the shoulders, hands, and wrists. The spine should have a natural curve that is not tense or locked into a line. To accomplish this, cyclists should keep the core muscles engaged during the ride. When the abs are flexed, the back naturally moves into the proper position and takes the pressure off the hands and crotch.

Finally, the knees should be in line with the feet. The knees should never point outward from the bike but should stay in line with the balls of the feet.

Racing Speed Characteristics of Quarter Horses and Thoroughbreds

Randy Eastburg is a well established Texas businessman who guides a customer-driven roofing and construction firm in the greater Dallas area. Having raised and bred quarter horses, Randy Eastburg enjoys equestrian activities and attending live racing events in his free time.

Quarter horses and thoroughbreds are both built for speed, with the thoroughbreds typically having a taller stature that comes from their Arabian stallion stock and European breeding strategies over the centuries. 

With speeds topping out at 40 miles an hour, thoroughbreds are preferred on longer courses in the three-quarters of a mile to two-mile range. A Kentucky Derby speed record was set by Secretariat, who maintained a 38-mile-per-hour pace in 1973 over a one and a half mile course. 

By contrast, the quarter horse has its origins in Colonial America and has been bred to reach speeds as high as 55 miles per hour over a shorter course length. Known for providing short bursts of adrenaline pumping racing, the name of the breed originates from its early classification as a "quarter of a mile running horse.”

A Selection of Charming Destinations in Tuscany

Since founding Valley Ridge Roofing and Construction in 2010, Randy Eastburg has grown the Flower Mound, Texas-based business from finishing 20 residential roofs per month to 60 roofs per month. Responsible for generating around $7 million in sales annually, Randy Eastburg enjoys spending his leisure time riding his motorcycle and traveling in Italy’s Tuscany region.

Tourists can find many interesting and historic places in the Tuscan valley. For instance, the medieval town of Montepulciano brims with elegant Renaissance palaces, ancient churches, and picturesque squares. Perched 2,000 feet high on a limestone ridge, visitors to Montepulciano can enjoy striking panoramas of the nearby valleys, Val di Chiana and Val d’Orcia. 

Peppered throughout the beautiful Val d’Orcia area are charming villages, medieval castles, hamlets, and farmhouses. The entire valley is a protected national park whose crown jewel is the small village of Pienza, which is known as the “Ideal City.” Those who prefer to spend time on the water may enjoy traveling off the Tuscan coast to the island of Elba, Italy’s third largest island, with its 150 beaches.

A Look Back at the History of the All American Futurity

Under Randy Eastburg’s direction, his Flower Mound, Texas-based construction firm Valley Ridge Roofing and Construction increased its commercial contracts to more than 20 clients and over $7 million dollars in annual revenue in just eight years. Outside of his business ventures, Randy Eastburg has a strong interest in Quarter Horse racing. A former breeder himself, he was a frequent spectator at the All American Futurity, one of the most significant events in the horse racing world. 

Some of the most celebrated two-year-old Quarter Horses compete in the All American Futurity event held at the Ruidoso Downs race track in New Mexico. Held annually over Labor Day weekend, the race boasts the largest purse for all two-year-old horse events, reaching a peak of $3 million in 2015.

The All American Futurity has broken several other notable records over the course of its 60-year history. Its debut race in 1959 was the richest Quarter Horse race ever held. Nearly 20 years later, the All American Futurity purse hit the $1 million mark, the first horse race ever to do so. 

Numerous champion horses have competed and won the Futurity. A few outstanding examples are Higheaster Jet, the first of six horses to win both the Futurity and the All American Derby, and champion race horse Heartswideopen.

Preparing Young Athletes for Competitive Sports

For nearly a decade, Randy Eastburg has managed operations for his multimillion dollar construction company, Valley Ridge Roofing and Construction. Beyond his professional accomplishments, Randy Eastburg supports his children's competitive athletic pursuits as both a coach and involved parent.

When young people engage in high-level competitive sports, parents and coaches would do well to follow the guidelines below to ensure their student athletes are mentally and physically prepared. 

Teach Focusing Strategies

Important games can bring a lot of expectations and stress to younger players. To help them manage their emotions, student athletes can learn cognitive behavioral techniques such as active thought management or realistic goal-setting.

Build up Skills

In order to compete at a higher level, athletes may need to improve their skills through drills and other intensive exercises. Parents can consider sending their child to a sports camp or hiring a personal coach to help their child build skills and confidence. 

Include Recuperation Time

Taking breaks between practice session is crucial for young athletes, who are still developing physically. Experts recommend at least one rest day a week so students can avoid injury or burnout.

A Quick Look at the Top Golf Courses in Texas

For nearly a decade, Randy Eastburg has owned and led operations at Valley Ridge Roofing & Construction in Flower Mound, Texas. Beyond his activities at Valley Ridge, which range from meeting with commercial property owners to hiring and training employees, Randy Eastburg enjoys staying active by playing golf and taking part in various golf tournaments.

According to Golf Digest, Texas’ top golf course for the 2017-18 season can be found at Whispering Pines Golf Club in Trinity. Designed and constructed by Chet Williams and Corey Robertson in 2000, Whispering Pines is best known for its strategically designed bunkering and unique green contours. Furthermore, the final one-third of the course travels along Caney Creek, rife with gators, and scenic Lake Livingston. The course debuted on Golf Digest’s list of the best courses in America in 2013 at No. 75 and has since risen annually.

Whispering Pines, the No. 55-ranked course in the nation, overtook the Dallas National Golf Club as the state’s best-reviewed course. A Tom Fazio design, the No. 59-ranked course in the nation has made itself available to host future U.S. Opens, to the delight of Dallas area golf fans. Texas golf enthusiasts should also be sure to check out Bluejack National in Montgomery, which made its debut among the state’s best courses at No. 3.

Harley Davidson Rental Service

Based in Flower Mound, Texas, Randy Eastburg owns Valley Ridge Roofing and Construction, which he has led since 2010. His responsibilities include hiring and training all employees, as well as overseeing their work. In his free time, Randy Eastburg enjoys riding Harley Davidson motorcycles. 

Harley Davidson has long been synonymous with quality motorcycles. However, not everyone is interested in owning a motorcycle. For this reason, the company offers rental services, ideal for those who want to experience the thrill of a motorcycle ride occasionally. 

The type of bikes available for rent depends on location but bike rentals also include half-shell helmets approved by the Department of Transportation and a cable lock and disc brake lock. Riders can also choose to rent jackets, and Harley Davidson recommends wearing gloves, boots, and denim or leather pants. Rentals include minimum liability insurance and most locations offer supplemental liability insurance and damage waiver. To rent a bike, the rider must be at least 21 years old and have a valid motorcycle class driver’s license and a credit card. 

This rental service is also a great way to try out several bikes before making the big decision to buy one. Look into renting a bike here: harley-davidson.com/us/en/rent-a-bike.html.

Benefits of Participating in Youth Sports

After founding Valley Ridge Roofing and Construction in 2010, Randy Eastburg successfully expanded the business’s focus from residential roofing to commercial clients, and $7 million in construction projects in 2017. Besides his entrepreneurial accomplishments, Randy Eastburg is actively involved in local youth sports programs and has coached championship basketball and Little League teams. 

By participating in organized youth sports, children can develop a variety of positive social skills. Team sports help young people consider how their actions impact those around them and how to work with others to achieve common goals. 

Additionally, a child’s teammates can become close friends, providing a strong support system. Organized sports also often require that children follow a routine and commit to frequent practice sessions. This teaches responsibility and time management while also promoting tenacity. 

Lastly, as children develop their athletic abilities, they gain confidence and a sense of pride in their achievements. These positive characteristics help children perform better academically and later on in life.

Traditional Tuscan Dishes

Successful entrepreneur Randy Eastburg launched Valley Ridge Roofing and Construction in 2010, which currently generates over $7 million in revenue. Outside of his professional responsibilities, Randy Eastburg enjoys traveling with his family and immersing himself in the local culture. One of the most significant destinations for the Eastburgs is the central Italian region of Tuscany. 

The signature ingredients of Tuscan cuisine include locally-made olive oil and cheese, fish, and cured meats. In the Siena region, visitors can try the traditional pasta known as pici, which is made from a mixture of flour and water. Thick soups like pappa al pomodoro and pappardelle, made from tomatoes, wild meats like rabbit and boar, and bread, are very popular throughout Tuscany’s capital, Florence.

Paninis filled with salami or roasted pork called porchetta are often eaten as a snack or a light meal. Desserts, such as buccellato, a sweet bread, or cantucci, a cookie made with almonds, are often served with wines from Tuscany’s famous vineyards.

The Career of Rangers Veteran Third Baseman Adrian Beltre

The former owner of Cross Country Auto Sales, Randy Eastburg has been the owner of Valley Ridge Roofing and Construction since 2010, during which time he has generated more than $7 million in revenue. Outside of his professional pursuits, Randy Eastburg enjoys following his favorite Major League Baseball team, the Texas Rangers.

For the past eight seasons, third baseman Adrian Beltre has not only been the best player on the Rangers, he’s been one of the best players in the league. The 39-year-old joined the Rangers as a free agent in 2011 and finished the year with 32 home runs and 105 runs batted in (RBIs) while earning American League All-Star recognition and finishing 15th in MVP voting. 

As a member of the Rangers, Beltre also won his first of three Gold Gloves and two Silver Sluggers. He finished in the top 15 in MVP voting in each of the five seasons following 2011. In 2012, he finished third in MVP voting after a season in which he hit 36 home runs and recorded 102 RBIs.

Beltre has registered a batting average above .300 in five of the past seven seasons and owns a .314 average through 29 games in the 2018 season. Now in his 21st season, Beltre has 463 career home runs and 1,654 RBIs.

Stars Sign Prospect Jason Robertson to Entry-Level Deal

Randy Eastburg serves as the owner of Valley Ridge Roofing and Construction in Flower Mound, Texas. In his free time, Randy Eastburg enjoys attending Dallas Stars hockey games.

The Stars missed the National Hockey League (NHL) playoffs for the second consecutive season, but the team is already preparing for the upcoming year. On May 3, Dallas announced it had signed Jason Robertson to a three-year, entry-level contract. 

Drafted by the Stars in the second round of the 2017 NHL Draft, Robertson played in 68 games last season for the Kingston Frontenacs of the Ontario Hockey League and recorded a team-high 87 points. He also tied for sixth place in the league in goals (41) and seventh place in points (87).

An 18-year-old right-winger, Robertson recorded 200 points in 190 career games with the Frontenacs. He also scored 38 points in 31 career playoff games.

Cowboys Select Leighton Vander Esch in First Round of 2018 NFL Draft

Randy Eastburg is the owner of Valley Ridge Roofing and Construction in Flower Mound, Texas, which has generated more than $7 million in sales since the company’s founding in 2010. An avid sports fan, Randy Eastburg counts the Dallas Cowboys as his favorite NFL team.

The 2018 NFL Draft was held in April, and the Cowboys used their first-round pick to select 6-foot-4, 240-pound linebacker Leighton Vander Esch, who spent the past three seasons at Boise State and recorded a combined 188 tackles, five quarterback sacks, four forced fumbles, and three interceptions. While one ESPN insider claimed Vander Esch has the potential to be one of the best zone linebackers in the draft, Sports Illustrated was less kind in its analysis of the pick, as writer Andy Benoit gave it a grade of “C." Acknowledging that Vander Esch could be a perfect replacement for the aging Sean Lee, Benoit felt the Cowboys could have used the first-round pick to improve the team’s wide receiver depth. 

Dallas had eight other picks in the seven-round draft and did use two picks on wide receivers. The team selected Michael Gallup from Colorado State as its 17th pick in the third round and Cedrick Wilson, Vander Esch's teammate at Boise State, as its 34th pick in the sixth round.

The Lampredotto Panino - A Staple Tuscan Street Food for Centuries

A respected Flower Mound, Texas entrepreneur, Randy Eastburg guides Valley Ridge Roofing and Construction where he meets the needs of residential and commercial property owners. Passionate about travel and international cuisine, Randy Eastburg particularly enjoys trips to Italy and had the opportunity to visit his son there, who studied at a college in Tuscany.

One of the most popular local dishes in the agriculture rich region of central Italy is the lampredotto panino, which has been savored by generations of Florentines as the “king” of street foods. Lampredotto utilizes the cow’s fourth stomach, the abomasum, which is boiled in a broth of tomatoes and herbs before being cut into strips and served in a semelle bun. As a finishing touch, olive oil and salsa verde are added on top and half of the sandwich is dipped in the beef broth.

The history of lampredotto in Florence extends to the 15th century, when leftover cuts were put to creative use to feed a growing population. By the 19th century, panino sellers in wooden carts were firmly ensconced in the city, with the carts being joined with bicycles at the dawn of the 20th century.

The Village of Bolgheri in Tuscany

Randy Eastburg is the owner of Valley Ridge Roofing and Construction in Flower Mound, Texas. Away from his professional responsibilities, Randy Eastburg enjoys travel and has spent time in Tuscany.

A region in central Italy, Tuscany has a rich history stretching back to ancient times. Famous for its art, wine, and olive groves, Tuscany is the birthplace of the Renaissance movement, the revival of the classical influence in art. Tourists flock to the Tuscany region throughout the summer months to tour architectural landmarks, experience the Tuscan countryside, and sample local wines.

The small village of Bolgheri, located approximately six miles from the sea, is a charming example of Tuscan life, culture, and cuisine. The village’s only entrance is lined with ancient cypresses that inspired a famous poem by Carducci, entitled In Front of San Guido. 

At the end of Cypress Avenue, visitors find themselves in front of the Castle of Bolgheri, a fortification that has been owned by the Gherardesca family since the year 1200. One of the country’s most respected wine zones, the Bolgheri area is home to numerous estates that produce noteworthy wines.

Rangers Sign Cuban Prospect Juan Pablo Martinez

Randy Eastburg has presided over Valley Ridge Roofing and Construction since 2010, during which time he has helped the Texas-based company grow from 20 to 60 residential and commercial roofing contracts per month. An avid sports fan, Randy Eastburg counts the Texas Rangers as his favorite Major League Baseball (MLB) team. 

The Rangers had a relatively quiet offseason after missing out on the Shohei Otani sweepstakes, but the team recently made a splash by signing 21-year-old Cuban outfielder Juan Pablo Martinez to a contract that included a $2.8 million signing bonus. A recent defector from his native country, Martinez established residency in the United States in November and was granted free agency status by MLB on February 20. The New York Yankees and Miami Marlins were rumored to be in contention for his services, but the Rangers were favorites given it had more money available in its international bonus pool. 

Martinez recorded a .333 batting average to go along with 25 walks and 30 strikeouts in 264 plate appearances during his final season in Cuba. He also stole 24 bases on 29 attempts. Since being signed by the Rangers, he has been ranked as the team's third-best prospect as well as the 60th best on Baseball America's league-wide top-100 rankings.

Stars 2017 First-Round Pick Represents Finland in Olympics

Drawing on more than 20 years of business ownership experience, Randy Eastburg oversees day-to-day operations at Valley Ridge Roofing and Construction and has helped the company generate more than $7 million in revenue in the past year. When he isn't working, Randy Eastburg enjoys following his favorite National Hockey League (NHL) team, the Dallas Stars.

The Stars already have an impressive defense core consisting of John Klingberg, Esa Lindell, and Dan Hamhuis, among others, but it also has a highly-regarded prospect who could significantly improve the club in the near future. Dallas drafted defenseman Miro Heiskanen with the third overall pick in the 2017 NHL Draft, and the 18 year old has had an inspiring season with HIFK of Liiga, the top Finnish professional league. He leads the team's defensemen in scoring with 22 points, despite playing 17 fewer games than the team's next highest-scoring blueliner, Ryan O'Connor.

One of the reasons he missed so many games was because he played for Finland at the 2018 Olympics. Despite the team losing 1-0 to Canada in the quarterfinals, Heiskanen scored one goal in five games and registered an even plus-minus rating. Moreover, he represented Finland in the Under-20 World Junior Championships, where he served as alternate captain and had two assists in five games.

The Highest Rated Golf Courses in Texas

Experienced business leader Randy Eastburg has spent nearly a decade as the owner of Valley Ridge Roofing and Construction in Flower Mound, Texas. Randy Eastburg enjoys leading an active lifestyle. A few of his favorite activities include cycling, coaching youth sports, and playing golf.

According to Golf Digest, Whispering Pines Golf Club was rated the top golf course in the state for the 2017-2018 season. Up one spot from the 2016-2017 Golf Digest survey and ranked No. 55 in the United States, Whispering Pines is a 7,473-yard, par-72 course developed by Chet Williams and Corey Robertson in 2000. On the initial holes of this unique course, traditional bunkers and greens push through the scenic rough of Texas piney woods before opening out along Caney Creek and Lake Livingston for the course’s final six holes. In 2013, the course debuted on the Golf Digest list of the top 100 courses in the country at No. 75 and has steadily risen since.

Whispering Pines has overtaken Dallas National Golf Club as the state’s most popular course. Other highly ranked courses in Texas include Bluejack National in Montgomery, Dallas’s Preston Trail Golf Club, and Colonial Country Club in Fort Worth.

Texas Rangers Take a Chance on Former Blue Jays All-Star

Randy Eastburg has owned Valley Ridge Roofing and Construction in Flower Mound, Texas, since 2010 and, during that time, has grown the company’s book of business from 20 to 60 residential roofing contracts per month. Outside of his professional endeavors, Randy Eastburg is a passionate fan of Major League Baseball's Texas Rangers.

The Rangers added to its pitching depth in early January by signing veteran right-handed reliever Steve Delabar to a minor league contract. While he isn't guaranteed a roster spot with the Rangers, he's more than deserving of an audition in spring training and will, at the very least, provide depth to the team's minor league team. However, if he can come close to replicating the performance and the numbers he put up during the 2013 season, when he captured a spot on the American League All Star team, he could become a valuable asset for the Rangers.

Delabar was named to the All-Star team that season as a member of the Toronto Blue Jays. Through 58 and two-third innings, the Kentucky native allowed 50 hits and struck out 82 batters, while recording a 3.22 earned-run average (ERA). He last played in the major leagues in 2016 with the Cincinnati Reds and posted a 6.75 ERA through eight innings pitched.

The 50/50 Raffle Supports Fans and the Mavs Foundation

An accomplished entrepreneur with more than two decades of experience in business leadership, Randy Eastburg leads Valley Ridge Roofing & Construction as its owner. An avid sports fan, Randy Eastburg regularly attends Dallas Mavericks games.

For more than two decades, the Dallas Mavericks Foundation has been helping the Mavs given back to their community. This is done through a variety of programs, including the 50/50 Raffle. This community program was launched in 2016 and is hosted at every home game.

During each game, guests can purchase raffle tickets from 50/50 staff. Staff members are dressed in orange jackets and located at kiosks throughout the American Airlines Center. These tickets can only be purchased in person using cash from the time the doors open to around the third quarter. Each ticket that is bought counts as a single entry in the 50/50 drawing, and each one increases the size of the 50/50 jackpot that a game attendee could win.

The cost of raffle tickets ranges from $5 to $40, and winners of the 50/50 Raffle are announced during the fourth quarter of each game. Each winner receives 50 percent of the total jackpot for that game. The remaining 50 percent goes toward the programs and nonprofits that the Mavs Foundation supports.