Riders of all ages gathered at Rosewood Showgrounds on Saturday for the latest round of barrel racing in the National Barrel Horse Association’s D1 series.
Club spokeswoman, Debbie Heaton, said Saturday’s event was the last in the local local divisional barrel racing series before the NBHA State Show, which would attract competitors from across Queensland to an undercover venue at the Caboolture Showgrounds on May 11 and 12.
She said the Barrel Horse competition was an attractive option for riders and spectators because of the low cost and the divisional structure that enabled competitors to match their skills against those of their competition. Riders competed in divisions, beginning with assisted competitors through the seniors, teens and youth events right up to the open division.
The core of the competition involved riders competing for the fastest time over a clover-leaf shaped course, set around around three barrels.
“The fastest time so far – that’s over the first round today – was Trinity Elmes, riding Tonka, who covered the course in 17.125 seconds,” she said.
“There are 12 districts of the NBHA in Queensland,” Ms Heaton said. “Here in D1, we race every month, moving between here at Rosewood and at other locations including Coominya, Caboolture and Lockyer Waters.
“We’ll get through 260 runs today.”
Ms Heaton said the association was keen to attract new riders and spectators could view the competition for free.
At the completion of racing on Saturday, the fastest time had been set by a teens competitor, Hayley McCormick, of Jimboomba, who completed the course aboard Kenny in 16.695 seconds.
Prospective competitors can contact the association on nbhaqldd1@hotmail.com
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