BC Barrel Racing Association (BCBRA) secretary Joyce Pifer says the payout of awards and prizes for the association’s barrel racers in 2011 was $99,195. “This year should be even better,” said Pifer, “And we are pleased to announce our 2012 Finals will be held on Aug. 17 - 19, in Barriere.”
With an association boasting just under 500 members they expect to see at least 300 competitors (including pee wee, junior, and senior competitors) turn out for their year-end final event at the North Thompson Fall Fair and Rodeo Association’s rodeo arena this year.
BCBRA competitors will be competing at barrel race qualifiers this year from April through the middle of July, for the 2012 finals in the North Thompson.
Pifer noted racers will come from all over British Columbia to win the substantial cash prizes, saddles, and other awards that will be presented during a large awards banquet that will be held in the Barriere Curling Rink on Aug. 19.
NT Valley racers are already working to qualify for the event, with qualifying races being held at the NT Fall Fair rodeo arena, which started on May 8, and will also be on: May 15, 6 p.m; May 26, 1 p.m.; June 5, 6 p.m.; and June 23, 1 p.m. These qualifiers are being put on by Darcey Woods who can be contacted at 250-672-9891 or darcey_woods@telus.net for more information.
For information about BCBRA go to: www.bcbra.com
A barrel race consists of a horse and rider who run a clover leaf pattern of three barrels while being timed. Competition is tight, and a winner can nudge out a competitor’s time by as little as 1/1000th of a second. If a barrel is knocked over there is a five second penalty. The pattern is run at a full gallop and is a demonstration of the horse and rider’s skill, training, and speed as they work together as a team in very fast conditions.
Barrel racing competitions are a favourite crowd pleaser, creating an avid group of followers across North America.