Quesnel Rodeo Barrel Racing Champs

SUBMISSION BY MELISSA SWORD

The 2011 Rodeo Season has been fraught with inclement weather but the rain held off for all three performances of the 45^th Annual Quesnel Rodeo held on July 15^th,16^th and 17^th.  Friday’s mud gradually dried out and Sunday’s ground was fast and furious as the barrel racers put in some of the quickest times of the weekend.

Katie Garthwaite of Merritt, BC was the only contestant to post a time below the 16 second mark.  Garthwaite’s time of 15.955, put in on Sunday, won her the Ladies Barrel Racing Championship Buckle and a cheque for $987.12.  Winning the 2011 Junior Barrel Racing Championship was Sarah Mack of Quesnel with a time of 16.545, netting her a cheque for $379.00.  Amy Hume of Williams Lake, BC clocked a time of 17.769 on her horse Ace to win the Peewee Barrel Racing Championship and $196.00.

Miss Mack and Miss Hume were also awarded Trophy Blankets in addition to their Championship Buckles.  The beautiful red blankets are sponsored by the Wills Family of Quesnel, BC in memory of their daughter, Jenna (The Jenna Wills Memorial Fund).  Each year the blankets are presented by Brenda Wills to the Peewee and Junior Barrel Racing Champions of the Quesnel Rodeo.

Ten-year-old Amy Hume has been having a banner year competing on Ace.  Ace is her mom’s (Jenny Hume) old barrel horse and Miss Hume has been riding him since attending her first BCBRA Finals at the age of five.  As well as winning the Quesnel Rodeo and Hank Vogel Memorial Race peewee division, Miss Hume is currently leading the 100 Mile Gymkhana series and in line for a saddle.

The Quesnel Rodeo Club is in the midst of preparations for the BCRA Championship Finals Rodeo to be held at Alex Fraser Park September 16th, 17, & 18th.  The top ten competitors from each event will contend for the title of 2011 Finals Champion.  See you all there!

Amy Hume\’s winning run at the Quesnel Rodeo on Ace