Local riders put their horses to a test of speed and precision at the Boyle and District Agricultural Society's Spring Fling Barrel Racing Series May 6.
A total of 38 riders competed for cash prizes at the opening race of the five-event series, located at the Boyle Agricultural Grounds. Racers in three age divisions — peewee, youth and open — took turns weaving their horses through barrels as fast as possible.
Boyle and District Agricultural Society president Ashtin Anderson said the racing series aims to provide local area riders with a family-friendly event closer to home.
"It's really nice to see some events held closer to home so we're not travelling to Ponoka or farther," Anderson said in an interview. "It's really nice to see some family-friendly events or events where you can bring your horses and it's not super-duper competitive."
This is the second year the society has hosted the racing series. Anderson said the number of racers is up so far this year, compared to the average of 20 riders last year. She credited the increase to the atmosphere of the event.
"It's friendly, it's not super competitive and at the same time its close to home and it's an affordable event," Anderson said.
Athabasca rider Leanna Frey, who participated in the open competition at the racing series May 6, said it was a good experience.
"It's something fun to do. You get to go out and see how good your horse can do, how fast you can do it and meet lovely ladies," Frey said in an interview.
Hope LaBerge also competed in the open competition at the barrel racing series. The Athabascan said horse racing is an addictive experience.
"It's an adrenaline rush; it's addicting. Once you do it once, you kind of get hooked. That's why we all keep coming back," LaBerge said in an interview. "As my mom used to say, 'get them hooked on horses, then they can't do drugs.'"
LaBerge said barrel racing was a great way to spend a beautiful day.
"What better way to spend a beautiful day outside (than) on a beautiful creature doing lots of fun things," she said.
The Spring Fling Barrel Racing Series will continue throughout the spring, with races May 13, May 20, May 27 and June 3.
