A competitor negotiates her second turn during a barrel riding heat in Bonfield on Saturday. PHOTO by: Jazz Mathon
It’s a short race with fast turns and no room for error.
Barrel racing is back in Bonfield for the second time in three years. The National Barrel Horse Association of Canada held its first competition in 2012. This weekend it has nearly doubled its entries with just over 100 riders taking part.
“It gives an opportunity for youth or older people who want to get into the sport, every person has an opportunity to participate and have fun,” said organizer Laurie Fisher, of Shalar Quarter Horses.
There are riders from across Canada and the United States, however most are from the surrounding area. Mattawa’s Taylor Robitaille is competing in the Open class. The 18 year old is in her first year of competition.
“Its kinda nerve racking to be honest, you have a great turnout here and you’re going out to beat the best time that you have and you’re just trying to run against yourself and just not beat anybody, but yourself and if you get money at the end of the day; great!”
Riders are competing for $7,500 in payouts and a chance to qualify for the worlds in Georgia later this summer. There are four divisions, which means riders of all levels and ages can take part.
Twenty-three year old Toni Anderson is a competitive rider out of Bonfield, hoping to make her mark.
“People like me, we do this every day, it’s not just a weekend thing, it is for fun and you want to beat your own goals, but when you’re here and doing it, it is competition.”
For others, riding horse is more of a hobby. “Barrel racing and the horse world is like my therapy. I do it for myself, I mean I like to compete and it’s really fun, get a personal best,” shared Powassan native, Jenny Munro.
Organizer, Laurie Fisher is also the Northern President of The National Barrel Horse Association of Canada.
When she moved to Bonfield a few years ago she saw the potential of hosting such an event and quickly formed a partnership with the local agricultural society. After a successful run in 2012, the group decided to hold off last summer and renovate the site.
More parking was added and the ground got a facelift. Fisher says it was a good decision as they are now able to grow event and better promote Northern Ontario.
