Barrel Racers Light Up The Exhibition Grounds

Photos and story by Robert Thomas

The Saskatchewan Barrel Racing Association is hosting their provincial finals this Tuesday to Thursday at the Golden Mile Arena on the Exhibition Grounds (250 Thatcher Drive East).

Hundreds of riders from across Saskatchewan, Alberta and Manitoba are competing.

It is the largest horse event in the Exhibition’s calendar.

The event goes on today until between 7:30 pm - 8 pm and tomorrow (Wednesday) from 8 am until approximately noon.

Spectators are welcome and admission is FREE. The ever popular concession is open from 7 am.

Here are some photos from Wednesday’s action.

All braided up and set to go - a horse and rider wait outside for their turn in the arena - MJ Independent photo

Around the barrel - MJ Independent photo

Following the beaten path - a horse and rider turn the corner on barrel number two - MJ Independent photo

Sometimes things don’t go as expected planned - just a small mistake can see a barrel knocked over and a penalty assessed - MJ Independent photo

Waiting to enter the arena - MJ Independent photo

Sitting back in the barn in the shade where it’s cooler a horse and rider wait to enter the arena - MJ Independent photo

Waiting to enter the arena a pair of riders and their horses - MJ Independent photo

AND NOW FOR THE PEE WEES

Yes it’s a pony - MJ Independent photo

Sometimes mom helps to guide the youngest riders through the course - MJ Independent photo

Carefully around a barrel - MJ Independent photo

On the home stretch - MJ Independent photo

Eating a treat after another successful run - MJ Independent photo