The Times - Serving Waitsburg, Dayton and the Touchet Valley

WALLA WALLA-The Walla Walla Valley is no stranger to talent, and the Valley Girls Barrel Racing Association is no exception. Many of the members that make up the heart of the group are from our little communities. The annual Awards Banquet highlighted the members and their horses that excelled throughout the 2019 season.

For those who aren't familiar with the club, the Valley Girls Barrel Racing Association (VGBRA) first gained traction in 1961, when the President of the Washington Barrel Racing Association visited Walla Walla and met with local young women who were interested in the sport of barrel racing. Divisional and overall awards were offered as an incentive to compete, and the group has grown steadily from there.

The VGBRA just wrapped up the 2019 season with the annual Autumn Daze barrel race, where men and women from all over bring their horses to compete. Shortly after the Autumn Daze Race, the VGBRA held its awards banquet, where a few familiar faces received divisional awards.

The group honored 14 Gold Card members. Among those members were Kelli Currin, of Dayton, and Rosie Gallaher, of Waitsburg. Gold Card memberships are awarded to members in good standing, who have been an active member for at least 20 years, and who have spent 5 years serving as an officer or director.

Nicole Kelly claimed the Overall Champion title, riding her horse Froghollow Rickochet. The overall award is sponsored by Bordertown Feed and Supply. Karen Gleason, of Touchet, was the Reserve Overall Champion. Karen breeds and trains barrel horses, and her breeding program is well-known in the rodeo world.

A group is only as strong as its leaders, and the VGBRA knows this and honored each of the directors with a hand-crafted pocket knife. The directors are tasked with providing help for the large events hosted by VGBRA, as well as publicity, stall rentals, awards, and, amongst other things, helping out as needed at the Barrel Daze barrel race, held each spring. Barrel Daze is a three day event, which includes futurity and maturity races (horse age-based races), a sweepstakes race, and a divisional open race.

There are five divisions that members can compete in within the VGBRA. The open division is open to all, and Nicole Kelly claimed the championship. Sue Ruzicka, of Dixie, was the Reserve Open Champion. Adelle Smith, of Waitsburg, claimed the Honors Division Champion title, followed by Judy Fraizer, of Touchet. Division champions receive a custom saddle, among other awards.

The VGBRA is a family organization, and they have a Junior's Division for members under the age of 13. Don't let their age fool you; many of these youngsters give the adults an honest run for their money. Karlie Fischer was the 2019 Junior champion and Paytyn Pratt was the reserve champion. The Senior division Champion was Lauryn Riney, and Shayla Currin, of Dayton, was the Senior Reserve Champion.

The Novice Horse division is open to horses that have not won more than $500, and the points are based solely on the horse, regardless of the rider. Judge's Majic Dragon, ridden by Jackie Culham, of Pendleton, was the 2019 Novice Champion, and Mobetta Fame, ridden by Karen Gleason, was the Reserve Champion.

The amateur division is open to members ages 25-49. The 2019 Amateur Champion was Tamra Morris, with Jordan Dove clinching the Reserve Champion title. Dove was also the Amateur Rookie of the Year. Lauryn Riney was the senior Rookie of the Year, and Tara Mahoney received the Honors Rookie of the Year award. Heather Lin Campbell was the Open Rookie of the Year.

The Valley Girls Barrel Racing Association hosts races year round, and one doesn't have to be a member to compete. From open races to Stallion Incentive programs, the VGBRA has it all. If you are an aspiring barrel racer, check out the VGBRA and talk to the members: You'll be met with open arms and lots of encouragement.