Walla Walla-Beginning in December, the riders of the Valley Girls Barrel Racing Association (VGBRA) will be taking their two-month hiatus from racing. The local organization is celebrating 61 years of promoting the sport of barrel racing in the Walla Walla Valley and surrounding areas.

In 1961, representatives of the Washington Barrel Racing Association came to Walla Walla to meet with interested riders in the area. That year, a regional awards system was introduced and Walla Walla Valley competitors from Oregon and Washington took home ten awards. In addition, a saddle was awarded to the...