Barrel racing enthusiasts from all over the district turned out for a Central Barrel Racing Series event at the Wanaka Rodeo Club’s arena last weekend.

With 25 junior and open competitors from as far afield as the Maniototo, Roxburgh and Queenstown, competition for titles was strong across both the pole bending and barrel racing events.

The series attracts juniors (up to the age of 12 years), who attend pony club and gymkhana events, as well as riders who compete on the New Zealand rodeo circuit.

Series organiser Lynne McCall said the western style of riding was appealing more and more, especially to young riders who have been involved in pony clubs.

“We see a lot of traditional riders from the English riding sector who enter a couple of the series and then the next season they’re riding western at every event,” she said.

Sky Sanders from Alexandra rides Cougar into a tight turn in the barrel race. 

There are usually nine series in each season which are held at various venues throughout Central Otago and the Upper Clutha, and points gained in the barrel racing are accumulated, culminating in an annual awards.

As riders improve, they progress up through the competition from novice to rookie to series pro. Progression through the divisions is based on skill and speed, Lynne said, so even riders still at primary school “who are running hot” can move up into the series pro division, competing against adults, to extend their skills further.

The season usually finishes before the New Zealand Rodeo circuit begins at Labour Weekend as many of the barrel racers in the Central Barrel Racing Series also compete on the rodeo circuit.

PHOTOS: Supplied