Barrel horse event returns to Perry

Three barrels, 1,000 pounds of horse, a timed race and $300,000 worth of prize money.

That is what each of the competitors at the National Barrel Horse Association's World Championships is thinking about this week.

At the Georgia National Fairgrounds and Agricenter in Perry, more than 800 barrel racers will enter Reaves Arena for a chance at winning some money and the top prize of a horse trailer.

Eight countries are represented this year. Canada is sending 88 riders across the border. Eight competitors from down under in Australia also have made the trip to Middle Georgia.

Cordele resident Brooke Bickhaus isn't a first-timer to the championships. She has been to the world championships five times, including the Youth World Championships, which are also held at the fairgrounds.

"I started off jumping," the 17-year-old Crisp Academy student said.

She met someone who trained barrel horses and she was hooked.

The adrenaline rush is what pushes her to keep going.

Her family and friends will be in the stands on Wednesday and Thursday to watch her ride.

"It's a family affair," Bickhaus said.

Bickhaus was part of a long line of entrants Sunday who paid $5 to have two practice runs inside the arena before competition started Monday.

One of the 223 riders from Florida is 9-year-old Rainey Booska.

Rainey was in the barn saddling her mount, Crackers, to participate in the open division. She has been riding since before she could walk.

This is the fourth-grader's second time in Perry.

Her trainer, Heather Fleckinger, said that for children to ride, they have to have the right combination of factors. "The child has to want it and be passionate. They have to want to be better. The horse has to be one you know and are familiar with," she said.

Locally, there are about 20 riders from Middle Georgia who are set to compete this week.

Competitions start at 8 a.m. Wednesday-Friday with a Halloween party on Thursday at 6 p.m.

The Senior Finals will start at 6 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and the grand championship starts at noon.

Addmission is $35 for the week or $8 per day.

For more information, visit www.nbha.com or call 706-823-3728.

This story was originally published October 28, 2015 at 12:00 AM with the headline "Barrel horse event returns to Perry ."