Patricia Smith
ECB Publishing, Inc.
Cowgirls from all around mounted up and showed out at a National Barrel Horse Association (NBHA) event at Monticello's Monica Roberts Arena on Saturday, Jan. 28.
There once was a time when cowboys were more recognized in horse sports than the cowgirls... not anymore! In a competitive sports world, female equestrians are at the top of the list when it comes to horses, championship wins and scoring the prize. Last Saturday, the Monica Roberts Arena was dominated by female barrel chasers who whipped up the dirt, including Monticello’s very own Monica Roberts. 
Yes, there were a few men who participated in the races, but nothing compared to those 15+ second cowgirl rides that took over the arena leaving a dusty trail behind them as they zig zagged around three blue barrels and out the gate as fast as they could. They more than earned bragging rights for their athletic skills and accomplishments.
Out of a total of 70 racers for the event, it was Amber Walden and her horse Jess from Georgia who snatched up 1st in the 1D placing. Latricia Maxwell won 1st place in the 2D placing with her horse Bon Jovi, Anna Diamond and Hawk won 1st for the 3D placing, and Vickie Boland and Fergie won 1st in the 4D placing. The four first place winners also received jackpot winnings.
Have you ever seen a cowboy help get a cowgirl ready for her barrel race? It is 
just one of the sweetest moments ever! If interested in seeing a moment like that, the NBHA has another event scheduled on Feb. 25 at the Wakulla Horsemen’s Arena in Crawfordville, Fla. For more information, contact organizer Sara Boyer Beasley at (850) 491-8568.
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