Barrel racers ride into town

Get ready to kick up some dust because barrel racing is coming to Moab.

Racing in the Rockies is hosting a two-day barrel-racing event at the Old Spanish Trail Arena on Saturday and Sunday, March 29 and 30.

Racing in the Rockies is a barrel-racing production company that hosts events in western Colorado and eastern Utah. Terri Gold, producer of the Racing in the Rockies, has worked in barrel racing for a number of years and is ready to bring the event back to Moab.

“I’ve been involved in race production for over 15 years in Western Colorado and held events for many years in Moab,” Gold said. “After a 4-to-5 year hiatus, we are back in Moab for two races this year.”

Gold said the competition will draw about 100 riders, and most riders bring along a family member or two. Riders come from western Colorado, Utah, Wyoming, New Mexico and Arizona to compete in the series. The Big Horn Lodge and Red Stone Inn are local sponsors for the event.

The event is open to anyone of any age. Online entries can be completed at www.racingtherockies.com until Thursday, March 27. Riders can also sign up the day of the event at the arena.

“Terri runs a really good barrel race,” said Mary Anderson, a competitor from Parachute, Colo. “She starts on time, she runs a good race and she gets sponsors. She has put them on before and had a real success with them in Moab. There are lots of prizes, door prizes, and awards.”

The Racing in the Rockies summer series will include two-day events throughout the Four Corners region. Beginning with the March races in Moab, the series then moves to Colorado for races in Montrose, Eagle, Rifle, and Craig. The series concludes in Moab on Sept. 13 and 14.

In barrel racing, riders and their horses speed around three barrels in a cloverleaf pattern. The rider is ranked based on his or her time for the event. The winnings will be tracked over the entire summer series and awards will be handed out in September at the Moab event.

“Each competitor pays an entry fee, which is put in the pot, and the winners share the pot,” Gold said.

Spectators can expect to see different divisions of racers, including pee-wee, youth, open, and senior. Anderson said the event could also include a novice division for beginner horses, which is open to any rider with a horse that has won less than $1,000.

“There will be all levels of competition,” Anderson said.

The races will start at 1 p.m. on Saturday, March 29, and 10 a.m. on Sunday, March 30. Spectator admission for the event is free.

“We have fast girls of all ages on fast horses,” said Gold. “Anyone who might like that combo should come and check it out.”

Free equestrian event to take place this weekend

Where: Old Spanish Trail Arena

Address: 3641 S. Hwy 191

When:Saturday, March 29 at 1 p.m., Sunday, March 30 at 10 a.m.

Cost: Free

Author: Lindsey Bartosh

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