Empty space was nowhere to be found at the Calnash Ag Event Centre last week as hundreds of trailers filled the parking lot for the Alberta Barrel Racing Association (ABRA) Finals.
Janet Patriquin, public relations officer for the ABRA, says there were more than 1,000 entries this year — more than 600 competitors from peewee to open — a new record. “Our membership is higher than it’s ever been,” she said.
She feels one of the reasons they have seen such growth is in their inclusive policies. If a rider makes all their jackpots or points, they are eligible to compete in the finals.
Total prize dollars were not something to balk at either. Patriquin said the total payout was close to $200,000. Some riders will use more than one horse to compete and if they did well on each horse, their payout could be in the tens of thousands of dollars.
There was almost $100,000 in prizes as well, from saddles to jackets to buckles.
The ag centre was not only full of competitors and avid barrel racing fans but any space that could be used for a retailer of some sort was full. There were more than 30 vendors selling their products to the hundreds of people who attended.
ABRA signs new three-year deal with ag centre
Hard work from staff at the ag event centre and a building suited to the needs of the ABRA has solidified a new three-year contract from the group.
President of the Ponoka Ag Event Centre Society, Terry Jones, said he was pleased with the hard work of ag centre managers Joyce Vold and Dennis Pugh.
He says the ABRA Finals is one of the big events of the year. “It’s a small time atmosphere but this is a big huge show.”
For the ABRA, the ag event centre is an ideal location and staff know how important their needs are.
“They understand we’re a big group,” said Patriquin.
Good sand, accommodations, an option to stall a horse or have it by its trailer is important to the group. Patriquin says they have many members with varying needs and the ground must be in ideal and safe condition for riders and horses alike.
“Some of these horses, they’ve (owners) paid up to $100,000,” stated Patriquin.
Pugh says they have tried to ensure the ABRA’s needs are met.
“Our approach is they’re our customers…we value them,” said Pugh.
“We want it to be a good experience,” added Vold.
Another group working to ensure the event went well was the co-operation of the Ponoka Stampede and Exhibition Association. Pugh says barrel racers were able to park their trailers on the Stampede grounds with little trouble.
“We’re just thrilled to have them back for another three years,” said Jones.