The 28th annual Alberta Barrel Racing Association (ABRA) Finals, held at the Calnash Ag Event Centre from Aug. 19 to 25, was an unprecedented success with more competitors and prize money than ever before.
Over 1,400 contested competed over the seven-day event, vying for over $200,000 in cash and prizes.
"The ABRA 2024 finals consisted of approximately 3,000 runs that included all ages," said ABRA public relations manager Tamera Campanelli.
"From our smallest peewees to all our open competitors the event was a great success. We are so proud of all competitors who entered and we are looking forward to the 29th annual ABRA finals in 2025."
This year there was $170,000 in added money and around $30,000 in prizes between the open, youth and peewees - around $20,000 more in total than last year.
The winners of each go round won buckles and the youth and open high point and short go winners won saddles.
The Youth High Point winner, hailing from Bashaw, was Janae McDougall.
The Open High Point winner was Kareen Warren from Medicine Hat, Alta.
From Three Hills, Alta., the Open Short Go winner was Chelsea Moore.
There were also several new sidepots this year.
For example, the 4 All sidepot was created by the ABRA to recognize competitors who are uncertain about reaching the 5D race.
Also new this year were short go roll ups. Five additional fast time qualifiers from each division were flagged as roll ups in the open and two per division in the youth.
A trade show with a wide selection of merchandise was also held at the ag event centre during the finals.
"There were close to 75 vendors including food trucks, veterinarians (and more)," said trade show coordinator Shelby McIntyre.
"The feedback was very positive. We have a lot of people who come even just for the shopping. Lots of back to school and Christmas shopping happens at our event and it is an extremely busy week.
"The trade show is busy and has lots of moving parts. It is a great opportunity for businesses to showcase their product to our demographic."
The ABRA is a non-profit organization. Formed in 1996, they promote the sport of barrel racing in Alberta.
