The National Barrel Horse Association hosted its Tennessee State Championships from September 29–Ocotber 1, 2023.
Submitted by Lana Blankenship, Tennessee NBHA State Director
Photos by Rhonda Leach Photography
The Tennessee National Barrel Horse Association State Championships from September 29–October 1, 2023, took place at the Tri State Exhibition Center in McDonald, Tennessee. The three-day, $15,000-added NBHA state championships included two long go-rounds for Open 4D and Youth 4D with a finals round. The 3D Senior included two long rounds with an average for the state champion. Cowboys For Christ gave a church service Sunday.
Tennessee NBHA thanked its sponsors: Celebration Feed, Eagleville Implement Co., Robin
Jackson CPA, Reveal 4 N 1, Triple Crown Feed, Candy Swick & Co Realty, Shallow Creek Bits,
Turner Victory Team Realty, Topline Pulse and Wellness, Phoenix Boats and Equine Services. The Tennessee NBHA also thanked its district directors: Michelle Bentley, Peggy Pulley, Lacey Thompson, Gina Crutcher and Jennifer Williams.
Friday saw the first round of 183 entries in the NBHA Open class. Madison Hillis on Royal Adios Toast took the honors with a 15.758 to win the Open. The 2D title went to Anlei Stalans on Brisa with a 16.277, the 3D win went to Leah Walthour on Ranger with a 16.761 and Jenna-Kate Hill and Kiddo won the 4D with a 17.805.
The first round of the Youth boasted 85 entries, and Madison Hillis’ carry-over time earned the win. Josie Thompson on TF Fabsrockytopdiva won the 2D with a 16.364. Leah Walthour on Ranger topped the 3D with a 16.761. Jenna-Kate Hill and Kiddo won the 4D with a 17.805.
The Senior first go had 30 riders with Tammy Smith on Dashing Rambo taking the win with a 16.177. Kristi Gilmore on Famous Cydotie won the 2D with a 17.219, and Michelle Williams on Moma topped the 3D with an 18.192.
Saturday’s second round of the Open saw Madison Hillis and Royal Adios Toast on top of the leaderboard again with a 15.810. Blakelynn Webster on Ive Got Pac Man Fever took 2D honors with a 16.310. Crystal Lee on Lion Dancer topped the 3D with a 16.810. The 4D title went to Emma Smith on Little Bit with a 17.813.
The second round of the Youth went to Madison Hillis and Blakelynn Webster with carry-over times to take the 1D and 2D, respectively. The Youth 3D champion Teagan Allmond on French Guys ran a 16.828, while Emma Smith and Little Bit won the 4D with a 17.813.
The second round of the Senior went to Joey Wolaver and JR Rowdy Dee with a 15.902. Susan Pope on Leave U In The Dust topped the 2D, and Dawn Ruth and Sassy took home 3D honors with a 18.698.
Sunday’s Finals once again saw Madison Hillis and Royal Adios Toast on top in the Youth with the fastest time of the show, a 15.583, to take home the Youth State Championship. Destiny Jones and Dixie turned in a 16.135 to earn the Youth 2D State Championship. Prairie Mitchell on Bling with a 16.587 took home the Youth 3D State Championship, and the Youth 4D State Champion Adaline Lee rode Cream Pie with a 17.680.
In Sunday’s Open finals, Lilli Hayes took 1D honors with a 15.871 on Sissys Knock On Wood. Jacquelin Stanley on Cash took home the Open 2D State Championship with a 16,382. Cates Green on Moonshine Road Trip earned the Open 3D State Championship with a 16.970 and Chae Adkinson on AHS Fast Footin Fred won the Open 4D State Championship with an 18.025.
The Tennessee NBHA Senior State Champion Joey Wolaver and JR Rowdy Dee had an average of 32.149. Susan Pope on Leave U In The Dust won the Senior 2D State Championship with a 34.354. Gina Hatler on Rage claimed the Senior 3D State Championship with a 37.145.
