Youth barrel racers from around the world gathered July 21–27 for the world’s largest youth barrel race in Perry, Georgia. A featured event on the National Barrel Horse Association’s tour schedule, the 2019 Youth World Championships pulled approximately 1,500 entries and offered more than $350,000 in cash and prizes. The event featured international riders from South Africa, Australia, France, Italy, and Canada.
Ava Grayce Sanders of Vero Beach, Florida, took top honors in the Youth division with a 14.898 riding Tampa Bay Rey Deal (Dealnwithacoolcat x Emily Rey x Dual Rey).
“I’m just ecstatic and over the moon to land my first NBHA Youth World title with my horse of a lifetime, “King.” He gives me his whole heart every run” NBHA Youth 1D World Champion Ava Grayce Sanders said. “What I love about barrel racing is everyone is so supportive even if they didn’t have their best run, and happy for each other when they do.”
Bayleigh Choate of Cohutta, Georgia, secured the Teen division aboard Miss JB 1214 with a 14.694. Choate purchased Miss JB 1214 in January after her primary mount was injured and resting. Choate and Miss JB 1214 are at the beginning what is destined to be an unstoppable partnership.
“I’m just so excited I can’t even put it into words,” Bayleigh Choate said, overwhelmed with joy as she accepted her first NBHA Teen World Championship.
“The excitement of this event never ceases to amaze me,” NBHA Executive Director Sherry Fulmer said. “This was the most well-spoken, fun-loving group of kids and young adults I’ve met. They were up for anything—any race, any contest of any kind. Not just barrel racing but art contests, fishing contests, and a host of other enjoyable activities. It was nine days packed full of fun for everyone involved.”
Brand new at the NBHA Youth World Championships, the inclusion of the first added-money helmet side pot sponsored by Troxel Helmets paid more than $10,000 to Youth and Teen riders wearing helmets. In addition to cash prizes, brand new 4 Star Trailers valued at more than $32,000, were awarded to both the Youth and Teen 1D Champions. Each Champion from every division, plus all Youth and Teen Finalists, were awarded Gist Silversmiths buckles. Championship prize packages also included awards from Alamo Saddlery, Triple Crown Feed, Wrangler, Yeti, Professional’s Choice, Justin Boots, Oxy-gen Inc., and Boot Barn.
As the 2019 NBHA Youth World Championship goes into the history books, NBHA is busy planning the 2019 Open and Senior World Championships from October 27–November 2 in Perry, Georgia. Full results from the 2019 NBHA Youth World Championship are available at www.NBHAResults.com. Relive the action on Ride TV at www.RideTVGo.com. Learn more about the National Barrel Horse Association and see the full event schedule at www.NBHA.com.
Full results are available here.
Relive the action on www.RideTVGo.com.
Teen Results
1D: 14.694 Bayleigh Choate Cohutta, GA – Miss JB 1214
2D: 15.21 Mckenzie Morgan Maryville, TN – NNN Deep Fame
3D: 15.707 Isabella Hixenbaugh Myrtle Beach, SC – Perk Up Skippy
4D: 16.195 Payton Scroggins Deatsville, AL – Coffee
5D: 16.775 Kaylee Norman Jacksonville, FL – Little Bar Dust
Youth Results
1D: 14.898 Ava Grayce Sanders Vero Beach, FL – Tampa Bay Rey Deal
2D: 15.414 Jaley Smith Cochran, GA – CLC Watch Eddie Roll
3D: 15.915 Liliana Lefebure Sebastian, FL – CRC Real Slick Sundance
4D: 16.413 Adalynn Homer Palm City, FL – Sis
5D: 17.059 Gracyn Blakney Middleburg, FL – Arrow
