Kaye Stoesser clocked in at 17.691 seconds at the third barrel race of the series My Favorite Things on Monday, July 27, raking up the highest prize money in the first division.
She was followed by Dawn Gertner in the same division. In the second division, Sarah Hall took first, followed by Chris Ross. In the third division, Jill MacDougall claimed top time, followed by Jessa Galloway. In the final and fourth division, Darn Gertner took first, followed by Amanda Crowe.
Considered to be one of the more popular systems on the circuit, this category of barrel racing is called the D system or "Divisions."
With many different levels of riders and horses, it is often impossible to create a level playground.
However, the divisions system keeps the experience of horses and participants in mind, even though inexperienced horses and riders end up competing with experienced ones in the race.
Based on the fastest time of the race, fifth-of-a-second is added to the following division, which automatically becomes the fastest time of that division.
Eventually, the final division, which in this case is the fourth division has one second added to the fastest time of the race, determining the winner of the fourth division or 4D.
This system allows horses and riders of all levels to compete at the same race and also gives them an opportunity to win prize money and other prizes.
With the evolution of this system, barrel race industry has seen a significant growth.
"We wanted to host a series with good ground and great prizes," said Melissa Gruenwald-Thiessen, one of the organizers for the series. "The only real rule is that people come and have fun, and I think we are accomplishing that here."
My Favorite Things barrel series is a set of 10 races, starting in the month of July and running until October at the Stettler Agriplex outdoor arena. Points are awarded in each division, from 10 points to the fastest rider, to one point awarded to the 10th rider. The five fastest riders for each race at the series win prize money.
At the end of the 10th race in October, scheduled for October 5, the top-10 point earners will win prizes.