As Stettler Winter Barrel Series took off again for the first time this year on Sunday, Jan. 24, barrel racers from the town and surrounding areas descended upon the Agriplex to give their skills a workout.
The sixth of the nine-part series saw the fastest time from Stettler's Betty Ettinger, who clocked in 13.573 seconds to take first in 1D in the open category, followed by Debbie Hildebrandt with 13.690 seconds and Shannon Leguerrier with 14.025 seconds.
Stettler's Brittany Strandquist came in first place of the 2D in the same category with 14.335 seconds, Dawn Gertner came in second with 14.341 seconds, while Rae Ann Foot came in third with 14.356 seconds.
For 3D, Charlene Humphrey clocked in 14.992 seconds to take first, Shayla Derr took second with 14.994 seconds and Lindsey Gelech took third with 15.830 seconds.
The other two categories that saw participants zipping around the barrels were peewee and youth.
For the peewee, Luke Hronek came in first with 15.166 seconds in 1D, followed by Kayla Hronek with 15.872 seconds.
In 2D Addison Rock took first with 21.629 seconds, while Jayda Songhurst took second with 22.882 seconds.
In 3D Whip Gertner came in first with 31.994 seconds, while Callie Campbell took second with 33.071 seconds.
For the youth category, Anna Lauweryssen clocked in 13.965 seconds to take first in 1D.
Lexa Bergstrom came in first for 2D with 15.412 seconds, followed by Carlie Erion with 15.944 seconds.
In 3D, Emily Barritt clocked in 16.064 seconds, followed by Olivia Van Straten, with 17.608 seconds.
A regular fixture for over a decade, president Jasmin Schultz said it was her fourth year in being a part of this series.
"It started out as a way for the local barrel racers to practice throughout the winter, and to get our horses ready for the summer rodeo season," said Schultz. "Also its a good way to get the youth started in it, without the added stress and pressure of a rodeo."
An ABRA (Alberta Barrel Racing Association) sanctioned event, run by their rules, this series started in October 2015 and will run through March 2016.
"Sunday's numbers were down from what they have been, as we had to schedule some of our jackpots unfortunately on the same dates as some of Ponoka's jackpots," added Schultz. "A lot of people might have travelled there to practice on their larger barrel pattern, and also with the roads being bad many who have had to drive a longer distance would have chosen not to risk it."