More horse power
There’s a buzz being created for the first major event of the barrel racing season today and Sunday at the Macmillan Show Centre in Bible Hill.
Tracy Higgins is getting her horse, her saddle and her focus ready for some high-speed action this weekend.
The first Maritime Barrel Racing Association (MBRA) event of the season – the Forever Memories Equestrian Centre Jackpot – is being held in Bible Hill. Higgins, who is president of the association, is also competing.
“I love horses and I’m an adrenaline junkie, so this sport is great,” said the Greenfield resident. “The first jackpot of season is one of my favourites because you get to see the new horses and catch up with everybody. There’s a buzz.”
Higgins began riding English when she was seven years old, but something always drew her to the western events.
“Even before I sat in a western saddle, I wanted to ride western,” she said. “I’m comfortable wearing my blue jeans, and I like the atmosphere. It’s just my style.”
She began competing in barrel races four years ago. This weekend, she’ll be riding Iza Wicked Wind, an appendix quarter horse.
About 85 entries, competing at all levels, will be taking part in the event, which runs today and Sunday, in the Macmillan Show Centre, on the Nova Scotia provincial exhibition grounds. Competition begins at 9 a.m. each day, and runs into the late afternoon.
“It’s a great sport for spectators, and we want people to know it’s free to come and watch these events,” added Higgins. “This is a way to showcase the best of the best and we’d love to have more people come and see what we do.”