Junior Barrel Racer on a Roll

Photo: Tamika Anderson’s year has started in sensational style by qualifying to represent Australia at the Junior National Barrel Horse Association Titles in the United States later this year (Story & Photo: www.gympietimes.com.au)

 

The Gympie Times has reported that Gunalder teenager Tamika Anderson has just qualified for her third consecutive Australian team destined for the Junior National Barrel Horse Association (NBHA) World Championships.

 

The world event will be held in Jackson, Mississippi in July this year.

 

Anderson earned her selection following the conclusion of the National Barrel Horse Association finals in Caboolture late last month.

 

With results coming down to the wire, competitors in all divisions had to perform in a bid to earn Australian selection.

 

Proud mum Kerry Anderson was thrilled at her daughter making it three Australian teams in a row. “This will be Tamika’s third year running and she has been lucky to qualify every year since it started,” Kerry said. “Tamika qualified in the finals and placed (last year) but I reckon she will want to go that one step further.”

 

Joining Tamika in the Australian junior team is fellow Sunshine Coast rider Chelsea Bartlett, Jordan Moore and Madison Philips.

 

While Bartlett and Moore made the team last year, Philips is making her Australian debut.

 

Meanwhile, seven riders were announced in the Australian open team for the NBHA Open World Championships in Perry, Georgia this October.

 

The riders include Jo Fisher, Jacki Blutcher, Brooke Maxwell, Michelle Maloney, Lou Louden, Carolyn Kriesh and Dianna Leeds.

 

“To watch the riders go over and see the difference in their riding when they return is unbelievable.  The experience they receive while competing overseas is priceless,” Kerry said.