PERRY, Ga. — Over 1,200 riders have descended on Perry, Georgia, this week for the National Barrel Horse Association (NBHA) World Youth and Teen Championships. Among the competitors, local talent Samantha Birdwell has advanced to Saturday’s World Championship competitions, showcasing her skills on a global stage.
The NBHA, founded in 1992 in Augusta, Georgia, has become the recognized world leader in barrel racing. As the first organization to embrace divisional barrel racing, the NBHA revolutionized the sport by introducing a scoring system that categorizes competitors into divisions. The fastest time sets the 1D (first division), with subsequent divisions determined in half-second increments. This innovative approach ensures equitable prize money distribution, while awards remain consistent across all divisions.
With over 20,000 members spanning five continents, the NBHA’s influence is unparalleled. The organization sanctions more than 3,000 district shows annually, sponsors over 44 state shows each year, and maintains a professional staff dedicated to producing larger regional events. The NBHA’s inclusive structure allows riders of all skill levels to compete, fostering a supportive and competitive environment.
As Birdwell prepares for the culmination of this week’s events, the local community rallies behind her, wishing her the best of luck in Saturday’s NBHA World Championships.
