Barrel racers return from state

Four Thermopolis riders competed in the Wyoming National Barrel Horse Association (NBHA) championships Sept. 16-18 in Rock Springs.

The NBHA, headquartered in Augusta, Ga., is the largest barrel racing organization in the world.  In 1992, the NBHA revolutionized the barrel racing industry by pioneering the divisional format, which allows riders of all skill levels a chance to win money and prizes in barrel racing competition.

In the 4D jackpot open round 1, Bobbi Zupan came in 4th with 18.033, in round 2 she came in 11th with 18.658. Zupan placed 2nd in the 4D average with a combined time of 35.409. She also placed 21st in 3D in round 2 with 17.376.

Heather Jones came in 9th in the 4D jackpot open round 1 with 19.620 and 9th in round 2 with a 18.458. She placed 7th overall in the average with a combined time of 38.078.

Crystal Chapel-Schmuck was 10th in the 4D jackpot open round 1 and came in 13th in round 2 for 8th overall in the average with a combined time of 45.005.

Kaitlyn Schmuck brought home 1st in the youth 2D round 1 with a time of 16.710. She also placed 5th in the youth 1D in round 2 and was 3rd in the average.

Zupan received the hard luck award for her difficult trip to the event with a pickup that was losing power and overheating, causing the trip to take much longer than planned and the pickup to ultimately be hauled home on a trailer.