Barrel race thrills fans
Becky Landress

A rider guides his horse around the arena.

The Union County Saddle Club held a special treat for riders and spectators alike last Saturday. The 4D Jackpot barrel racing show hosted by Double C Stables was a heart pounding treat. Jacky Jones Automotive, the events main sponsor, along with other sponsors, provided a $2,500 jackpot on top of the 80 percent payback for the winners.

Riders competed in various timed events starting with the cones and poles events. Arena race would follow and then the Texas barrels. After all events were completed, it was time for the big one. Around 40 riders and their horses lined up for the big event. It was one thrill after another as the horses turned on a dime and times came in at remarkable speeds. The events started at 2:00 pm and wrapped up around 10:00 with the prizes being awarded.

"We were very pleased to have the turnout that we did," stated Double C Stables coowner Dawn Cook. "We look forward to having another Jackpot Barrel Race next year and hope that we will have as successful of a show as we did this one."

Winners & placings in each division were: 1D - 1st place: Kayla Power with a 16.761 followed by 2nd place Pepper; Ledbetter (on Cain) and 3rd place Pepper Ledbetter (on Rowdy). 2D - 1st place: Matt Beck on Toby with a 17.265, 2nd place Matt Beck and 3rd place Lori Brocky. 3D - 1st place: Jessica Cook on Lex with a 17.872, 2nd place Tina Mayer, and 3rd place Samantha Wesley. 4D - 1st place: Cindy Powers on Red Man with a 18.761, 2nd place Larry Chambers and 3rd place Ricky Nicks.

Chelsey Kinnersley takes down a barrel in warmups.

Thanks to all the sponsors for making this event happen: Double C Stables Boarding & Training Facility, Jacky Jones Automotive Group, Jimmys Metal Roofing, Murdock Diesel, Derick Dillinger, Nelson Tractor, Track Rock Stables, Ranger Livestock, Appalachian Bank, Ga Mt. Grinding and Recycling, Interstate Welding

and Stell Supply, Century 21 Ashe Realty, The Trading Post, Regional Disposal Services, Country Cut Away, Corrugated Replacements, Bank of Blairsville, Cutting Tools and Services, Technical Tooling Systems, Davenport Ins. Agency, Prestige Log Builders, United Community Bank, GDD INC., Seasons Bank, Blue Ridge EMC, McClure Trucking, Blairsville Paving, Youngblood Concrete,

1st place winners of all the D categories (L-R): 1D 1st place: Kayla Power, 2D 1st place: Matt Beck, 3D 1st place: Jessica Cook and 4D 1st place Cindy Power.

Rose Auto and Truck Accessories, Mtn. Max Properties, Carl Patterson Flooring, Pro-Tech Machining, Jesse H. West Realty,Mountain Max, Lovely Nails and Day Spa, Scoelox, Trinity Custom Homes, Andersons Cowboy Stroe, PT Enterprisres, BK Properties, Tangles Hair Salon, Logan Turnpike Mills, Rountrees Pine Furniture, Gooch Trucking and Bar M Tack.