The West Virginia International Barrel Racing (IBRA) State Finals and Regional NPBA show was held this past weekend at Winfield.
Some of the finest horses and riders from different states came to compete for money and points to qualify for the national competition held in Murfreesboro, TN. This show represents the old west and the modern day, as well. Barrel racing has been around since the 1930’s. At that time, it was mainly a woman’s sport, but has progressed to allowing anyone to compete. Barrel racing is one tough event; not only does it demand the best horses but also demands dedicated riders. Competition is challenging in today’s events, and in order to be in the money, a rider has to be devoted. It is the horses that are the most amazing – they have their own agenda most of the time and that is to get around the barrels as fast as they can. They have bigger than life hearts and a true love for running. Here in Clay we have some of those horses and riders. Larry and Carma Holcomb, along with their daughter Toni Meadows, competed in the event and had some of the finest runs recorded. Carma placed fourth in the masters 3D on Saturday with a time of 18.907. She was also just out of the money in the warm up 3D Barrels. She was 5th in the open 4D barrels with a time of 17.989. Larry was just out of the money with a time of 17.12. This Holcomb family is top of the line in barrel racing and horse training and will soon be on the road again to another town and another show bringing the best in horsemanship and speed. Congratulations to Carma for showing them what a Clay County girl is made of.