Tri-State Barrel Racers Qualify for 2026 NBHA Youth & Teen World Championships

Kate Barton shows her form during the barrel racing. Photo provided

Young barrel racing talent from across the United States and beyond gathered at the Georgia National Fairgrounds in Perry, Georgia, for the 2026 National Barrel Horse Association (NBHA) Youth & Teen World Championships.

The NBHA Youth & Teen World Championships welcomed more than 2,300 competitors from six countries, bringing together many of the world’s top young barrel racers to showcase their skills on one of the sport’s biggest stages. More than $105,000 in added prize money, custom saddles, and championship buckles were awarded.

The NBHA of Indiana proudly recognizes more than 100 youth and teen qualifiers from across Indiana. The below qualifiers call the tri-state area home, residing in Crawford, Daviess, Dubois, Gibson, Knox, Martin, Orange, Perry, Pike, Posey, Spencer, Vanderburgh, and Warrick counties:

Wadesville’s Kate Barton qualified and competed at the 2026 NBHA Youth & Teen World Championships.

Unlike sporting events where athletes register to compete, the NBHA Youth & Teen World Championships is earned - not automatic. Youth and teen members compete at home district races where points are awarded based on their performance. Through months of competition, travel, horse care, and dedication, riders accumulate points in hopes of earning a coveted spot on the official NBHA World Qualifier List. Qualifying is an accomplishment in itself and reflects a season of hard work, consistency, and partnership with their horse.

Barrel racing is a sport where success and disappointment can be separated by fractions of a second. One slight mistake such as knocking over a barrel takes a rider out despite an outstanding run. For young athletes, that moment can be heartbreaking. Yet this sport teaches them their true accomplishments aren’t defined by a single run. It’s found in the resilience to climb back in the saddle to pursue their goals with grit, determination, and trusting their equine partner. “As a family-oriented sport, our Indiana NBHA barrel racing family strives to promote quality races that give our youth members the opportunity to attend high-level events like the NBHA Youth & Teen World Championships. These kids work hard all year, rain or shine, to earn their place in these multi-national events by committing numerous hours to qualify while caring for their equine athletes. There is hardly a more determined or independently successful group of kids out there having accomplished what they have. We are so proud of the youth representing our state.” Jimmy Bryant, Indiana NBHA State Director

These riders competed through the first two rounds of competition, experiencing the moment they had worked all year to earn. The rounds showcased their focus, precision, and partnership as they guided their 1,000-plus-pound equine partners through the cloverleaf barrel pattern. While every rider represented Indiana with pride, Boyd was the only tri-state competitor to advance to the finals. Boyd and French June Bug completed their final run in 15.675 seconds, earning 15th place in the Teen 3D World Championship. “Attending the 2026 Youth and Teen NBHA World Championship was an unforgettable experience filled with competition, growth, and great memories. Competing alongside talented riders from across the country challenged me to improve my skills. I’m grateful for the opportunity and look forward to coming back even stronger next year” Abby Boyd, 18, Petersburg, IN

About the National Barrel Horse Association

Founded in 1992, the National Barrel Horse Association (NBHA) is the largest barrel racing organization in the world. Through local districts, state competitions, and world championship events, the NBHA provides opportunities for riders of all ages and skill levels to compete, develop their horsemanship, and celebrate the sport of barrel racing.