Blackwater barrel racer Beky Vaughan will fly the flag for Australia at the National Barrel Horse Association (NBHA) Youth World Championships in America in July.
Beky, 17, had a goal to win a barrel racing buckle in her first serious tilt at the sport in 2016 and spent “just about every other weekend” competing.
She did more than that, placing in the top three in divisions in the NBHA district three, Central Queensland, which takes in Rockhampton, Gladstone, Blackwater, Dingo and Biloela.
Her performances granted her qualification at the largest barrel racing competition for youth in the world in Perry, Georgia.
Although not new to the sport – Beky’s parents Trina and Kevin Vaughan have competed on the rodeo circuit for many years – she is the only one of the family’s six children to carry on the family tradition.
Beky capped off her first year of serious competition by winning the junior pole bending title, placing third in the first division for juniors, second place in the second and third divisions and a title in the fourth division.
Beky, who is starting studies at the Emerald Agricultural College this year and hopes to one day become a teacher, said it was amazing to do so well, particularly on young horses, a 9 year-old bay mare Just Freckle, and 7 year-old grey gelding, The Widow Maker.
“I’ve always wanted to compete overseas but didn’t think I would make it on such young horses,” Beky said.
“These are horses that my parents have bred and broken in. It was such a good feeling.
“You don’t have to have world champion horses. You just have to be passionate about it. It’s about having fun.”
Beky is fundraising to help her get to America, with funds needed to hire a horse and for travel expenses. To help, see her Facebook page
