The first-ever NBHA (National Barrel Horse Association) training event that was held at The Equine House has proved that the sport of barrel racing is welcome and fulfills a need in the equine community of Limpopo. This is according to horse rider, Melissa Swan, also known as the Barrel Bee. She hosted the training event on Saturday, November 27. “We were pleased to have a small group of 18 entries, some traveling from Tzaneen, Phalaborwa and locally. “We used the day and the time wisely to teach our riders, ranging from novice to more experienced, the ropes of western riding. “As a result of our first successful event as well as the interest from the Hoedspruit community who came out in interchanging crowds to support our captivating sport, we are excited to announce that we will soon host another event,” she said.

Also read: Barrel racing event coming to Hoedspruit

The event was made possible in partnership with Midfeeds Nelspruit, Dear Daisy, Alzu Feeds and Obaro Hoedspruit. Ilse Krige and Renee McFarlane captured every moment of the successful event. “The NBHA is a growing equine sport in South Africa and we as Hoedspruit riders feel very privileged to be able to share our passion with our community as we grow the sport in Limpopo.” Hoedspruit also has its very own Western Riding Club established and founded by Melissa Swan in 2019 but as of this year has been renewed in dedication to NBHA. The club is open to all riders who wish to become further involved with NBHA,” she said. Swan said history was made on Saturday, December 4 with its very first NBHA Championships held at Pienaardam, Middelburg, where Melissa was one of five riders from the Hoedspruit region, achieving two firsts in the 3D time division.

“We wish all the best to our local riders as the SA team for USA World Championships 2022 will soon be elected,” she said. Melissa has been riding for 15 years and as a child, all she wanted was to ride, touch, draw or just be around horses. “I pretty much wanted to ride before I could even walk. “There is no other explanation for my love of horses other than the passion God instilled in me, which I believe He will one day use to fulfi l my purpose,” she said.