Barrel Series takes a break

The Malta Barrel Series took a break for the Independence Day weekend but one week prior on Saturday, June 27, over 40 riders competed at the Trafton Rodeo Arena.

Though they have had more riders in the past, event coordinator Chrissy McEwen was happy with the turnout.

"There were not as many runners as the week before but the ground was great thanks to Jerey (McEwen), and Landon Shettel who watered the arena," C. McEwen said.

In every race this past season, the group has been able to pay out cash winnings and prizes to over 15 barrel racers.

"Our goal starting these races is to put some fun open local jackpots on and I really think we are accomplishing that," McEwen said.

Deena Moeykins took the top prize of $124 in 1D with a time of 17.422 seconds on JM Pockets Double Cash. Tayla Moeykins took second place with a time of 17.436 and won $94. Jill Ferdina took third place on her horse named Cookin with a time of 17.704. Ferdina won $67. Deena Moeykins won the final cash prize in 1D, which was $50 for her fourth-place finish on her horse Dash of Blue Sky. D. Moeykins' time was 17.976. Jen Granell was fifth with a time of 18.086 on Willy.

In the 2D Kiera Simonson took first with a time of 18.242 on VF Bright N Famous. Simonson won $112. Maria Taylor was second on her horse Streakin Page with a time of 18.273. Taylor won $85. Brooke Billingsley was third and won $60 on Hickory with a time of 18.369. Lela Domire took fourth place in 2D with a time of 18.381 on her horse Charlie. Domire won $45.

In the 3D, Roxian Dirden and her horse, Ty won $95 with a time of 18.947. Holly Cowell was runner-up in 2D with a time of 18.950 on Elvis. Cowell won $72. Maria Taylor took third place and $52 on Mojo with a time of 18.956. Neva Lowe took fourth place and $39 on Little Miss Ty with a time of 19.016.

In 4D Chrissy McEwen and Pistol won $83 after posting a time of 20.117, Mindy Hall and her horse Spicy took second in the 4D and won $63 with a time of 20.119. Kaiu Korman took third with a time of 20.146 and took home $45. Desiree Ball and Honky Tonk took the fourth place prize of $34 in 4D, which was the final prize. Ball had a time of 22.395.

The Malta Barrel Series will be taking a week or two off because of this weekend's NRA Rodeo set to start on Saturday, July 11. But McEwen hopes to continue the series on Saturday, July 25, at the Trafton Rodeo Arena.

"We will also be having more this fall at the Malta Pavilion," McEwen said.