Started from the bottom now I’m here – Drake
No better description could be portrayed about the journey that local youth barrel racer Braelyn Turner took than the title of the iconic smash hit song from 2013 shown above.
The daughter of Jonesboro resident, Angela Self, recently finished in 7th place in the 5D Division of the National Barrel Horse Association (NBHA) World Youth Championships. The event took place from July 21-27 at the Georgia National Fairgrounds in Perry, GA.
Competing against 768 of the top youth barrel racers in the nation, Turner and her steed, Lil Girl, got off to a rough start, finishing dead last in her division after her first run. Disappointed but undaunted, the courageous young rider came back determined to improve. With a vengeance Turner sailed past the barrels and raced home in round two with a time that was good for second place in the division which qualified her for the finals.
Buoyed by the confidence gained in round two, that saw her incredibly go from 123rd place to 2nd, Turner proved that she was among the best in the world in her age class in the finals to finish in 7th place overall out of 208 qualifiers.
As result of her stellar performance, Turner came home with a check in the amount of $393.00 and a bevy of prizes including a 2024 NBHA World Championship backpack and a commemorative bridle.
“I’m so thankful and give God all the glory for this trip. He has truly blessed Braelynn and Lil Girl this week. I couldn’t be more proud,” said Self. “Braelynn has had the time of her life at her First Youth World Championship and we look forward to coming back next year.”
Self was also very appreciative of the sponsors (shown below) who helped make the trip possible.
“A HUGE thank you to all the sponsors, we could not have made it here without all of you” – Angela Self
Masterpiece Behavior Services, LLC
Mercy Medical Health Center
Dan Lord Plumbing, LLC
Danny Davis Logging
Dowling’s Processor
Jay Mallard Ford
Ram Services
NXT Shift
Salty Brahma
Flat Creek Farms
Traina’s Bakery
Family & Friends
