It is not often you can say that Jackson Parish is home to a World Champion. You can now, though. Quitman resident Nicole Hinton made that possible when she and her trusty steed Twiggy won the National Barrel Horse Association (NBHA) World Championship in the 5D Division that was held July 18-25 at the Georgia National Fairgrounds in Perry, Georgia.

By eclipsing the field of talented young riders from all across the nation, the North Louisiana NBHA LA02 member, who has been riding for three years, was presented with the first prize payout of $1,359.00 as well as a commemorative belt buckle and saddle.

The achievement became even more incredible when, after the competition was over, Twiggy, the Quarter/Arabian breed, showed signs of not feeling well. It was later learned that the horse stalled next to her was sick, and the competitor left early without telling anyone.

About NBHA

The National Barrel Horse Association, headquartered in Decatur, Texas, is the largest barrel racing organization in the world. In 1992, the NBHA revolutionized the barrel racing industry by pioneering the divisional format, which allows riders of all skill levels a chance to win money and prizes in barrel racing competition. NBHA has thousands of members of all ages across the United States and affiliates in various countries, including Australia, Canada, France, Italy, Mexico, Panama, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, and Puerto Rico. Its mission is to promote and expand the sport of barrel racing using a divisional format that allows a diverse membership to compete on any breed of equine.