PASCO COUNTY, Fla. — A few world-class equestrians are proving their mettle.

What You Need To Know

  • Some of the youngest horse barrel racers in the area have qualified for the Youth and Teen World Championships

  • Members of the Pasco Horsemen's Association will be representing the organization at this year's tournament

  • The National Barrel Horse Association Youth and Teen World Championships will be taking place this July in Perry, Georgia

Members of the Pasco Horsemen’s Association have qualified for this year’s National Barrel Horse Association Youth and Teen World Championships in Georgia.

On these horse barrel race grounds, a few of the top-ranked riders go about a day’s training.

“It’s wake up, it’s them. Throughout the day, it’s them. At night — it’s them. They’re my whole life,” said Averie Kimelton, who has been barrel racing for four years.

For Kimelton, riding isn’t just a hobby — it’s a lifestyle.

“It’s kind of just like, your way to get away from everything. And they’re always going to be your friends no matter what,” says Kimelton. “This arena is amazing. We all kind of grew up here, I mean I rode in this arena when I was 10 for the first time, so we’ve all kind of just grown up here.”

Between Kimelton and her friend Rylee Herceg, the two have numerous years of riding experience. But growing the bond they share with their horses took some time.

“We didn’t really click right away because we both didn’t have so much skill,” said Herceg, who has also qualified for the Youth and Teen World Championships. “But now, over the year, we’ve bonded to learn to ride together instead of as separates.”

Herceg’s four-legged partner is “Lemon.” Together, they have been riding for four years.

“Over the years of some bad behavior, he has now made it at this point where he is just the bestest boy.”

It’s these bonds they’ve created that have helped them rise to the top.

“We basically qualified for — I think we’re top ten in our district,” said Kimelton. “So all of us are going to the NBHA Youth and Worlds in Perry, Georgia.”

That also includes fellow riders Amelia Barton and Rayla Perez. For Kimelton, it’s not so much about the competition, but the journey she’s taken to get there.

“I’m just excited about the experience, altogether,” Kimelton said. “If I win, I win. If I don’t, I don’t. The experience is just going to be really, really amazing.”

While it’s taken some time — and a bit of patience — to get where she’s at, Kimelton has a message for other riders looking to make strides in the world of barrel racing.

“Don’t give up. Honestly, I’ve wanted to so many times because it’s so challenging. But don’t because it’s worth it.”

Some wise words and a winning spirit.

The NBHA Youth and Teen World Championships will be taking place this July in Perry, Georgia.