It’s a family affair at WCRA Rodeo Carolina in the barrel racing Oct. 6–8, with daughter Maddy Helm running—and winning—in the DY Youth Showcase on the same mare that mom Nicole rode in the progressive round.
Hailing from Fair Haven, Vermont, Maddy made a 16.891-second run on MP Beach Memories, a time that would have put her in the money in the first progressive go round of WCRA Rodeo Carolina. For winning the DY Youth Showcase, Maddy pocketed $2,000.
This isn’t the last time fans will see MP Beach Memories, either, with Nicole running the mare in the second progressive round of WCRA Rodeo Carolina on Oct. 7.
BR: What was running at the WCRA DY Showcase like?
MH: “I never expected to run somewhere this big before. Nothing this big happens around home. It’s a real big facility, and I am very happy I got to compete in something this big and a chance to do so well in it. I am just so thankful.”
BR: Tell us about your horse.
“I rode our horse Mouse. She’s 16.3 hands. She’s so honest and she’ll make a run every single time. That’s what I love about her—she’s my favorite in our barn. If I had to pick one, I’d pick her.”
What are some of your goals with barrel racing?
“Earlier this year I made a goal chart for myself, and I accomplished every goal I set for myself this summer. I qualified for the American Professional Rodeo Association finals, and I was also Rookie of the Year. I want to qualify for that again next year and make it to the (National High School Rodeo Finals).
Maddy thanked her mom and stepdad for their tireless effort and investment into her barrel racing dreams.
WCRA Rodeo Carolina DY Youth Showcase Barrel Racing Results
| 1 | MADDY HELM | 16.891 | $2,000 |
| 2 | ANNIKA RUTH | 16.946 | $1,500 |
| 3 | CAT HODNETT | 17.199 | $1,000 |
| 4 | LACI MURRAY | 17.398 | $700 |
| 5 | ADDI HUNTER | 17.453 | $400 |
