The Georgia National Fairgrounds in Perry buzzed with excitement from July 19-26, 2025, as young barrel racers from across the globe competed in the National Barrel Horse Association Youth & Teen World Championships.
Among the standout performers was 13-year-old Naomi Croft, a member of the Union County Riding Club, who secured sixth place in the 5D division of the Youth category.
Union County Riding Club President Janice Parrish said Croft’s sixth-place finish highlighted her dedication, horsemanship, and growing skill in the sport.
“Naomi’s achievement at the NBHA Youth World Championships is a testament to
hard work and the support of our riding club,” said Parrish. “We’re incredibly proud of her!”
The championships drew over 1,200 competitors aged 6 to 18, showcasing the sport’s future stars.
The event was held at the Georgia National Fairgrounds, featured two arenas and awarded over $585,000 in cash and prizes, including Circle Y Saddles and Gist buckles for division champions and finalists.
Competitors navigated a challenging cloverleaf pattern around three barrels, aiming for the fastest times across five divisions.
As a member of the Union County Riding Club, Naomi has practiced her skills through countless hours of training and local competitions, building a strong bond with her horse that was evident in her performance on the national stage.
The NBHA, founded in 1992 in Augusta, Georgia, is renowned for its divisional scoring system, which levels the playing field by categorizing riders into divisions based on their times, ensuring fair competition across skill levels. Naomi’s 6th-place finish in the 5D division underscores her ability to hold her own in a field of talented international competitors, including riders from the U.S., Canada, Australia, and beyond.
The Union County community has rallied behind Naomi, celebrating her success as a source of local pride. Her journey to Perry was marked by months of preparation, from perfecting her barrel racing technique to ensuring her horse was in peak condition for the demanding 15- to 17-second runs that define the sport. As she looks ahead, Naomi’s performance at the 2025 NBHA Youth World Championships sets a strong foundation for future competitions.
