Following in his mother’s footsteps – barrel racer Jack Pugsley is set to dazzle onlookers at the All American Youth Barrel Race next year.
The 11-year-old Flagstone State School student was selected to represent the nation in America, after winning the junior division at Speed2Success, in Gympie, last weekend.
Jack has been barrel racing for the last five years.
“I just thought (the sport) was really cool,” he said.
“It’s fast and you can get really nervous when you start to think that there’s a chance you can fall off and really hurt yourself.”
His mum, Katrina Pugsley, has also been barrel racing for as long as she can remember, and said she was proud of Jack’s achievements so far.
“For me, it’s amazing to see Jack do it all at 11,” she said.
“I have won a few buckles and titles, but what he has done within a year of riding the right horse has just been fantastic.”
Last year, his older sister, Tahliah Pugsley, also won a spot to compete in America.
“We’re definitely seeing luck play on his side this year,” Katrina said.
“I think anything is possible if you put your mind to it, and seeing as he’s come from a family of barrel riders, I think he’s got a really good chance to do well and stand out.”
Since riding his latest horse, Denny, Katrina believes the biggest change in Jack is his confidence.
“He has really broken out of his shell in the last 12 months or so,” she said.
“Jack’s a new person, and whether he’s happy with having his saddle and buckle at 11 or he goes on to make a career out of his talent… It really doesn’t bother me. As long as he’s happy and having fun.
“In saying that though, he’s really got a knack for barrel racing and I think he’s got a lot coming if he continues going the way he has been going.”
Over the next few months, the Pugsley family will aim to raise at least $20,000 to send Jack to America next year – through holding fundraisers, just like barbecues, around the region.
