Riders, families and fans turned up in force for the first annual RAPID Standard Barrel Race on Sept. 13 near Cochin, Sask.
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Over 150 riders and two dozen vendors packed the property on a sunny and warm late-summer afternoon, which overlooks Jackfish Lake.
Producers Mitch and Jessie McEachern, backed by over 40 sponsors and a crew of approximately 20 family members, friends and community supporters, distributed nearly $50,000 in cash and prizes.
Jessie explained the true success came from a simple message, which was the fact competitors spoke less about payouts and more about feeling safe, welcomed and connected.
“When we set out to host this, we wanted it to be more than a race,” she said. “It was about raising the standard, showcasing the Western way of life and building community.
“Our crew and our sponsors made that possible.”
Competitors thoughts
Competitors praised the atmosphere, the friendships they formed and the support shown by both the production team and the community. Many said the event stood out not just as a competition, but as one of the most positive gatherings of the summer.
Winners were crowned across four divisions. In the 1D, Halle Bedwell and her horse Neptunes Spear topped the leaderboard with a time of 17.786 seconds. Kalli-Rae Beebe followed on JR Dash N For Corona at 17.897. In 2D, Leisa Griffin and Magical Fire Water led with 18.489. Meg Sparrow and Perrys Frosty Star won 3D in 18.996, while 4D honours went to Audrey Walterhouse and Dangit Woodrow at 19.499.
McEachern said the success reinforces a key message: “Invest in those who invest in you.”
Plans are already underway for next year’s event, scheduled for Sept. 12, 2026.
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