At one time relegated to stable duty and supporter for roughly seven years as his wife, Tina, competed in National Barrel Horse Association competitions each week, Williamson decided to try it himself.

"We got me a horse and they talked me into it," the 51-year old Kenai resident said prior to the Alaska NBHA AK-01 District Championships at the Soldotna Rodeo Grounds on Wednesday night. "It was very exciting. I was really looking forward to Wednesday nights every week."

However, he was a tad nervous entering the district finals.

Not because of pressure, though, as he had already captured the newly formed Senior Class saddle or championship before the final night of competition.

Rather, his 8-year old horse, Heidi Spectacular, who propelled him to the title, was sidelined with an apparent foot injury, leaving him to compete atop Wrangler, a shorter, unfamiliar animal.

"I'm a bit apprehensive. Here, this is the district finals and I'm going to be riding a horse I've never rode before. I just rode from there to here for the first time," he said, pointing about 100 feet away. "I'm hoping to stay in the saddle."

That part was easy.

Williamson, one of four competitors in the first-year senior class (ages 50 and older), completed his final run Wednesday night in 28.325 seconds, conquering the 1D, 2D (tied), 3D and 4D Senior classes in his rookie year.

"We started out kind of walking around the barrels and then the other senior people in the class, the competition started going," he explained. "The first night I got beat and then I realized I'm going to have to step up here. We pushed it a little more."

Williamson's not alone, though, as he's one of approximately 30 newcomers to the AK-01 NBHA district, one of two in the state, according to district director Karen Jensen, a solid sign the sport is becoming more mainstream.

"It's growing a lot. There's just a lot more horses," she said. "We have a trend on the uphill swing. It is exciting."

Garnet Sarks rides her horse Marquee around a turn Thursday night during the National Barrel Horse Association AK 01 District Finals in Soldotna. Photo by M. Scott Moon

"Most people kind of grow up around it. It's something that you're kind of born into. Not everybody is. Some people pick that up later on in life," she said. "Nobody can be successful without the support of their family. It's too expensive. There's just too much.

"Even to prepare for a race, you can't do it by yourself," Jensen added. "You've got to have somebody to help you with your vehicle, your trailer has to be tip-top, you need a farrier for your horse, you need a nutritionist for yourself and your horse. It just takes a whole crew."

Eight-year old Dalton McWhorter the 4D Youth champion and his 18-year old sister and 2D Youth (up to 18-years old) reserve champ, Ciarra McKenzie, exemplify that family spirit, having literally been born into the sport.

"Before I could even stand up, when I came out of the hospital pretty much, my mom put me on a horse and was leading me through it and everything," McWhorter said while perched atop his horse after running a 17.794, a time he deemed his best of the season.

McKenzie expanded upon her brother's thought.

"My mom rode when she was all nine months pregnant with us," she said. "She'd ride with us in little backpacks and stuff when we were babies."

McWhorter, who said it's "kind of scary" being the youngest rider in the local circuit, credits McKenzie for his swift time well, sort of.

"My sister lost my whip and we bought another one and I was whipping (my horse) on the way home trying to get her to go faster," he said.

Second-year racer and two-time 4D Open class champion Brandi Aldridge was lured into the sport by her best friend, recording a 33-second race her first time out.

Running the course in 17.984 seconds and then 18.225 seconds on Wednesday, completing her second title run in as many years, she dished out all the credit to her 10-year old horse, Whiskey, who has also made vast strides since their initial race together.

"When I got her, she didn't really know much about barrels and we've just worked and worked and I can't ask more out of her," Aldridge said from atop her championship-caliber horse. "There's a lot of work. It's an everyday process. I work with her every day.

"I love it that much and I want to be good at it," she added. "When you find something you love, just do it."

Aldridge also recognizes how far the sport has come, but is moving to Nebraska on Sunday to partake in more barrel racing, as well as rodeos.

And while she's disappointed to see the current season come to an end, what awaits her in The Cornhusker State is just as exciting.

"It's all over the place down there. It's a lot bigger. It's like horse country," she said. "There'll be a lot of competition. I can't wait."

Matthew Carroll can be reached at matthew.carroll@peninsulaclarion.com.