Apex Barrel Race Jackpot to bring cowgirls to Wandering

Following the success of the first Apex Barrel Racing Jackpot held in Wandering last year, April 22 will see the competition start again for a six-event 2023 season.

Founded by Wandering sisters Stef Clinch and Veronica Estermann, the female-only competition sees riders put through their paces as they race around a barrel course on horseback.

“We’ve competed on and off since we were kids,” Ms Estermann said.

“Stef lived in Canada for a while and competed in rodeos over there and in America and that’s how the idea for Apex came about.”

With barrel racing not as common in the Australian rodeo circuit as it is overseas, the Wandering Apex Jackpot is unique.

The sport is highly competitive with placing coming down to the millisecond, however with races taking place across a range of time divisions riders of all abilities have a chance to win.

Like all rodeos, fashion is an important element of the Wandering race series.

“Girls take their outfits very seriously,” Ms Estermann said.

“There’s lots of glitter, lots of colour — it’s the perfect combination of fast craziness and looking fricking amazing.”

Six jackpots will be held over the coming year, with the overall winner being awarded a trophy saddle.

Twelve gold buckles, plenty of money, prizes and bragging rights will be up for grabs in the meantime.

An event open to male entrants will be hosted in October.

The races are held at Wilgarra Farm, 3km out of Wandering on Charlton Road.

Information and competitor entry forms can be found on the Apex Barrel Racing website here.