Fast Hooves and Fierce Competition in Ramona: West Coast Barrel Racers Bring the Heat
Barrel racers from across Southern California gathered at the Ramona Rodeo Arena on Sunday, April 13, for a thrilling day of speed, skill, and camaraderie. With about 100 competitors and $500 added to the pot, the event showcased the heart and hustle of a passionate rodeo community.
Last Sunday, fast riders raced against the clock around three barrels in a cloverleaf pattern at the Ramona Rodeo Arena at 421 Aqua Lane. The West Coast Barrel Racer Association (WCBRA) event kicked off with time-only practice from 8:30 to 10:30 am, followed by the main event at 11 am, which featured both open and youth divisions. A $500 jackpot added extra excitement to the competition.
Tammi Johnson, a registered vet tech with Adobe Animal Hospital, helped organize the event with WCBRA member Rebecca Arnold-Hatch. They also sanctioned the race with Outlaw to allow riders to earn points. Johnson does a lot of work behind the scenes with her crew, starting setup two days before the event.
“I started off in cutting but loved the sport of rodeo and started barrel racing when I was 13 years old—the adrenaline rush!” says Johnson. She had to retire from racing a few years ago due to back surgery but remains passionate about supporting the sport. She adds that she still wants to be involved even if she can’t ride in the event.
The vibe at the event was amazing, according to Johnson. Roughly 100 racers participated, and the event was fiercely competitive, but the atmosphere remained supportive, with riders cheering each other on. “Everyone is like family, and everyone helps each other.” Johnson adds that riders are welcome to join if they have a horse and love barrel racing.
Rebecca Arnold-Hatch, a Ramona resident and WCBRA member since 2014, also helps organize the races. She is co-owner and office manager at her husband’s company, Elite Contracting Services. Her husband, Clay, prepares the arena for the races. Their business specializes in custom equestrian facilities, barn mare motels, and solar.
Arnold-Hatch says helping put on the event is very rewarding. She adds that the facility is beautiful, and the community is great. She has friends who compete, traveling from nearby areas like Temecula, Norco, Perris, and Valley Center. She says they call Ramona ‘the island’ because everyone outside Ramona travels up a mountain road to attend the races.
Shelby Price, Ramona resident and co-owner of All About Fun RV with her husband Chris has been barrel racing for 20 years. At the race, she clocked in at 15.25 in the open division. She appreciates how well WCBRA events are run. She knows the day before what number she will be in the lineup, so she doesn’t have to arrive hours early and wait for her turn. Her number was 53, so she didn’t have to rush to the arena.
Barrel racing isn’t just a hobby—it’s a way of life. For the WCBRA members who call Ramona home, it’s about more than winning buckles or chasing points. It’s about grit, heart, and the unshakeable bond between horse and rider. Whether seasoned pros or young riders just starting out, they share the same dream: one clean run, one fast time, and the thrill of flying home down the alley.
For more information on upcoming barrel racing events, please visit www.westcoastbarrelracing.com.
Photos courtesy of Rebecca Arnold-Hatch (black horse).
