Simi Valley Barrel Racers Ride for Relief

It was only her second time inside a competitive barrel-racing arena, but 8-year-old Christina Barnett on Sunday shaved 30 seconds off her best and only time.

As she aggressively guided her horse, Famous Amos, around three scattered obstacles in about 30 seconds, the Simi Valley youngster was also raising money for the families affected by last month’s terrorist attacks.

“We hadn’t done anything to help yet and figured, what else are we going to do as horse people except ride?” said Christina’s mom, Kim.

That sentiment brought three dozen recreational and competitive riders to the dusty Arroyo Simi Equestrian Center this weekend on behalf of United Way’s September 11th Disaster Relief Fund.

“I just sort of came up with the idea and liked what United Way was doing by making sure the families of the victims were going to get help,” said Tracy Schmitt, 37, a Simi Valley riding instructor who helped organize the event along with several other volunteers.

Perched tall on the backs of paints, Arabians, quarter horses and mustangs--several of which were draped with patriotic-themed blankets--entrants young, old and in between took turns maneuvering the course for a shot at prizes that included 50-pound bags of feed, T-shirts and gift certificates.

“It’s the only thing I can do to make a difference, and besides, it’s barrel racing and I love that,” said Ashley Collan, a 14-year-old Royal High School student who made a speedy run of 18.09 seconds on her horse, Cuervo.

Sporting an American flag-themed bandanna on her head, 21-year-old Alysia Van Houten of Simi Valley said there’s nothing better on a sunny weekend day than riding with friends.

“We all really like to do this and it’s for a really good cause,” Van Houten said as she waited her turn on the course with her paint, Pawnee.

As the riders competed, their families and friends sat on bleachers or milled about, listening to country music blaring from an outdoor speaker and enjoying donated chicken and fixings.

Organizers said the event would probably raise about $1,500, a relatively small take compared with other relief efforts throughout the country, but participants said it’s the effort that counts.

“Horse people are a pretty friendly lot and we’ll always do what we can,” said volunteer Jean Jacobson, a Simi Valley horse breeder.