Text Box: ABHAAustralian Barrel Horse AssociationText Box: The Australian Barrel Horse Association was formed in 1996 by Jeanette Belshir, Susan Keenan and Shona Tribe to hold Divisional Barrel Races as they are cheap and easy events to run, and are a great place to get Barrel Racing horses going. This steering committee also planned to hold a major event each year. Rick Tranter a highly respected local horseman had approached them about staging an aged Barrel Racing Event, as a result the ABHA was born. Rick committed his assistance for 3 years which comprised giving his time less expenses, to stage schools where ever possible, with the proceeds going towards the Classic. The ABHA relies heavily on the generosity of sponsors and for the more than four years Elders Limited was the major sponsor. Each year the Classic has been staged at Tamworth with tremendous support and dedication from members, friends and enthusiasts eager to help to make it a success. Hours of voluntary work is carried out each year by these extraordinary people, by running barrel clinics, jackpots, and divisional barrel races during the year to help raise funds for the Classic and each of the other ABHA events. In 2002 Vicki Schiller held the first Jackpot & Barrel Racing Clinics to finance The Turn & Burn Southern Derby competition at Wagga Wagga in 2004 and has continued to stage these highly successful events ever since. 2009 saw the introduction of the Dubbo Dash, this will make up the 3rd event in the NSW Saddle Series. There are two Queensland affiliated clubs in Rupertswood and Gracemere, both Affiliates hold events that run towards the QLD Saddle Series. Membership of the ABHA is open to both male and female with ages ranging from under 7 years to senior. Divisional events are extremely popular as they allow everyone a chance to compete at his or her individual level of experience.