Local cowgirl wins barrel racing event

After traveling the country and competing in rodeos every weekend, it's good to finally come home.

Of course, it's even better to win at home.

Cindy Robbins, a native of Jackson, won the cowgirls barrel racing event with a time of 12.12 seconds on Sunday, the final day of the 16th annual Show Me Center Championship Rodeo.

"It's exciting to win in front of your home crowd, but it's nerve-racking," Robbins said.

The rodeo season began in January and Robbins, who was the Central Region champion last year in the International Professional Rodeo Association, has won three times already competing in the Women's Professional Rodeo Association (WPRA).

Robbins credited the dirt, of all things, for some of her success on Sunday.

"This year, the dirt was much better. It was a lot softer, and softer footings make a big difference," Robbins said.

Tonya Crites, another native of Jackson, competed in the barrel racing competition on Saturday. Crites would have finished among the leaders if she hadn't hit a barrel.

Crites and Robbins, like all other rodeo competitors, travel the country competing in rodeos and horse shows every weekend and sometimes through the week. Robbins competes in about 60 rodeos every year.

"It's an exciting life. You get to meet new people and see new places," Crites said. "But it's expensive."

Diesel fuel, food, lodging, supplies and entry fees pile up and put pressure on the competitors to win.

But unlike some professional athletes, both Crites and Robbins agree they're in it for the sport and not the money.

"The money is nice but I enjoy it," Crites said. "I love my horse, and I love the sport."