The North American Thoroughbred Society (NATBS), a company that
promotes the interests of Jockey Club-registered North American
Thoroughbreds, today announced that it is teaming with the American
West 4D barrel racing association to recognize Thoroughbreds who
compete in American West 4D Classic barrel races. American West
members who own or ride Jockey Club-registered Thoroughbreds can
count points earned in barrel racing competitions toward NATBS’
North American Series Awards program.
“Working with the North American Thoroughbred Society allows
us to offer another membership benefit,” said Randy Sellers,
owner of American West 4D, LLC. “Our members who compete
with Thoroughbreds can gain additional recognition for their hard
work and achievements through NATBS, in addition to winning barrel
racing awards. Many of today’s barrel horses carry a percentage
of Thoroughbred blood, and it’s this speed and agility that
helps make barrel racing such an exciting sport.”
American West 4D was established in 1998 and has over 3000 members
in 18 western states and Canada. With a mission to provide safe,
fun, well-run barrel races for everyone from beginner to professional
levels, American West sanctioned 629 events with 37,650 entries
in 2007. It paid out more than $2 million in prize money to competitors.
Its American West Finals is one of the top Produced Barrel Racing
Events in the country.
“We are delighted with the interest from American West 4D,”
said Anita Adamski, founder and chief executive officer of NATBS.
“Thoroughbreds can be found in every area of equine competition
and we are thrilled to be able to support them in competitive
environments that are outside of the traditional English riding
disciplines. We welcome American West’s Thoroughbred members
and cheer them on in their races.”
North American Series Awards reward Thoroughbreds who compete
in open, all-breed shows recognized by leading equestrian sport
bodies. Thoroughbreds can also win Regional Awards for competing
in open, all-breed shows held under the auspices of a riding club,
the Pony Club, 4-H, a recognized equine association, or an annual
local show. Awards are presented when horses earn 20 points in
their discipline(s) of choice during the competition year, which
runs November 24, 2007- November 23, 2008. Winners are posted
on the NATBS web site at the close of the season. Other NATBS
award programs include its Worldwide Trails Program and recognition
at a broad range of dressage events. Information about NATBS,
membership, and award programs can be found at www.hellohorse.com.
About The North American Thoroughbred Society
The North American Thoroughbred Society (NATBS), Inc. supports
and promotes the interests of Jockey Club-registered North American
Thoroughbreds. NATBS works to create community, develop educational
resources, and foster recreational activities that reward members
for choosing Thoroughbreds as their valued sport and recreational
horses. At the same time, the company recognizes Thoroughbred
horses’ achievements through merit awards and other means
across a range of equine disciplines. The company is membership-based,
privately held, and located in Madison, New Jersey. For more information,
visit www.hellohorse.com.
