Elmo barrel racer becomes NBHA Montana State Champion

By Lailani Upham

Elmo cowgirl McK'la Gonzalez took first place in the NBHA Montana State Championships Youth category third division last month in Great Falls. (courtesy photo)

ELMO — McK'la Gonzalez, a 15-year-old barrel racer from Elmo took 1st place in National Barrel Horse Association Montana State Championships in Great Falls last month.

Gonzalez has been barrel racing since the age of seven, and in her short career she has earned three championship belt buckles, according to her aunt Bernadine Tenas.

Gonzalez is now a qualifier for the NBHA World Championships.

The National Barrel Horse Association is headquartered in Augusta, Georgia, and the largest barrel racing organization in the world. In 1992, the NBHA revolutionized the barrel racing industry by pioneering the divisional format, which allows riders of all skill levels a chance to win money and prizes in barrel racing competition.

There are over 23,000 members in the NBHA of all ages across the United States and affiliates in five countries: Canada, Italy, France, Panama and the Netherlands.

Gonzalez is the daughter of Tony and Shawna (Tenas) Gonzalez of Elmo.

Gonzalez has attended her school years in Polson, and is currently a freshman at Polson High School.

"She is a happy-go-lucky girl and gets a long good with everybody," said Tenas, her aunt, who is extremely proud of her.

Gonzalez is all about her three horses, said Tenas.

The young championship barrel racer's future plan is to attend a college where she will be able to bring her horses.

Congratulations McK'la Gonzalez on all your hard work and dedication from your auntie Bean and the entire family. "We are proud of you."
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