Butler boy saddles up for barrel racing crown
By Nila Harris
BUTLER — Harland Thomas has been barrel racing since he was 4 years old. Now, at 10, Thomas has qualified for the NBHA Youth World Championship on not one, but two horses.
The young man has been working hard, approaching local businesses and individuals for sponsorships and donations towards this exciting endeavor.
“He probably went into 50 local businesses. He wanted to go in himself. He doesn’t know a stranger,” Thomas’ mother, Sammy Taylor, said with a laugh.
She thought after the 33-year-old horse Thomas had been riding was retired in February 2024, that “he’d been done,” but Thomas went on to earn 14 championship buckles in 2024 on two new horses.
Rosie, a 6-year-old pony, had been trained by Nikki Thomas of Butler for the first 60 days, then Harland took over to finish the pony’s seasoning.
The pony, different from the 33-year-old Harland was used to, taught the young boy about the importance of patience and consistency.
Harland describes Rosie as “the most consistent/honest pony, and she always puts me in the money.”
Cruizin, a gelding Harland qualified on, is 18 years old, and is familiar with barrel racing.
“Cruizin is older — been there, done that. Harland will just have to keep up,” Taylor said.
Harland said, “Cruzin is the fastest horse I’ve ever owned. I’m lucky to jockey him.”
The NBHA Youth World Championship will take place July 20 to 27 in Perry, Georgia.
Harland has been excited to explain what he is trying to do and hoping to achieve.
On March 16, the Kentucky Millstone held a meet-and-greet for Harland and donated 10% of their Sunday sales to him.
They also collected donations for him the week prior.
The entire family has been appreciative of the community support, Taylor said.
Anyone wishing to donate further to this dedicated barrel racing rider may Venmo his dad, Cody Thomas, at @Ace_High_Corral.