MOSES LAKE — About 80 barrel racers gathered Friday beneath pavilion lights in the Grant County Fairgrounds for the first practice of the year.

Participants called it a “Time only” event, meaning only time was kept, and not a score. Racers young and old of all skill levels practiced running horses in the frigid January air.

“This is just an inexpensive way for them to get on good dirt and get some practice for their horses and themselves,” Columbia Basin Barrel Racing Club advisor Jamie Quillan said.

“The CBBRC was established in 1998 by a group of barrel racers looking to train, condition, and season their barrel horses,” according to its website. The non-profit organization welcomes men, women, and children of all ages.

Ten-year-old Moses Lake resident Sage Pinkerton, who said has been racing her whole life, felt good about Friday’s performance and plans on coming back for more.

“I (need to) get practice so I can run at big races, and he can get better,” she said, patting her horse, Nick.

Professional barrel horse trainer Lindsey Shultz is preparing to do just that, she said. She competes in races all over the country and is leaving for Texas in just a few weeks.

On Friday, she worked with Sophie, a client horse. She’ll run her during the next year to get her in shape for races, she said.

“It’s just like any professional athlete, right?” Shultz said. “The more in shape and ready you are to go, the better chance you’re going to have to win, too. It’s pretty important.”

Shultz hopes there are more races this year. In 2020, many were canceled because of the pandemic, she said.

That was definitely the biggest obstacle last year, Quillan said. In the beginning especially, because dealing with the COVID-19 restrictions was so new to everybody.

She anticipates a better season, she said, because the group is better prepared.

“When you’re on a horse you’re social distancing,” she said.

Time onlys are good practice and fun, Quillan said. And, many of the racers haven’t seen each other in months.

The official 2021 barrel racing season starts with a clinic in March, she said, where riders can get individual feedback and tips on strengthening the relationship with their horse. Tuesday night point races start in April, with the season ending in September.

The Columbia Basin Barrel Racing Club will have another Time Only event on Jan. 22, and two more in February, Quillan said. Participation is $20 for adults and $10 for kids, and is open to all. For more information, visit columbiabasinbarrelracingclub.com.