October 2020

2020 NBHA 1D Teen World Champion Cassidy Brown is all smiles as she poses with her nine-year-old gelding, “Chasin’ Memories,” a.k.a. “Tito.” Cassidy and Tito are true athletes with a strong partnership. (Photo Credit: NBHA)

Nineteen-year-old Cassidy Brown of Elmore, Alabama, was crowned 2020 National Barrel Horse Association (NBHA) Teen World Champion on July 25, 2020, at the Georgia National Fairgrounds in Perry, Georgia after co-creating event history with competitor Caleb Cline of Circleville, Ohio.

Since Cassidy and Cline both clocked in the exact same time of 14.686 in the short round of the Teen Finals, they were required to compete in the first runoff in the history of the NBHA Teen Division 1D World Championship to determine the title winner.

The atmosphere was electric, according to equine marketing professional and acclaimed horsewoman Tammy Scronce, of Weatherford, Texas, who assists with NBHA Communications and was taking photographs on the arena floor during Teen Finals.

“There were so many talented horses and riders in the Finals, and the competition was so close,” Scronce said. “It took a few seconds for the crowd to realize what had happened when the two riders clocked the exact same time, and everyone’s excitement just kept escalating. It was a Teen Division World Finals that will go down in history as one of the greatest!”

The composure of both riders during the runoff was impressive, especially when they both came back and clocked faster times, according to Scronce.

“The composure that Cassidy and Caleb demonstrated in this high-pressure situation was exceptional,” she said. “Both riders are truly great ambassadors for the sport because of their horsemanship and sportsmanship.”

During the monumental run-off, Cassidy clenched the world championship with a time of 14.682 with her nine-year-old gelding, Tito.

“The crowd was wild,” Cassidy said. “I mean even on the audio for the video you can hear the announcers going crazy, and when I was running I couldn’t even hear the announcers because the crowd was so loud. It was a lot of fun, although I’ve never in my life seen anything like that, much less been a part of anything like that.”

Over the years, Cassidy has made it to the NBHA Teen World Championship Finals several times, and her perseverance and partnership with her horse Tito shone through during their epic run this year.

“I’ve made it to the Finals several times, but I’ve never really had much luck in the Finals,” Cassidy said. “I think my nerves kind of get the best of me, and I end up hitting a barrel, or just not doing as good as I hoped to do. I mean I’ve never even actually placed in the Finals, so to win, it is kind of crazy.”

Giant milestones in your equine career such as a world championship title are life changing, according to Scronce, who has accrued multiple world championships in the sport of mounted shooting.

“Cassidy had to fight for her title and prove herself, run after run,” Scronce said. “The grit and relentlessness that she displayed was that of a true champion. This is a NBHA Teen World Championship Finals that will stay etched in my mind. It was truly amazing.”

Cassidy Brown and her horse, “Chasin Memories,” a.k.a. “Tito,” turn the third barrel in the 1D Division of the 2020 NBHA Youth World Championships. (Photo Credit: NBHA)

Cassidy’s key piece of advice to aspiring barrel racers is to enjoy the sport. “I mean, it’s a gamble,” she explained. “You win some, and you lose some. But, as long as you are having fun, that’s the most important part. Keep a positive attitude, and just keep going. And, if you don’t do good, keep trying hard and working hard.”

Cassidy exercised Tito at least four or five days a week to prepare for the world championship. Tito’s conditioning consisted of a lot of long trotting, loping circles and round pen work. Every two weeks, Dr. April Andrews of Alabama Performance Horse Services in Montgomery performed an acupuncture treatment on Tito for optimal muscle performance and overall health.

“I get him vet checked pretty often,” Cassidy said. “I find that very important because if he is not feeling good or hurting somewhere, I want to know before I ask him to work hard for me.”

Cassidy has owned Tito for five years. She bought him as a four-year-old from Craig Brooks of South Carolina. “Even as a four-year-old, Tito was super nice,” Cassidy said. “He had such a good mind and a good heart. He was super sweet for a four-year-old. And, I think now he’s finally hitting that prime age, that sweet spot, where he’s working good for me and being a little more consistent.”

Cassidy began riding horses at an early age and embarked on her barrel racing journey at age 10.

“My mom, she’s been a really big hand in this,” Cassidy said. “She’s coached me and taught me a lot. And Chuck and Linda Gail Steward helped me a lot too when I was younger. Mrs. Linda Gail was a really big inspiration to me.”

Cassidy Brown, Tito and crew pose in front of the new 4-Star Trailer, one of an array of prizes from 2020 NBHA Youth World Championship partners including Gist Silversmiths, Professional Choice, Wrangler, Triple Crown Feed, Alamo Saddlery, Boot Barn, Yeti, Oxy-gen and Troxel Helmets. (Photo Credit: NBHA) Cassidy Brown and her horse, “Chasin Memories,” a.k.a. “Tito,” turn the third barrel in the 1D Division of the 2020 NBHA Youth World Championships. (Photo Credit: NBHA)

2020 NBHA 1D Teen World Champion Cassidy Brown (Center) presents her Gist Silversmiths Belt Buckle, one of an assortment of prizes she received for her feat, while standing next to her horse, “Chasin Memories,” a.k.a. “Tito,” and her father, Jim Brown (L) and her mother, Tracey Brown (R). (Photo Credit: NBHA)

Horses and barrel racing run through Cassidy’s veins as she shares her passion with her mom, aunt and cousin, who still hauls to events with her. Her mother, Tracey Brown, is a self-described coach, cheerleader and groom.

“I grew up with horses and my family has always had horses and we showed, barrel raced and did all kinds of riding,” Tracey revealed. “So, through the years, even as I have been grown, we have had horses off and on, and, when Cassidy came along and loved it, and wanted horses and to ride – then it just kind of became her, and I retired from it.”

Tracey helps care for Tito and keep him in shape while Cassidy majors in Finance at The University of Alabama.

“The horses are an everyday thing, and getting to this point, and learning to ride at that level is a constant,” Tracey explained. “You are constantly working, and when you get hung up, and you think you aren’t getting anywhere or improving, sometimes you have to get outside help.”

It takes a village to help shape a world champion, and Cassidy has a large support group of friends who travel with her to barrel races.

“I just would like to say thank you to everyone who has congratulated me and cheered for me,” Cassidy said. “It’s been very special.”

Notably, over 3,500 barrel racing runs were made at the 2020 NBHA Youth World Championships. Anyone who is interested in watching the video of Cassidy’s 2020 NBHA Championship run can view it on www.wranglernetwork.com

Youth riders who desire to embark on a barrel racing journey and become involved with NBHA should join a local NBHA District to find friends and mentors who share that same passion, according to Scronce.

“Horsemanship is a lifelong learning process, so you’ll always be learning,” she said. “With hard work and persistence, you can make your horse dreams come true.”

Scronce said that the NBHA has a place for everyone. “With the D format, beginners to professional riders can come and enjoy the sport of barrel racing and have a chance to win,” she explained.

Cassidy Brown’s next aspiration is to qualify for the Jr. American Rodeo held March 2-6, 2021 in Fort Worth, Texas. She and her family are customers of the Elmore County Farmers Cooperative.