Cin’Kyra Mosley is literally racing toward her life’s ambition – around barrels.
Transportation in the race is provided by Reba, her Red Sorrell quarter horse, and at a fast pace around a series of barrels on a dirt riding arena.
The 14-year-old eighth grade 4-H Club member is becoming well known in barrel racing competition with trophies won from state, district and regional competitions.
“I have always loved horses and wanted to own one,” she said. At the age of nine, her dad gave in to her pleas and bought her a pony, launching her into riding and paving the way toward competiton. Eight-year-old Reba was purchased by her father in Tupelo. The two work together like hand-in-glove with Reba responding to her every command.
Cin’Kyra goes to Lexington to attend 4-H meetings and take part in the horse program. Betsy Padgett, Holmes County home agent, said she has been an encourager to her. “Cin’Kyra has tremendous family support which is so essential in 4-H. Kids in our horse club work together as a family,” said Padgett.
She was winner in the 12-13-year-old division of barrel racing at the state 4-H Horse Championship in 2016 competition in Jackson. At the same time she made history at the state show by being the first African American female to win in barrel racing. From there she advanced to the Southeastern 4-7 Regional Horse Show in Perry, Ga., where she ranked among the top 20.
Among devoted supporters of her barrel racing are her parents Bennie Mosley and Lucinda McAdory. Both said they have recognized her potential and encouraged her as she works toward her goals in competition. Her Uncle Neal rates high on the list of supporters and travels to all her competitions. Her dad said “she is a natural” with horses. He said her love with horses can be traced to her grandfather, a horse lover who enjoyed roping.
Cin’Kyra is an eighth grade student at Ethel High School where she is a member of the Beta Club. She brought home a report card last week with “A” marked in every subject, she reported.
Cin’Kyra and her parents said they appreciate Tim and Goldie McCown making their riding arena available for practicing. Brandon McCown, 14, a student at Winona Christian School, is also a winner in barrel racing and they enjoy working and practicing togather.
“The McCowns are like family. We thank them for letting us use their arena and supporting us in so many ways,” said Mosley.
After high school and college, Cy’Kyra said she hopes to become involved in training horses or some job in which she can work with horses.
