For the Tomahawk Leader

TOMAHAWK – Mya Pankow, Tomahawk, received the 2020 WI National Barrel Horse Association Outstanding Youth Award for District 4 at the WI NBHA State Finals in Elkhorn, Wis., on Aug. 15, 2020.

Mya Pankow

“The WI NBHA Outstanding Youth Award recognizes a person who displays good sportsmanship and is an all-round role model for other youth in horsemanship and barrel racing. Pankow was selected from all youth barrel competitors in the district, through input from youth, parents and other competitors. It’s an honor to win,” said Sheryl Chism, WI NBHA District 04 director, who presented the award. Youth riders are 18 years old and under.

“I’m thrilled and grateful for this recognition,” said Pankow, who attends Tomahawk Middle School. Pankow is13 years old and has ridden since she was 4 and barrel raced since she was 9. She is the 2019-2020 Chism Trail Ranch Barrel Series Youth 1D champion. Pankow’s current barrel instructor is Katie Kimble Chism. Family, friends, and her official local sponsors, H&A Concrete LLC and Spring Creek Grange LLC, support her in her pursuit. Pankow rides her horse, Katie, and horses owned by other people.

Wisconsin has five National Barrel Horse Association districts. District 4 covers 19 counties in north-central Wisconsin (Ashland, Bayfield, Douglas, Florence, Forest, Iron, Langlade, Lincoln, Marathon, Marinette, Menominee, Oconto, Oneida, Price, Sawyer, Shawano, Taylor, Vilas, Washburn) and also includes riders from the Upper Peninsula and any others who wish to join the district.