Ella Nipper: A Barbie Girl In Her Own Middle Georgia Barrel Racing World
Story by Cowgirl Candace
Photo by Jill Burnsed
Even practice runs require pink. Palomino horse Barbie cleaves to the iconic doll deets in preparation for weekend turn-and-burn moments. The 19-year-old’s front boots, saddle blanket, and breast collar glow in neon butter blush.
Photo by Jill Burnsed
Flickering with each barrel approach gracefully steered by 13-year-old Ella Nipper – the cutest cowgirl with the rosiest of cheeks and greatest of attitudes. Any coach would want to train her. On first contact, Nipper’s sunny smile is an automatic invitation to root for her and Barbie before the race begins.
“Barbie gets antsy – or as I call it “nantsy” – when she sees a chute,” said Nipper giggling. “She's ready to run and starts dancing all around.”
Photo by Jill Burnsed
Nipper gets right into formation with Barbie, too. Both fired up as the honey horse jigs closer to the arena. When the teen rider gives the takeoff signal, Barbie’s golden mane goes into Beyoncé concert hair mode.
Her stride: Flawless and fixed to Nipper’s brisk rein and body movements. Watching their performance says fashionable fun. Shows nothing but trust and love as the cowgirl increasingly flares into full starfish posture with Barbie’s quickened gaits. The intriguing part to their partnership: Nipper is fairly new in the saddle. To horseback riding. To barrel show culture overall.
Photo by Jill Burnsed
The rural Georgia girl took up the rodeo sport only a year ago. And already, she’s quietly outpacing local competition. “Ella is truly a natural,” said her father, Ethan Nipper, 35, “and I’m not saying that because she’s my daughter.
Ella and Barbie are racing against barrel times and seasoned teams who have been in the sport much longer than she has.”
It’s true. The seventh-grader leaped from being a high-ranking 4D barrel racer to now a 3D state and 2D local racer. In a matter of months, Ella and Barbie have dashed to the second-fastest division in her Georgia district as part of the National Barrel Horse Association (NBHA).
The two practice proper techniques and arena patterns seven days a week. Rain or shine. Not because Ella has to. She really wants to. Her agricultural ambition: qualify for next year’s NBHA Youth & Teen World Championships.
The annual event takes place July 19 through July 26 at the award-winning Georgia National Fairgrounds & Agricenter in Perry, Georgia. The pair’s fastest run of 2024 clocked at 16.23 seconds. “We must finish in the Top 10 of our state district,” said Ella, who is in the GA-05 district.
“If we can slightly improve our time to a high 15-second run, I feel we will definitely qualify for Youth World as a 3D or 4D horse.” Ella routinely recites her professional trainer Taylor Rae Vaughn’s riding instructions: “Use the inside foot. Kick. Low hands Ella,” the voice of Vaughn echoes in the young rider’s ears.
Photo by Jill Burnsed
Vaughn is a family friend. Lifelong horseback rider. Experienced barrel racer. Because of these attributes, the Nippers travel nearly an hour and a half away from Gray for Ella’s lessons. Based in unincorporated community Lizella on a 20-acre farm, Vaughn’s Total Equine currently cares for 22 horses that help teach approximately 70 kids a week riding instruction.
Complementing barrel racing classes, the equine center also offers area trail riding adventures, horse training, farrier work, seasonal riding camps, and therapeutic sessions for kids with special needs. “I just love Ella,” said Vaughn, 30, who still competes in local 1D and 2D jackpots monthly herself.
“She’s one of the easiest and sweetest riders to train. Ella understands what hard work means.” Riding wild and fast since age 3, Vaughn started competing in barrel shows by 10.
Photo by Amber Lawless.
The professional horseback rider shares with Ella the same wisdom she learned growing up barrel racing. Have fun, and if a barrel is knocked down, it only makes the riding journey stronger.
Whether a barrel is cleared or not, the loudest supporter award goes to Ella’s mother, Courtney, 33. “Oh, I’m one of her BIGGEST cheerleaders,” Courtney said as she’s credited for capturing all of Ella’s media action during race days. “Before any of Ella’s runs, I remind her that I love her no matter how many barrels she knocks down.”
Courtney habitually concludes her hype mommy talks with how stunning Ella looks in the saddle. Family high-fives tread on the heels of words of encouragement. From Ethan, 9-year-old brother, Brayden, and grandfather Mike Nipper. With full Nipper support and Vaughn’s guidance, Ella and Barbie plan to finish their last five barrel shows of 2024 faster and, of course, garnished in pink.
“When I’m heading toward that first barrel, I feel this adrenaline rush,” said Ella. “Barbie definitely is a dream and gives me a sense of freedom.”
Bonus Points: Fast Facts About Ella + Barbie
Barnyard Beginnings: Ella’s introduction into Georgia agriculture happened through a pig named Vy. Ella helped raise and show Vy in the Pee Wee Pig Division alongside her Auntie Charley Lollis Sheffield. Sheffield participated in Perry High School’s Future Farmers of America and was crowned Miss Georgia Watermelon, serving as an advocate for the state’s watermelon industry.
Horseback Riding Resources: Ella's very first time in the saddle occurred in McIntyre, Georgia. Family friends Rebecca and Madison Bache were the ones who told Ethan and Courtney about NBHA and riding possibilities through the association.
The Home Herd: In addition to Barbie, Ella and Brayden both own and ride a 14-year-old chestnut named Spirit and a 23-year-old paint horse named Hollywood.
Equine Education: Courtney has been so inspired by the level of responsibility Ella has taken ownership of through barrel racing. As the lower school secretary and athletic director secretary at John Milledge Academy in Milledgeville, Courtney is working to reinstate a 4-H program at Ella’s school so more students can explore agricultural careers, hobbies, and lifestyles with their peers.
Holiday Wish List: Ella has big farm plans, including purchasing her own ranch one day. Until then, she has her saddle sights on a sponsored, custom-made Master Saddles to ride Barbie into the 2025 NBHA Youth & Teen World Championships.
Photo by Jill Burnsed
About Justin’s contributing writer:
Cowgirl Candace is a fourth-generation cowgirl and award-winning communicator based in the Georgia Black Belt Region. The print-to-digital journalist has contributed to and collaborated with brands like the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Wrangler, Cowboys & Indians Magazine, USA Today: 10 Best, National 4-H Council, REI Co-op, and Visit Fort Worth. Photo by Jill Burnsed (@jillburnsedphotography).