Fresno State Athletics
Barton represents Fresno State at 2018 NRHA Derby
6/29/2018 1:56:00 PM | Equestrian
Barton represents Fresno State at 2018 NRHA Derby
OKLAHOMA CITY - Fresno State equestrian junior western rider Paige Barton was one of 12 collegiate reining athletes to compete in the 2018 National Reining Horse Association (NRHA) Derby on Friday afternoon.
Barton placed ninth in the derby with an overall score of 208.5.
"I felt pretty confident going in," said Barton. "I have been showing in the NRHA non-pro classes for years and those have been the same feel as this one was. It was a lot of fun to meet the riders in the IHSA and see the NCEA riders outside of our normal setting, and get to compete with them."
Barton is the first Bulldog to compete in the NRHA Derby since a pair of riders, Taylor Mason (fifth place) and Lisa Moser (tenth place), competed in 2005.
The junior Bulldog had an automatic bid to the championships from being named an Ariat NCEA first-team All-American reiner at the conclusion of the 2017-18 season. She was joined by fellow NCEA first-team All-American reiners Holly Landsiel (SMU), Terri June Granger (Auburn) and Annabeth Payne (Georgia). Also joining the All-Americans were NCEA selections Kyndall Harper (Georgia), Courtney Yohey (Texas A&M), Caroline Gute (South Carolina) and Madison Steed (SMU).
"This is such a great experience for Paige and for any rider out there," said Fresno State equestrian head coach Eric Hubbard. "Anytime we get to ride unfamiliar horses, it prepares us for one more competition."
Competing in the NRHA Derby gave Barton the opportunity to ride an unfamiliar horse and compete against several other riders that the Bulldogs face in their regular season. The NRHA Derby was similar in style to any other riding competition when it comes to the draw and horse selection. Barton drew eighth in the draw on an unfamiliar horse, Hooked on Boon.
"This was a good reminder about riding horses that I do not know," said Barton. "Going into my junior year, I am ready to keep my success from last year going and I am ready to continue learning and improving.
Barton and the Bulldogs look to build on their success in the upcoming 2018-19 season.
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