Riding an already hot season into this weekend’s BC Rodeo Association Finals in Barriere, Reese Rivet didn’t disappoint.
After three goes Rivet secured first place and the BCRA championship buckle in junior barrel racing at the event.
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“I was very excited,” Rivet said, who noted this was her first year competing in the BCRA after moving up in competition from the Little Britches rodeo and high school rodeo circuits.
“It was quite a big step.”
Since April, Rivet, who turns 15 years old on Sept. 14, attended an astounding 23 rodeos.
In her first go Rivet posted a time of 17.262 seconds, good for second place in the go, along with $300 prize money to go along with the result. The second go saw Rivet again finish second in 17.123 seconds ($300) while, in the third go, rivet placed third in 17.134 seconds ($200).
Her season and points on the weekend accumulated, coupled with a strong weekend, gave Rivet the championship and a $1,200 payout for her efforts.
Rivet credits her horse, Oreo, for part of her success, and said they make a great team.
“We love each other,” she said. “She loves to run, and loves to do her job.”
She also thanked her sponsors Hume Appraisals, Oreo’s owner Nicole Hoessl for letting her run her horse this season and her parents and grandparents for their support this year.
Looking forward to next year’s rodeo season, Rivet said she’ll likely compete in BCRA, the BC Barrel Racing Association and high school rodeo.
Rivet has been barrel racing competitively since she was six years old, and started in Little Britches when she was five.
Second place on the BCRA season in junior barrel racing went to Alison Hampton, while Taya Hamming and Saylynn Osterman tied for third.
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