Although she has been riding horses for less than a year, Karson Walters is already showing signs of becoming a talented competitor.
The cowgirl from Chilhowie — with strong ties to this area — started riding last fall at the age of 10 and since February has been a part of the Billingsway rodeo team of Wythe County. Over the past three months, she has competed in several rodeos and events, doing very well.
Karson has been trained and coached by Tommy Billings of Crockett and mentored by his daughter Kylie Billings, a veteran and champion rider.
“She started out riding bareback,” her grandfather, Tom Jones of Galax, said of Karson. Jones is an experienced rider in his own right. “She went to saddle early this year. She wanted to ride bucking horses and adapted very quickly. She learned to ride by herself and with help from her stepdad, Rocky Huff.
“Tommy and Kylie both have been mentors in her barrel and pole riding ability. They have been invaluable to this rodeo experience.”
Prior to the April 19 season opening rodeo at Billingsway, Karson was gifted her very own horse, Cinch, a nine-year-old gelding, from the Billingsway stable on which she has been learning to ride. Her family bought Cinch for her.
Karson is a student at Chilhowie Elementary School.
Several Billingsway cowgirls and cowboys competed in the IBRA Winter Series Finals April 27 and came away with several championship gold buckles as follows:
Cole Moser — second in 3D Youth poles, second in Pee Wee barrels.
Emily Porter — first in 3D Youth barrels, second in 2D warmup barrels, third in 3D Youth poles, third in Pee Wee barrels.
Gatlin Cregger — sixth in Pee Wee barrels.
Karson Walters — first in 3D Youth poles, second in 3D Open poles, fourth in 3D Youth barrels, fourth in Pee Wee barrels.
Kylie Billings — first in 1D Open poles, first in 1D Youth poles, second in 1D Youth barrels, second in 2D Youth barrels, third in 3D Open barrels, fourth in 3D Open barrels.
Maverick Patton — fifth in Pee Wee barrels.
Sara Cregger — third in 3D Adult barrels.
Please report news of area events and local riders to dtfullerhorses@yahoo.com
Upcoming Events
May 17-18 — Billingsway Arena Monthly Rodeo, Crockett.
May 17-19 — Spring Trail Ride, Triple C, Cripple Creek.
May 18 — PREAKNESS STAKES (Triple Crown).
May 18 — NBHA barrels, Athens WV.
May 18 — Team roping, R&R Arena.
May 19 — Precious Valley Farms Fun Show, Elliston.
May 25 — Loping Ridge Fun Show, Rural Retreat.
May 25 — Barrels, R&R Arena.
May 25-26 — VHSRA State Finals, Doswell.
May 30-June 2 — Virginia Barrel Classic, VHC, Lexington.
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