County Cowgirl Competes at the Rodeo

This is not her first rodeo. County employee Melissa Scholten has been riding horses since she can remember, but only recently galloped her way into what’s known as competitive barrel racing.

Scholten, a Treasurer –Tax Collector Specialist, started practicing for this fast-paced rodeo event earlier this year and has quickly earned the number 2 rank in the National Barrel Horse Association division representing San Diego, Orange and Imperial counties.

If you are not familiar with the equestrian sport, barrel racing is a timed event in which a horse and rider attempt to navigate a course in the fastest time. The arena is set with three barrels in a triangle formation. In the competition, riders enter the arena at full speed and tightly round each of the barrels in a cloverleaf pattern and exit at the start. The sport is all about agility, speed and not knocking over the barrels.

Scholten, who competes locally about once a month mostly in Lakeside and Ramona, said her new hobby is not only fun, but has provided her an opportunity to meet other horse lovers across San Diego.

“It’s all about having fun and meeting new people,” she said. “It’s also great exercise for them and I can earn a little extra pocket money.”

Scholten started training her horse, Leo’s Diamond Luna, earlier this year when a friend recommended she give barrel racing a try. When she rescued “Luna” five years ago, the horse was malnourished and shy. She was adopted for just $200, while conditioned barrel racing horses for sale can fetch up to $45,000.

“Luna has taught me so much while we were training,” she said. “Really, she trained me.”

Now Scholten is training a second rescue –Arya Nymeria Stark (a nod to a character in “Game of Thrones” and her loyal direwolf). Arya, a social and athletic horse, was abandoned at a boarding ranch in Ramona. Scholten plans to race Arya competitively in 2015.

Barrel racing is just the start of her rodeo dreams. Scholten, who is currently earning her master’s in business administration, plans to take her show on the road. She plans to race in a national competition next year and take up mounted shooting—racing atop a horse and shooting guns at targets.

Watch Scholten race in the video below.

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