Local barrel racer at state finals today

Crescent City resident Natasha Haddad, 13, rides her horse Lexie during the CCPRA rodeo at the Del Norte County Fair in August. Photo courtesy of Roger Schultz

The 13-year-old Crescent City barrel racer is taking part in the state finals of the sport at the California Cowboys Profes­sional Rodeo Association rodeo circuit year end finals at the Redding Convention Center.

In her first year racing professionally, Haddad, a student at Redwood School, is currently eighth overall in the CCPRA standings. Only the top 15 barrel racers qualify for finals. She is the youngest  participant in her event.

The finals begin at 7 p.m.

If she places in the top five tonight she will move on to the final day of competition on Saturday.

“I’m a little bit nervous but I’m really excited,” Natasha said. “I’m glad I’ve made it.  Hopefully I’ll be able to run on Saturday.” 

Natasha will have a number of supporters who plan to travel to Redding to see her compete tonight, her mother Jeanna Haddad said.

 “She will have a lot of people cheering her on,” Jeanna Haddad  said. “The community has been wonderful with all their words of encouragement.”

Natasha said many people have come up to her and have wished her luck, which she said means a lot to her.

“It really pushes me to try harder and to do my best,” she said.

Jeanna said several people have helped Natasha with expenses this year.

For the state finals  the Redwood Coast Rodeo Com­mittee and Lucky 7 Casino have helped pay for her entry fee.

During the racing season  Natasha won numerous cash prizes, totaling up to more than $3,000, and has earned enough money to pay her way to compete throughout the state.

She almost won rookie of the year honors, placing second overall in that category, which is based on earnings during the season.