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YORKTON – Yorkton teen, Hazy Sharpe, is the Eastern Gymkhana Group's High Point Junior winner in barrel racing for the 2024 season.

Barrel racing, a sport that requires speed and precision, involves navigating a horse through a cloverleaf pattern around barrels.

"There's always a danger to all sports. Especially horses because your partner is someone that can't communicate — you can't speak to them," said Sharpe in an interview with Â鶹ÊÓƵ.ca

At 14-years-old, Sharpe’s journey in barrel racing began in 2019, heavily influenced by her father’s love for horses. 

"I grew up with horses and when my dad was little he would show horses," said Sharpe, adding, "Yorkton has their own horse show so I started doing that."

Sharpe said she trains regularly with her horse Gringo during the season.

"Every day of the week I do something different with my horses," said Sharpe. 

This includes focusing on the pattern and arena work two days a week, trail rides for another two days and giving the horses a mental break while working on other skills.

Gringo has been a significant part of her journey. Despite a setback when Gringo injured himself by running into a fence post, the pair has forged a strong bond. 

"I started riding him last year," said Sharpe, adding, "we're still learning each other but it's going pretty good."

Sharpe’s aspirations extend beyond local competitions, noting she would some day like to compete in the Calgary Stampede.

Her support system includes her father, mother and grandmother, who have all played pivotal roles in her development. 

"Without my grandma I don't think I would have understood how to do it. She just taught me that if there's something I want to do I should achieve it," said Sharpe.

Her gratitude extends to the people who run the Gymkhana events as well. 

"Without them we wouldn't have it," said Sharpe.

In addition to barrel racing, Sharpe is an all-around athlete, competing in basketball, softball, and track and field and despite the competitive nature of barrel racing, Sharpe values the friendships she has formed through competition. 

"It's just friends doing something that we love. If we don't place well it doesn't really matter because we have each other. We all win in the end pretty much," said Sharpe.