Fresno State equestrian junior western rider Paige Barton was one of 12 collegiate reining athletes to compete in the 2018 National Reining Horse Association (NRHA) Derby.

Paige placed ninth in the derby with an overall score of 208.5.

"I felt pretty confident going in," said Barton. "I have been showing in the NRHA non-pro classes for years and those have been the same feel as this one was. It was a lot of fun to meet the riders in the IHSA and see the NCEA riders outside of our normal setting, and get to compete with them."

Paige is the first Bulldog to compete in the NRHA Derby since a pair of riders, Taylor Mason (fifth place) and Lisa Moser (tenth place), competed in 2005.

"This is such a great experience for Paige and for any rider out there," said Fresno State equestrian head coach Eric Hubbard. "Anytime we get to ride unfamiliar horses, it prepares us for one more competition."

See more.