Emily Wilkins of Bath, New York, won the Troxel Side-Pot at the National Barrel Horse Association Youth World Championships on July 24 with a 14.812 aboard Chasin Easy Money.
Interview by Tammy Sronce with NBHA for Barrel Horse News
NBHA: What horses did you bring?
Wilkins: I brought Chasin Easy Money (2008 gelding, Chasin Firewater x WCR Miss Precocious x Easy Dinero) and Shake It For Tina (2013 gelding, Royal Shake Em x Truly A Favorite x Truley First Class).
NBHA: Tell me about your run that won the Troxel Side-Pot.
Wilkins: It was a great run. He felt good, and I was really excited about it. His first run is always clean and consistent. He’s a great horse, and I’m excited for our finals run.
NBHA: Do you always run in a helmet? What is the main reason you choose to ride in a helmet?
Wilkins: I do. I always run in a helmet. Like my dad always says, “You only have one chance with your head, so make sure you protect it.”
NBHA: What’s your philosophy going into the finals?
Wilkins: I’m just going to treat it like any other run and try not to work myself up and go in and make my run and hope for the best.