[Photos provided]
BALLSTON SPA — Claire Felton, a 15-year-old freshman from Ballston Spa, is a skiing, rodeo, and horseback riding enthusiast. Felton’s parents introduced her to skiing at the age of three and she began racing at age eight. For the past three years, Felton has made it to the USSA Eastern Finals. At sectionals this year, she placed third in the giant slalom, ninth in the slalom, prequalifying her for high school states. At states, she ranked 18th in the slalom, and 17th in the giant slalom. Felton skis on the Ballston Spa high school team, the New York Ski Educational Foundation (NYSEF) team, and the Gore Mountain ski team. Through NYSEF, Felton finished 13th in the slalom, therefore making it to the Eastern Finals. Felton is also a part of the New York State High School Rodeo Association, kids in sixth through twelfth grade compete all over New York State. Competing at a state level, the top four in each event qualify for nationals.
“My dad introduced me to riding horses when I was little, and I started rodeoing when I was seven,” Felton explained.
Felton participates in five rodeo events: barrel racing, team roping, breakaway roping, goat tying, and pole venting. Felton’s first rodeo of 2018 will be April 28; the season finishes in September. Felton says there are similarities between rodeoing and skiing. Each sport helps her to learn sportsmanship and balance.
“Also, being respectful to the coaches and parents, each sport teaches a lot of respect,” she explained.
Felton’s father and grandfather help her train for the rodeo and her parents, Mary and Tim, are her biggest supporters. In her free time, Felton enjoys playing with her Border Collie named Boulder, helping out on her family farm, and hanging out with her friends. Starting high school this year has shown her that with age comes more independence.
“There is more freedom in high school, I get to be a lot more independent. When there is a deadline, it’s a deadline. It makes you more responsible,” she said.
Felton takes AP World History which she plans to continue next year. Felton competes on Bo and Seven, her two horses, and Preacher, her father’s horse.
