Korbyn Barnett Opens Hooey Junior Patriot with 12 & Under Pole Bending Win

Korbyn Barnett wasted no time making an impression at the Hooey Junior Patriot, posting a 21.370-second run to win the 12 & Under Pole Bending Last Chance Qualifier and $1,232.

The 11-year-old from New Waverly, Texas, piloted her mare Bug My Valentine—known as “Val”—to the winning time in the opening round of competition, setting the tone for what could be a busy week across multiple events and age divisions.

“I was just trying to make a clean, smooth run,” Barnett said. “We’ve been having a little trouble at that end pole, but I think it went how I needed it to go.”

Barnett’s winning run was nearly flawless, though the final pole made things interesting.

“That last pole was a little close,” Barnett said with a laugh. “Very close.”

The young cowgirl competes across a full slate of events at the Junior Patriot, including pole bending, barrel racing, breakaway roping and goat tying. Because of her age, Barnett is eligible to enter multiple age divisions in certain events, giving her opportunities to compete in the 12 & Under, 15 & Under and 19 & Under classes.

Barnett and her family arrived in Fort Worth well prepared, hauling seven horses for the week’s competition.

“We brought two for poles, two barrel horses—one that also runs poles—a breakaway horse, a goat horse and a team roping horse to jackpot on,” Barnett said.

The pole-bending victory marked a strong start to Barnett’s first appearance at the Junior Patriot, with the Texas cowgirl planning to continue competing throughout the week in several disciplines.

“I’m pretty excited,” Barnett said. “So far I like it—it’s pretty fun.”

With the first win already secured, Barnett hopes it’s only the beginning.

“I’m ready to do more winning,” she said.