Popko participates in Equine Affaire demonstration

Kerry Popko was one of six riders who participated in a Pole Bending demonstration clinic at Equine Affaire February 1-4 in Pomona.

The Fallbrook rider participated in the February 2 clinic hosted by Kristie Peterson, a four-time Women’s Pro Rodeo Association world barrel racing champion.

“I liked just going there and seeing everybody involved with horses,” Popko said.

The other five demonstration participants were either older or younger than Popko, who had heard that Equine Affaire was looking for the demonstration riders. Popko noted that the clinic included feedback. “I thought that would be a really good thing,” she said. “I really wanted to pick up something.”

Popko brought Banjo, the horse she uses for high school and junior rodeo performances. Instead of receiving tips from Peterson, however, the champion barrel racer found nothing to correct with Popko’s rides. “She used me as an example,” Popko said. “I was the way to ride.”

That didn’t provide Popko with the tips she wanted, but it pleased her. “That meant a lot,” she said. “That made me feel like really accomplished.”

Peterson said that she saw potential in Popko. “That was just amazing,” Popko said.