New Mexico’s Louann Pareo topped the 12 & Under pole bending semifinals at the 2026 Hooey Junior Patriot, clocking a 20.209-second run aboard her 9-year-old mare “Claire,” to earn $2,500 and advance in the Fort Worth event. 

Pareo earned $2,500 for the .3 second win over No. 2 cowgirl, Lace Melancon. 

The run came together despite Pareo thinking she might not make it out without penalty.

“I thought I was actually going to hit the end pole,” Pareo said. “But when I figured out I turned it, I just needed to sit down and use my feet.” 

The mare Pareo affectionately calls “Claire Bear,” is a home-raised horse that has been used in multiple rodeo disciplines before settling into the pole bending.

“We raised her,” Pareo said. “My brother tied down on her first, then he used her for reined cow horse and cutting. My mom and I ended up turning her into a pole horse.” 

That foundation outside the pole bending has helped Claire develop the footwork needed for the poles.

“In poles I use my feet a lot, so it helps because she knows how to get down on the dirt and move her feet really well,” Pareo said. 

Pareo has stayed busy throughout the Junior Patriot week in Fort Worth competing in multiple events, including barrels, breakaway roping and tie-down roping. At home in New Mexico, she spends much of her time riding outside the arena helping with cattle and starting young horses.

With the semifinal win secured, Pareo will now look toward additional opportunities later in the week at The Patriot.

“I just want to have a nice clean run and try to win,” Pareo said.