Claire Walden & “Dixie”
Hinton, WV · Qualified at The Good Evening Ranch
“The thing I love most about Dixie is how she takes care of me no matter what! She is my best friend and I wouldn’t be here without her. That’s why after every rodeo I show her my appreciation and get her her favorite ice cream.”
This is Claire Walden’s first time qualifying — and she’s doing it on the horse she started her rodeo career with. Her biggest win as a rider is one you can’t buy: carrying the American flag on Dixie at the Alderson Show, which ended up on the news.
The Waldens live on a small farm in Hinton, and Claire loves riding in the mountains — their favorite ride is out to Sandstone Falls. Her mom taught her everything she knows about horses, is always there when she messes up, and is tough on her when she needs it. And Dixie is “just ornery enough to push me to be a better rider, but always takes care of me.”
Claire also wanted to thank her dad, “for supporting me and always getting me to my rodeos — from catching me in the alley to doing anything else I may need.”
Welcome to the Best of the Best, Claire.
#BOTB2026 #BestOfTheBest #15Years #OnTheRoadWithDawnAndClea
On the Road with Dawn and Clea 