Meet
The team
GIRL POWER!
Instructors
Advanced Instructor: Payton Bladow
Payton is a Barrel Racing, Pole Bending, Rodeo, and Horsemanship Instructor with over 8 years of experience helping riders and horses reach their full potential. Her program emphasizes developing strong fundamentals, correct body mechanics, and a deep understanding between horse and rider—both in and out of the arena.
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She believes staying fit physically and mentally to be in tune with our horses is the key to long-term success and competitiveness. Her instruction focuses not only on speed and precision, but also on horsemanship, conditioning, and confidence, ensuring horses stay sound, willing, and competitive.
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She is a proud alumni of the Cal Poly San Luis Obispo Rodeo Team (2018–2022) and has continued to grow her knowledge through clinics with some of the industry’s top professionals, including Molly Powell (10x NFR Qualifier), Sue Smith (3x NFR Qualifier), Ryan Lovendahl and KC Groves (trainers of legendary horses Stingray and Blazin Jetolena), Tonia Forsberg (6x CA Circuit Finalist), and Michele McLeod (4x NFR Qualifier).
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Her goal as an instructor is to help riders build consistency, confidence, and a winning partnership with their horses at every level.
Her favorite thing to do is work with the young ones, as she enjoys watching them progress. In the future, she hopes to continue professionally training futurity colts and place them in the right hands.
Qualifications
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2025 WCBRA Open Top 25 Year-End Standings
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2025 Norco Horseweek Invitational Rodeo Champion
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2025 Outlaw Finals Top 10 Year-end
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2025 Chowchilla Stampede Open Average Champion
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2024 Norco Horseweek Invitational Rodeo Champion
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2024 Outlaw Finals Derby Reserve Champion
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2024 DWPH Fiesta Derby Champion
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2024 C-N Derby Reserve Champion
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2023 WCBRA Futurity Year-End Champion
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2023 WCBRA Open Top 10 Year-End
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2023 DWPH Outlaw Futurity Champion
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2023 DWPH Outlaw Open Reserve Champion
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2021 WCBRA Finals Futurity Champion
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2020 Chasin Dreams Finding Cures Futurity Champion
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CHSRA District 8 4x Barrel Racing Champion and National Qualifier
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2016 California Junior Rodeo Barrel Racing Champion
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Numerous 1D jackpot, rodeo, futurity, and derby wins since 2015
Beginner/ Intermediate Instructor: Sofia Baroldi
In 2019, Sofia began training with PB Performance Horses in the student role. In August of 2024, she and Payton joined forces, allowing Sofia to begin training within the program Payton has built. Since then, her life—and riding career—has never been the same.
Sofia graduated from Esperanza High School in 2024 and is currently enrolled at Santiago Canyon College as an Elementary Education major. Her goal is to become a 2nd or 5th grade teacher, though she would love the opportunity to teach any primary grade.
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Sofia has been giving riding lessons for over five years, beginning at just 14 years old. Her passion and specialty lie in beginner horsemanship and riding fundamentals. She finds immense joy in sharing her love for horses and the sport, and she especially loves watching her students grow—both in and out of the saddle.
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She has competed at many levels, starting with gymkhana (CSHA, 2019), junior rodeo (CJRA, 2020), and high school rodeo (CHSRA, 2021–2023). Sofia has also competed in various barrel racing associations, including WCBRA since 2020 and Outlaw Barrel Races since 2023. During her junior and high school rodeo years, she competed in both barrel racing and pole bending. She was honored to hold the title of Miss CHSRA District 8 for the 2022–2023 season, creating lasting friendships and unforgettable memories through rodeo and queening. She hopes to hold another queening title in the future.
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Those who know Sofia recognize her for her big, bright smile, contagious laughter, and energetic personality—whether she’s talking with her hands or dancing on her feet. She will bring her bubbly attitude into your next lesson!
Beginner Instructor: Madalyn "Maddie" Critchfield
Maddie has been around horses since the age of three, finding comfort and a true sense of home in their presence. She began riding at five, and what started as a simple love quickly grew into a lifelong passion that has shaped who she is today. At nine years old, Maddie began competing and spent seven years participating in gymkhana events. Over the past two years, she has found her heart in barrel racing alongside her horse, Rumor.
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With 13 years of riding experience, Maddie has learned invaluable life skills through horses, including discipline, commitment, perseverance, responsibility, and independence—lessons she carries with her both in and out of the arena. In addition to competing, she enjoys spending peaceful days on the trails, a reminder of why she fell in love with riding in the first place.
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Riding brings Maddie a sense of peace and joy unlike anything else, and she is passionate about sharing her love for horses with others. Whether in the arena or on the trail, horses continue to inspire and humble her. Maddie looks forward to continuing her riding journey and helping others discover the joy of riding.
Lesson HORSEs
Instant Eye Candy: Candy
Candy is one of those rare horses who seems to have been born with a kind heart. At just 5 years old (2021), she is impressively gentle and patient well beyond her years. Cow-horse bred and naturally level-headed, Candy had only 90 days under saddle before joining the lesson program in January of 2025 —her calm demeanor and willingness made her a natural fit right away.
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Candy is a slow, steady walk-and-trot horse, perfect for beginners who are learning the basics and building confidence. She takes wonderful care of her riders and never rushes, making every ride feel safe and enjoyable.
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Don’t let her gentle nature fool you—Candy has plenty of personality! She absolutely loves her grain and will happily let you know when she thinks it’s feeding time. Her adorable facial expressions capture your heart, and she is as sweet as candy.
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Candy has been a cherished part of our lesson program, and she continues to win hearts every day with her gentle spirit, expressive face, and loving attitude.
Justa Classy Peppy: Classy
This seasoned mare is the definition of classy—with a little sass on the side. At 18 years old, she brings a lifetime of experience to our program and has quickly become an advanced rider's dream since joining us in March 2025.
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Cow-horse bred and started on the ranch, she spent years gathering cattle before enjoying a two-year pasture vacation. After her break, she came back to work sharp and willing, and picked up barrel racing fast. She now confidently runs barrels in the 3D and has already won a saddle, proving she still loves having a job to do.
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She’s an advanced lesson horse, best suited for riders who appreciate a smart, honest partner. On the trail? She’s hands-down one of the best—steady, brave, and all business. In the cross-ties, you can expect her favorite hobby: pawing dramatically for attention (especially if cookies are involved).
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She may flash grumpy ears even when she’s perfectly content, and while she’s not big on being petted, she is big on snacks. Her favorite colors are brown and black, her work ethic is unmatched, and her personality is unforgettable. A true professional with cow-horse grit and barrel-horse speed—we’re lucky to have her.
Dee Too Tucker Chex: Breeze
Breeze is a true barn favorite with both talent and heart. Cow-horse bred and started by a cutting trainer before transitioning to barrel racing, she brings a solid foundation, great handle, and tons of experience to everything she does. At 20 years old, Breeze has earned over $25,000 in the 1D/2D, proving she knows her way around the barrel pattern.
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In lessons, Breeze is a bay dream. She’s quiet, honest, and incredibly dependable—making her one of the best trail horses around, as she simply isn’t spooky. Whether you’re working in the arena or heading out on the trail, she takes great care of her rider. Breeze has been a part of the PB Performance Horses family since July 2025 and has been a staple to the program.
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When she’s off duty, Breeze enjoys the finer things in life: sunbathing, relaxing, and collecting cookies and peppermints from her many admirers. She also has a soft spot for the colors orange and purple, which suit her personality perfectly.
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Talented, trustworthy, and full of charm, Breeze is the kind of horse who makes every ride better.
Tivios Lil Starlight: Sweetheart "Sweetie"
Sweetie may be the smallest lesson horse in the barn, but don’t let her 13.3 hands fool you—this gorgeous buckskin is all heart, speed, and try. An advanced lesson horse, Sweetie loves to go fast and brings big-horse energy to every ride.
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She’s cow-horse bred and came to us with an impressive foundation, including 18 months of professional cutting training, which really shows in her quick feet, responsiveness, and work ethic. We’re currently teaching Sweetie barrel racing, and she’s proving to be a natural who thrives on a job.
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Sweetie is 5 years old and new to our program, joining us in December 2025. She’s also the cousin to Candy, so we knew we needed her in our barn!
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Fast, fun, and full of potential, Sweetie is an exciting addition to our lesson program for riders ready to level up.
