Agriculture

Junior Rodeo kicks off Fair Week

Trophies given in three age groups.
Makiley Loveless competes in the barrel racing at the junior rodeo. Loveless won the 9-13 girls all around and barrel racing. Photo by Blaire Strohn.
Makiley Loveless competes in the barrel racing at the junior rodeo. Loveless won the 9-13 girls all around and barrel racing. Photo by Blaire Strohn.
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The fog lifted on Saturday, Sept. 29 just in time for the San Benito County Fair Junior Rodeo.

The annual rodeo drew over 100 competitors. Young riders from around the state packed up their horse trailers and traveled to the Bolado Park Fairgrounds were the event took place.

The day was packed with western horse events including goat tying, keyhole, steer stopping, team roping, breakaway roping, calf roping, barrel racing, pole bending and single stake. Pee Wee events included dummy roping, mutton busting, stick horse race, boot race and goat tail untying.

“This is the first time I entered my daughter in the junior rodeo,” said Brittany Frick. Frick’s daughter, Isabella Ford, competed in the stick horse race and mutton busting.

Awards included beautiful trophy saddles for boys and girls all-around champion in three age groups, as well as awards through fourth place and cash payouts in each event.

“I remember 20 years ago when my kids, Wade and Chad, would compete at this very same junior rodeo,” said Lynn Jacobson. Jacobson was their to watch her grandson, Luke, compete in the pee wee events.

All-around winners were:

Age 8 and under Girls: Logann Busick and Brooklynn Anderson

Age 8 and under Boys: Von Robinson

 

Ages 9-13 Girls: Makiley Loveless

Ages 9-13 Boys: Vincent Nino

 

Ages 14-18 Girls: Gracie Bolin-Mansmith

Ages 14-18 Boys: Jake Bourdet

 

Hauling horses and spending time with family is just part of the junior rodeo atmosphere.

“Hometown rodeos are the best,” said contestant Lilla Bell, who won the ages 14-18 girls breakaway roping.

The junior rodeo was a kick-off for the San Benito County Fair, which begins Thursday, Oct. 4.

For more information on the fair, visit their website.

 

 

bstrohn

Blaire Strohn is a graduate student at Oklahoma State University focusing on International Agriculture. Blaire also graduated from California State University, Fresno with a Bachelors Degree in Agriculture Communications. Born and raised on a cow/calf operation ranch in Paicines, she is passionate about the agriculture community and western way of life.