Thousands of rodeo fans attended the 70th annual Smokey Bear Stampede at the Lincoln County Fairgrounds, and at the 103rd Mescalero Rodeo July 1-4 to see competitors attempt bull riding, saddle bronc and bareback horse riding, calf and breakaway roping and barrel racing.
At the Smokey Bear, Cody Garcia, a team roping competitor from Anthony, N.M. won the “Top Gun Award” given to the individual who earned the most money over the four-day rodeo. Garcia took home $7,410 along with a Henry lever-action rifle.
Average winners over the four-day rodeo included:
• Bull Riding: Abileno Ortiz, Estancia, N.M.
• Tie Down Roping: Braxton McKinnley, Los Lunas, N.M.
• Breakaway Roping: Kashlee Schumacher, Hereford, Texas
• Barrel Racing: Malyka Muller, Los Lunas, N.M.
• Team Roping: Bodee Baize and Cody Garcia, Anthony, N.M.
• #10 Team Roping: Colter and Cade Figg, Clovis, N.M.
Mescalero results
The Samson Miller Rodeo Arena in Mescalero was likewise packed for four days of rodeo performances and patriotic celebrations.
High money winners for the weekend were Chancie Roberts – who took home $3,053 for her prowess in barrel racing and breakaway roping – and Noah Gonzales, who was the top bull rider for a total of $2,440. Each competitor also won an ice chest donated by Mescalero Big Game Hunts.
Additional winners in Mescalero included Harlie Nunn, youth barrel racing champion; Jace Ramone, junior bull riding champion; Catch Roberts, steer riding champion; and the team of the Gibson Boys in the wild horse race.
Also receiving buckles were Mescalero youth participants Bryar Dolan in steer wrestling, Caleb Geronimo in junior bull riding, and Lozana Chico in youth barrel racing.
