Southern Ute Tribal Fair: ‘Ain’t our first rodeo’

Friday - October 3, 2025 by Staff report | The Southern Ute Drum
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Competitors in the Chicken Pull contest race to the finish line all while trying to steal the burlap sack from one another. At the start of the race, riders take turns attempting to pull the sack from the dirt track; after it is pulled out ... the race is on, and anything goes! The rider who crosses the finish line while holding the sack wins.
Mutton busting is an event where children 5-7 years old ride sheep and hold on for as long as possible in hopes of making it to the time limit.
A bronco kicks in the air as the rider holds on hoping to set a time record in his division.
Tatum Bebo (Diné) was crowned ahead of Friday night’s Tribal Fair Rodeo in Ignacio, Colo. as the newest Southern Ute Rodeo Queen for 2025-26. Bebo received a silver crown, rodeo belt buckle, sash and engraved saddle from the Rodeo Committee to commemorate her position, Friday, Sept. 19.
Southern Ute elders were honored by the Rodeo Committee, recognizing the rodeos’ long legacy here in Ignacio, where many Southern Utes made a name for themselves in the rodeo arena. One of the elders recognized on Friday was Barney “Bear” Pinnecoose, who received a Pendelton Blanket.
Southern Ute Rodeo Queen, Tatum Bebo, brings in the tribal flag during opening ceremonies for the Southern Ute Tribal Fair Rodeo, Friday, Sept. 19.
Young rodeo riders take a break from the action to order sodas at the food truck during the Southern Ute Tribal Fair Rodeo, Friday, Sept. 19.
Southern Ute Tribal Fair Rodeo contestants took part in various rodeo events on Friday night.
Aaron Henry, a rodeo worker poses for a photo at the Southern Ute Fair Rodeo.
A bronc rider holds on for as long as possible, trying not to get bucked off during the Southern Ute Tribal Fair Rodeo.
A cowboy rides a bronco during the Southern Ute Tribal Fair Rodeo in the Fairground’s indoor arena.
Southern Ute Tribal member, Shayne White Thunder shows her artwork to the judges during the Best Hand Painted Horse competition.
Southern Ute Tribal member, Malia White Thunder leads her horse in a circle to show the painted artwork to the judges during the Southern Ute Tribal Fair's Best Hand Painted Horse competition.
The Chicken Pull event took place on Saturday, Sept. 20, where contestants sought to pull a burlap bag out of the ground; once the bag is retrieved from the ground, contestants race one lap around the track with the bag to finish the race.
Family members of the late Sam Burch gathered with the first and second place winners following the Sam Burch Memorial Horsemanship contest on Saturday.
Tatum Bebo competes in the Sam Burch Memorial Horsemanship contest; she won second place in the event.
Danielle Austin, and her horse Doc, compete in the Sam Burch Memorial Horsemanship contest on Saturday; the pair went on to take first in the event completing the obstacle course.
Racers take a lap around the track, bareback, holding on to their fruit as they compete in the Watermelon Race on Saturday.
Racers take a lap around the track, bareback, holding on to their fruit as they compete in the Watermelon Race on Saturday.
Photo Credit: Zuriah Baker | The Southern Ute Drum
Photo Credit: Zuriah Baker | The Southern Ute Drum
Photo Credit: Zuriah Baker | The Southern Ute Drum
Photo Credit: Divine Windy Boy | The Southern Ute Drum
Photo Credit: Divine Windy Boy | The Southern Ute Drum
Photo Credit: Jeremy Wade Shockley | The Southern Ute Drum
Photo Credit: Jeremy Wade Shockley | The Southern Ute Drum
Photo Credit: Jeremy Wade Shockley | The Southern Ute Drum
Photo Credit: Jeremy Wade Shockley | The Southern Ute Drum
Photo Credit: Divine Windy Boy | The Southern Ute Drum
Photo Credit: Divine Windy Boy | The Southern Ute Drum
Photo Credit: Divine Windy Boy | The Southern Ute Drum
Photo Credit: Zuriah Baker | The Southern Ute Drum
Photo Credit: Zuriah Baker | The Southern Ute Drum
Photo Credit: Zuriah Baker | The Southern Ute Drum
Photo Credit: Zuriah Baker | The Southern Ute Drum
Photo Credit: Divine Windy Boy | The Southern Ute Drum
Photo Credit: Zuriah Baker | The Southern Ute Drum
Photo Credit: Zuriah Baker | The Southern Ute Drum
Photo Credit: Zuriah Baker | The Southern Ute Drum
Photo Credit: Divine Windy Boy | The Southern Ute Drum
Photo Credit: Divine Windy Boy | The Southern Ute Drum
Photo Credit: Divine Windy Boy | The Southern Ute Drum
Photo Credit: Divine Windy Boy | The Southern Ute Drum
Photo Credit: Divine Windy Boy | The Southern Ute Drum
Photo Credit: Divine Windy Boy | The Southern Ute Drum
Photo Credit: Divine Windy Boy | The Southern Ute Drum
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Rodeo: The Southern Ute Tribal Fair Rodeo took place Friday, Sept. 19 & Saturday, Sept. 20, at the Sky Ute Fairgrounds indoor arena and outdoor racetrack in the heart of Ignacio. The weekend kicked off with the crowning of the new rodeo queen, Tatum Bebo and a recognition of past Southern Ute elders who rodeoed. Following the crowning, the Rodeo was underway, with a full slate of equestrian events including barrel racing, calf roping, bull riding, mutton busting, bronc riding, and various other events throughout the weekend.  

Horsin’ Around: The 103rd Annual Southern Ute Tribal Fair continues with the Horsing Around events on Saturday, Sept. 20 at the Sky Ute Fairgrounds. Ahead of the afternoon Southern Ute Rodeo session, the Watermelon Race, Chicken Pull, Best Hand Painted Horse all took place at the track – tribal members, their families, and surrounding community gathered to cheer on their favorite horse riders. The Sam Burch Memorial Horsemanship took place at the infield in the afternoon; contestants showcased their horsemanship skills for a chance to win a new saddle and other prizes.  

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