Celebrating the 102nd Southern Ute Tribal Fair: Horsing Around
Friday - September 20, 2024 by Divine Windy Boy | The Southern Ute Drum
First place winner, Danielle Austin and her horse Doc stand with family members of the late Sam Burch on Saturday, Sept. 14 at the Sky Ute Fairgrounds. Each year the family hosts this contest as part of the Southern Ute Tribal Fair and Rodeo. The Sam Burch Memorial Horsemanship is a competition in the performance and characteristics of a well-mannered, free and easy moving ranch horse, which can get a person around the usual ranch chores, in open country rides and over obstacles.
Contestants in the Sam Burch Memorial Horsemanship contest kick up dust as they ride their horses through the obstacle course on Saturday, Sept. 14 at the Sky Ute Fairgrounds.
Jr. Miss Southern Ute, Leandra Litz and Jessie Sanchez stand together after the announcement of Sanchez’ second place win during the Sam Burch Memorial Horsemanship contest.
Horseback riders take turns grabbing for the Chicken Pull bag during this year's Southern Ute Tribal Fair and Rodeo on Saturday, Sept. 14. After the bag is pulled from the ground, contestants race around the track, trying to nab the bag and cross the finish line ahead of the competition.
The annual watermelon race commenced on Saturday, Sept. 14 as part of the 102nd Annual Southern Ute Tribal Fair and Rodeo, participants race a 5/8-mile track without dropping their melons for a chance at cash prizes.
Mandy Naranjo takes first place in this year’s Painted Horse contest, each contestant presented their hand painted designs to a small panel of judges before the start of the Southern Ute Tribal Fair and Rodeo.
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
The Southern Ute Tribal Fair and Rodeo welcomed some horsing around with multiple contests for locals and rodeo attendees on Saturday, Sept. 14 at the Sky Ute Fairgrounds. This year, contests such as the Chicken Pull, Watermelon Race, Best Hand Painted Horse, and the Sam Burch Memorial Horsemanship filled the track and infield ahead of the second night of Tribal Rodeo. Contestants and spectators from all over Indian Country made their way to Ignacio for this annual celebration, anticipating fun competition throughout the weekend.