Celebrating the 101st Southern Ute Tribal Fair: Horse Games

Friday - September 22, 2023 by Staff report | The Southern Ute Drum

Southern Ute elder Byron Frost puts his best foot forward in an attempt to best the competition during the Watermelon Foot Race, despite muddy conditions on the track.

Young riders saddle up on their “stick horses” for the youth stick horse race, held inside of the Sky Ute Fairgrounds on Sunday, kicking off an afternoon of horse events and watermelon races. Cultural Department Media Technician, Juliya Valdez helped to coordinate the youth event.

Lorenzo “Woody” Pena, Levi Whitley and Brooke Gilbert fight each other for the money bag and a finish line winner takes all victory on Sunday during the Chicken Pull Competition. Whitley ultimately wrestled the bag from Pena as the trio rounded the last corner of the racetrack, claiming the cash prize.

Keagan Black won first place for her hand-painted horse entry, named “Doc.” Keagan, her mother Nicole, and Doc — stand for a photo following the Painted Horse Competition.

Ivan Watts (Pictured in red) makes small talk with a fellow competitor as the two ready themselves for the Watermelon Foot Race, these two competed in the youth category for fastest time to the finishing line.

Lorenzo “Woody” Pena pulls the buried bag during the Chicken Pull event, held on Saturday, Sept. 16. Contestants take turns trying to pull up the buried bag, after which they must complete one lap around the track all while fighting off other contestants who can try to steal the bag.

D’Lynn Jacobs competes in the Watermelon Foot Race, a new competition introduced during this year’s Fair. Contestants race against one another while holding watermelons for their chance at a cash prize.

Photo Credit: Jeremy Wade Shockley | The Southern Ute Drum

Photo Credit: Divine Windy Boy | SU Drum

In keeping with tradition, the Southern Ute Culture Department hosted a full afternoon of horse games and competitions at the Sky Ute Fairgrounds on Saturday, Sept. 16, in conjunction with the Southern Ute Tribal Fair Rodeo. Victors took home cash prizes in adult and youth categories ranging from bareback horse watermelon race to the best hand painted horse. The watermelon foot race was introduced this year, which proved to be a hit with participants of all ages.

101ST ANNUAL SOUTHERN UTE TRIBAL FAIR

HORSE EVENTS RESULTS

Chicken Pull

Levi Whitley

Bareback Watermelon Race

Zaine Hight

Painted Horse

Keegan Black

Watermelon Run

Female D’Lynn Jacobs

Male Jerid Sandoval

Youth Ivan Watts