Weekly event at La Plata County Fairgrounds seeks to expand its reach while staying true to its roots
Cowboys watch the action in the arena Wednesday during the True Western Roundup rodeo at the La Plata County Fairgrounds. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)
In the heart of a sun-soaked Western arena, where the mingling aroma of hay and anticipation fills the air, a fearless saddle bronc rider grips a braided rein and locks eyes with his spirited steed. Amid echoing cheers and swirling dust, Michie Story readies himself to conquer the untamed power of a bronc.
Spectators packed in the stands Wednesday evening at the La Plata County Fairgrounds to witness the True Western Roundup’s third rodeo show of the summer. Story, a Colorado State High School Rodeo Association rider, stole the show.
Mitchell Story, a Colorado State High School Rodeo Association rider, wearing the red shirt, is recognized on Wednesday during the True Western Roundup rodeo at the La Plata County Fairgrounds.
The rodeo kicked off with chute dogging followed by ranch bronc riding. Next was steer wrestling, where a cowboy jumps from his moving horse onto a steer and wrestles the animal to the ground by the horns. The fourth event was a ceremony for Story honoring his accomplishments and future in rodeo.
The Durango native will compete at the National High School Rodeo Finals in Gillette, Wyoming, on July 16. Story has competed in saddle bronc riding since sixth grade and has received a full-ride scholarship to compete in rodeo at Weatherford College in Texas next fall.
“I grew up around horses, but my love for bronc riding is really my dad’s fault,” Story said. “He rode when he was my age, and, you know, everybody wants to be like their dad.”
Saddle bronc traces its roots back to the Old West when cowboys would throw saddles on wild horses to break and train them for their cattle ranches. It is considered to be rodeo’s classic event. The crowd favorites were mutton busting, where children under the age of 7 ride sheep with only the animal’s fur to grip, and of course, bull riding.
Mitchell Story rides Daddy Roy while competing in saddle bronc riding on Wednesday during the True Western Roundup rodeo at the La Plata County Fairgrounds. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)
Jerry McBride
Shilo Vallejos gets thrown from his bull on Wednesday during the True Western Roundup. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)
Dressed in denim jeans, a weathered leather vest and a wide-brimmed hat shadowing his eyes, Story waited anxiously in the chute gate for the announcer to call his name.
When the gates swung open, the white and brown spotted horse exploded into the arena, muscles rippling beneath his sleek coat. Story’s grip on the braided rope was strong as he matched the rhythm of the horse’s violent movements. His legs clung to the sides of the bronc, and his ride became a dance between man and beast.
After eight seconds fighting to maintain his balance with one hand free in the air, Story released his grip on the rope and dismounted the horse. Judges awarded Story 79 points for his ride.
Story said rodeo has shaped him into the person he is today and it is a blessing to be able to compete. He understands why people might think the sport is harmful to animals, but he said that is not the case. He has written multiple school papers about the sport’s controversy.
“You’ve got to come live a day in the life of a cowboy or cowgirl to see how much we really care about these animals. I feed my animals before I feed myself,” he said. “We don’t want to cause harm in any way; we can’t participate in the sport without the animals.”
The True Western Roundup’s mission is to preserve the Western heritage of Southwest Colorado. Delaney Wesner, 16, serves as this year’s True Western Roundup Queen.
“The rodeo is a part of our heritage,” she said. “Cowgirls and cowboys are a part of this area’s background, and it’s important for people to know that and see what we do.”
Kate Broft competes in the ladies barrel race on Wednesday during the True Western Roundup rodeo at the La Plata County Fairgrounds. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)
Pam Petrie, owner and producer of the True Western Roundup, said each rodeo event reflects a different activity done in the ranching and farming world. The show attracts contestants mainly from the Four Corners.
“There was and is still a purpose for each event,” she said. “For instance, the reason we do roping is because if a calf needs to be medicated or taken care of by a doctor, you have to tie them down.”
Tace Krueger competes in steer wrestling Wednesday during the True Western Roundup rodeo at the La Plata County Fairgrounds. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)
A cowboy competes in saddle bronc riding Wednesday during the True Western Roundup. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)
The True Western Roundup, formerly known as the True West Rodeo, was founded in 2014 by Al Harper, owner of the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad. Petrie said the name changed in 2020 because event organizers wanted it to be more than just a rodeo. For the past three years it has offered a variety of Western events.
One of the biggest events this summer will be a performance from the San Juan Symphony and the trick riders of Riata Ranch in Three Rivers, California, on Aug. 2. The cowgirl trick riders will preform stunts on the back of galloping horses in a choreographed routine while the Symphony plays live in the arena.
Petrie said the event is two years in the making and it will bring the community together in a special way.
“We want to introduce our Western heritage to a different audience that might not otherwise see it, like the arts and music audience,” she said.
The True Western Roundup will hold an open rodeo at 6:30 p.m. for the next two Wednesdays, June 28 and July 5. Tickets are $18 for adults and $12 for youths and seniors.
It will host the Professional Bull Riders on July 12; the Legends Roughstock, a senior athlete rodeo, on July 19; and the Western Variety show on Aug. 9.
The True Western Roundup will end the summer with an all-women’s rodeo to benefit cancer awareness. The Cowgirls Kickin’ Cancer show will be held Aug. 23.
glanderyou@durangoherald.com
Tace Krueger competes in steer wrestling on Wednesday during the True Western Roundup rodeo at the La Plata County Fairgrounds. Photo by Jerry McBride/Durango Herald
Jerry McBride
A rodeo judge on Wednesday during the True Western Roundup rodeo at the La Plata County Fairgrounds. Photo by Jerry McBride/Durango Herald
Jerry McBride
Rodeo clown Shane Hardy entertains the crowd on Wednesday during the True Western Roundup rodeo at the La Plata County Fairgrounds. Photo by Jerry McBride/Durango Herald
Jerry McBride
Terrell Begaye on Wednesday during the True Western Roundup rodeo at the La Plata County Fairgrounds. Photo by Jerry McBride/Durango Herald
Jerry McBride
Rodeo announcer J.W. Kinder in the booth Wednesday during the True Western Roundup rodeo at the La Plata County Fairgrounds. Photo by Jerry McBride/Durango Herald
Jerry McBride
A cowboy competes in saddle bronc riding on Wednesday during the True Western Roundup rodeo at the La Plata County Fairgrounds. Photo by Jerry McBride/Durango Herald
Jerry McBride
Cowboys compete in team roping Wednesday during the True Western Roundup rodeo at the La Plata County Fairgrounds. Photo by Jerry McBride/Durango Herald
Jerry McBride
Sunset on Wednesday during the True Western Roundup rodeo at the La Plata County Fairgrounds. Photo by Jerry McBride/Durango Herald
Jerry McBride
Vendors are set up on Wednesday during the True Western Roundup rodeo at the La Plata County Fairgrounds. Photo by Jerry McBride/Durango Herald
Jerry McBride
Terrell Begaye competes in mutton bustin on Wednesday during the True Western Roundup rodeo at the La Plata County Fairgrounds. Photo by Jerry McBride/Durango Herald
Jerry McBride
Jimmy James Jr. competes in mutton bustin on Wednesday during the True Western Roundup rodeo at the La Plata County Fairgrounds. Photo by Jerry McBride/Durango Herald
Jerry McBride
A decorated cowboy hat on Wednesday during the True Western Roundup rodeo at the La Plata County Fairgrounds. Photo by Jerry McBride/Durango Herald
Jerry McBride
Cowboys compete in tie down roping on Wednesday during the True Western Roundup rodeo at the La Plata County Fairgrounds. Photo by Jerry McBride/Durango Herald
Jerry McBride
Cowboys compete in tie down roping on Wednesday during the True Western Roundup rodeo at the La Plata County Fairgrounds. Photo by Jerry McBride/Durango Herald
Jerry McBride
Tace Krueger competes in steer wrestling on Wednesday during the True Western Roundup rodeo at the La Plata County Fairgrounds. Photo by Jerry McBride/Durango Herald
Jerry McBride
Cowboys watch the action in the arena on Wednesday during the True Western Roundup rodeo at the La Plata County Fairgrounds. Photo by Jerry McBride/Durango Herald
Jerry McBride
A cowboy competes in saddle bronc riding on Wednesday during the True Western Roundup rodeo at the La Plata County Fairgrounds. Photo by Jerry McBride/Durango Herald
Jerry McBride
Mitchell Story rides Daddy Roy while competing in saddle bronc riding on Wednesday during the True Western Roundup rodeo at the La Plata County Fairgrounds. Photo by Jerry McBride/Durango Herald
Jerry McBride
A cowboy competes in saddle bronc riding on Wednesday during the True Western Roundup rodeo at the La Plata County Fairgrounds. Photo by Jerry McBride/Durango Herald
Jerry McBride
Mitchell Story rides Daddy Roy while competing in saddle bronc riding on Wednesday during the True Western Roundup rodeo at the La Plata County Fairgrounds. Photo by Jerry McBride/Durango Herald
Jerry McBride
A cowboy competes in saddle bronc riding on Wednesday during the True Western Roundup rodeo at the La Plata County Fairgrounds. Photo by Jerry McBride/Durango Herald
Jerry McBride
Shilo Vallejos gets ready for his first time riding a bull on Wednesday during the True Western Roundup rodeo at the La Plata County Fairgrounds. Photo by Jerry McBride/Durango Herald
Jerry McBride
Lilli Goltz competes in the ladies barrel race on Wednesday during the True Western Roundup rodeo at the La Plata County Fairgrounds. Photo by Jerry McBride/Durango Herald
Jerry McBride
Kate Broft competes in the ladies barrel race on Wednesday during the True Western Roundup rodeo at the La Plata County Fairgrounds. Photo by Jerry McBride/Durango Herald
Jerry McBride
Yovana Malagon gets thrown from her bull on Wednesday during the True Western Roundup rodeo at the La Plata County Fairgrounds. Photo by Jerry McBride/Durango Herald
Jerry McBride
Grace McCollum competes in mutton bustin on Wednesday during the True Western Roundup rodeo at the La Plata County Fairgrounds. Photo by Jerry McBride/Durango Herald
Jerry McBride
Mavryk Billy Harrison competes in mutton bustin on Wednesday during the True Western Roundup rodeo at the La Plata County Fairgrounds. Photo by Jerry McBride/Durango Herald
Jerry McBride
Diesel Thompson competes in mutton bustin on Wednesday during the True Western Roundup rodeo at the La Plata County Fairgrounds. Photo by Jerry McBride/Durango Herald
Jerry McBride
Porter Carr competes in calf riding on Wednesday during the True Western Roundup rodeo at the La Plata County Fairgrounds. Photo by Jerry McBride/Durango Herald
Jerry McBride
Cowboys compete in tie down roping on Wednesday during the True Western Roundup rodeo at the La Plata County Fairgrounds. Photo by Jerry McBride/Durango Herald
Jerry McBride
Paisley Foster competes in ladies breakaway roping on Wednesday during the True Western Roundup rodeo at the La Plata County Fairgrounds. Photo by Jerry McBride/Durango Herald
Jerry McBride
Paisley Foster competes in ladies breakaway roping on Wednesday during the True Western Roundup rodeo at the La Plata County Fairgrounds. Photo by Jerry McBride/Durango Herald
Jerry McBride
Ryan Satterfield and his children Savvy, 3, and Sully, 7, on Wednesday watch the True Western Roundup rodeo at the La Plata County Fairgrounds. Photo by Jerry McBride/Durango Herald
Jerry McBride
Bergan Yazzie competes in ladies breakaway roping on Wednesday during the True Western Roundup rodeo at the La Plata County Fairgrounds. Photo by Jerry McBride/Durango Herald
Jerry McBride
Mitchell Story, a Colorado State High School Rodeo Association rider, is recognized on Wednesday during the True Western Roundup rodeo at the La Plata County Fairgrounds. Photo by Jerry McBride/Durango Herald
Jerry McBride
Shilo Vallejos gets ready for his first time riding a bull on Wednesday during the True Western Roundup rodeo at the La Plata County Fairgrounds. Photo by Jerry McBride/Durango Herald
Jerry McBride
A bull fighter distracts a bull from the cowboy who got thrown on Wednesday during the True Western Roundup rodeo at the La Plata County Fairgrounds. Photo by Jerry McBride/Durango Herald
Jerry McBride
A rider gets thrown from his bull on Wednesday during the True Western Roundup rodeo at the La Plata County Fairgrounds. Photo by Jerry McBride/Durango Herald
Jerry McBride
Shilo Vallejos rides his bull on Wednesday during the True Western Roundup rodeo at the La Plata County Fairgrounds. Photo by Jerry McBride/Durango Herald
Jerry McBride
Conrad Medina competes in ranch bronc riding on Wednesday during the True Western Roundup rodeo at the La Plata County Fairgrounds. Photo by Jerry McBride/Durango Herald
Jerry McBride
Noah Higgins relaxes and reads Heart of a Champion before competing in bull riding on Wednesday during the True Western Roundup rodeo at the La Plata County Fairgrounds. Photo by Jerry McBride/Durango Herald
Jerry McBride
David Goff competes in ranch bronc riding on Wednesday during the True Western Roundup rodeo at the La Plata County Fairgrounds. Photo by Jerry McBride/Durango Herald
Jerry McBride
Shilo Vallejos gets thrown from his bull on Wednesday during the True Western Roundup rodeo at the La Plata County Fairgrounds. Photo by Jerry McBride/Durango Herald
We use cookies to improve your experience on our site. By using our site, you consent to our policies
Functional
Always active
The technical storage or access is strictly necessary for the legitimate purpose of enabling the use of a specific service explicitly requested by the subscriber or user, or for the sole purpose of carrying out the transmission of a communication over an electronic communications network.
Preferences
The technical storage or access is necessary for the legitimate purpose of storing preferences that are not requested by the subscriber or user.
Statistics
The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for statistical purposes.The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for anonymous statistical purposes. Without a subpoena, voluntary compliance on the part of your Internet Service Provider, or additional records from a third party, information stored or retrieved for this purpose alone cannot usually be used to identify you.
Marketing
The technical storage or access is required to create user profiles to send advertising, or to track the user on a website or across several websites for similar marketing purposes.
