The Tabeguache Trail Riders (TTR), the local horse group, holds a gymkhana series at the Nucla arena each summer. On Sunday, Sept. 29, the club held its annual awards banquet at the Nucla Fire Hall, and had a potluck celebration to announce the high-point results.
The winners for the 2024 summer gymkhana series are as follows:
This year, for the 6 & Under division, in first place was Kelsey Carter, second was Colt Carter, third was Taylor Bachman, and fourth was Elizabeth Jones.
For the age 7-10 division, first place was Brynna Bonaquista, second was Presley Bachman, third was Kyndle Weimer and fourth was Damara O’Connell. Recognized for participating was Brentlee Daniels.
In the 11-14 division, first was Savannah Norris, and second was Danica Stone. Coming in third was Niki Daniels, and fourth was D.J. O’Connell. Recognized in that division for participating were Mya Garvey, Kynnlie McCabe and Emma Smithey.
For the 15-18 age group, Josey Tedder was first place; David Quigley was second.
In the 19 & Up division, Brandie Richardson was the first-place winner; Sabra Grierson was second; Angela Carter was third, and Sam Rich was fourth. Also participating this year in the adult division were Kim Sawmill and Darcy Weimer.
This year, TTR gave away a trophy saddle, made possible through generous donations. The board announced Kelsey Carter as the club’s high-point winner Sunday, a surprise to the little girl, who had no idea. Still, at only 6 years old, it’s not her first trophy saddle. In fact, she won the saddle at the 2024 San Miguel Basin Junior Rodeo this summer too. It’s been reported to the Forum that she likes to ride fast.
But, West Enders know these are Larry and Angela Carter’s kids. Rodeo is in their blood. Larry Carter grew up rodeoing and was a high school, college and professional rodeo cowboy in the CPRA and NMPRA. He has several state champion titles and won 20 different saddles. Angela Carter is a lifelong horsewoman — and the daughter of Kathy and the late Bruce Nay — with college and pro-rodeo experience; She’s won several saddles herself.
Additionally, Colt Carter, age 4, won the TTR Little Bronc trophy Sunday, which goes to someone who is bucked off or falls off — but then has the courage to get back on their horse and continue. The TTR board said “it’s a beautiful thing to see someone get right back up after they take a serious tumble, and Colt Carter did just that.”
Colt Carter already has winnings too, after taking the all-around at the rodeo in Collbran this summer.
John Reed, who is the TTR vice president, tends to fulfill any job that needs done for the club. That includes fundraising, event preparation and prop building. He’s also the “grill master” for the gymkhana night concessions. Before summer, he did speak with local businesses about sponsorships for the gymkhana series, and the response he got was overwhelming.
“My first time ever doing something like this, and we had over 30 sponsors. A big thank you to all of them for making these great prizes possible,” he said. “Also, we have to thank Sam Rich for the generous provision of her horses, let alone their transportation to and from the arena. Without her, many of our youth would not have had the opportunity to participate.”
Reed said it was an honor to present the prize awards, especially to the Carter children for their big wins.
“It was a wonderful turnout, and we can't wait for next year,” Reed said.
