MONTE VISTA — Colorado’s oldest pro rodeo, the Ski-Hi Stampede, put on a show celebrating 101 years in Monte Vista on July 28-30.

On Sunday, July 30, the bleachers were packed with excited people cheering as the rodeo began with a bang. A prayer was said at the beginning of the rodeo and the National Anthem was sung.

First up in the arena were the saddle bronc riders. There were cowboys that got immediately bucked off, but one held steady, Isaac Richard had the top score of the day, 84.5.

The mutton busting contest was also held. In this contest children are put on the back of a sheep and the sheep runs and they try to hold on for as long as they can without falling off. The kids held on tight for a rough little ride on a sheep. The winner of the day was Blanca Montoya who won the mutton busting trophy.

A special presentation was held halfway through the rodeo by the mustang man, Bobby Kerr. Kerr held the attention of three mustangs, and three cattle dogs, on top of a tiny car along with a small trailer hooked to the back.

One dog danced with one of his mustangs, and all three mustangs on command laid down for Kerr and rolled on the ground playfully. All three mustangs stood back up for Kerr and loaded themselves in the front of his car and back of his trailer with his simple commands. Kerr is a rodeo entertainer and travels the country performing at rodeos.

The rodeo also held a barrel racing contest, whipping around the barrels as fast as they could.

Toward the end of the rodeo, there was also a presentation by the Ski-Hi Stampede Committee with Adams State University. Scholarships were presented to Blake Denton and Sommer Amos. Each scholarship was $5,250.

The Stampede Committee recognized David Cooper’s 30 years of service to the committee with the presentation of a plaque.

Bailey Danylo was the overall winner of the local barrel racing contest with 18.49 seconds and took home a saddle. Chase Francis and Fernando Gonzales took home the saddles in local team roping.

The end of the rodeo brought in the feisty bull riding event. Hunter Boydston had the top ride with an 86.

For official results and information on the rodeo, visit online prorodeo.com.