4-H Rodeo Ropers & Riders compete in Bosque Farms

BOSQUE FARMS — It was one last roundup for the season, as young cowgirls and cowboys Sept. 20-22 descended on Bosque Farms for the New Mexico 4-H State Rodeo Finals.

“Every county has its own program,” said Toma Shaver, president of New Mexico 4-H Rodeo Board, who lives a stone’s throw from the Bosque Farms arena. “We had qualifying rodeos in three different locations in the state,” for a total of six rodeos.

A total of 42 competitors showed their skills at the three-day event at Bosque Farms Association Rodeo Arena. Contestants, from ages 8 to 19 years old, qualify in standard rodeo events and must be a member of a 4-H club.

One of those qualifiers was 18-year-old Peyton Berretta, of Belen, who competed in the senior division in breakaway and team roping.

“When you have your header and heeler and everything comes together and you win, it’s pretty cool,” Berretta said. “It’s just like, ‘we did this together.’”

Berretta started 4-H rodeo when she was about 13 years old.

“I was very shy, and I didn’t talk to anyone really, but it got me out here,” she explained, helping her gain confidence and make friends.

4-H cowboys and cowgirls must pass safety requirements along the way.

“This is where they start,” said Shaver about learning the sport, with some moving eventually to the professional ranks. “They have competent people teaching them how to do things correctly.”