The Payson Roundup / Gymkhana series ends with buckle awards

Archive for Friday, October 3, 2008

October 3, 2008, 10:37 a.m.

Updated: October 3, 2008, 10:35 a.m.

The Mogollon Montoneras Gymkhana series wrapped up Sept. 20 with the tallying of points, the crowning of age division winners and awarding of buckles.

The series kicked off in April and competitions were held once each month at the Payson Event Center.

“Barrel racing and pole bending were run at each, along with one other speed event,” Montoneras member Marla Milam said.

Some of those were odd-sounding competitions like Waterglass, Big O, Butterfly and Big T.

The Montoneras-sponsored gymkhanas have long been a huge part of Rim Country culture, and annually draw equestrians of all ages.

“Contestants ranged from three (years) to 70 and we drew as many as 60 contestants,” Milam said.

The Mogollon Montoneras organization is a nonprofit group run solely by volunteers. Which means members and their families are usually asked to assist with the production of the events, including setup, breakdown and working the entry/exit gates.

In the Lead Line Division, which is comprised of contestants usually younger than five years, buckle winners included Mayzee Taylor, Daltin Stockon and Blake McRae.

Other top finishers were:

6 & Under Division:

1st: Madison McRae

2nd: Hanna Tomerlin

3rd: Lexi Ward

7 - 9 Division:

1st: Dakotta Stockon

2nd: Kara Ward

3rd: Makiah Taylor

4th: Destynee Stockon

5th: Tony Root

10 - 13 Division: