Payson Roundup | Payson, AZ

Chelsie Stodghill rode and roped her way to three medals at the Queen Creek Rodeo Association junior rodeo held Sept. 27 and 28 at the Payson Event Center.

Competing opening day in the senior girls age division, Stodghill took firsts in the ribbon roping and barrel racing and third in the breakaway roping.

The Pine girl was one of 11 Rim Country contestants entered in the rodeo that attracted 125 young entrants from around the state.

“The Queen Creek Association was formed to help pre-high school aged youngsters get ready for high school rodeo,” local 4-H Youth Development Agent Lani Hall said.

Queen Creek rodeo competition is open to youths ages 3 to 13 years.

Hall’s two daughters, Bryndee and Brylee both competed in the youth rodeo.

On opening day, Bryndee, 8, was second in goat tying, third in barrel racing and 10th in ribbon roping. Brylee, 10, was first in pole pending, fifth in barrel racing and seventh in goat tying.

Also from Payson, Emily Daniels, competing in the peewee division, was fifth in the flag race, seventh in dummy roping, ninth in goat tail pull and 10th in barrel racing.

Jayme Chilson was second in senior girls breakaway roping.

The Payson junior rodeo was the first of the season on the Queen Creek Association calendar.

The next will be held Nov. 8 and 9 in Buckeye.

The third is set for Jan. 31 and Feb. 1 in Florence.

Lani Hall said she expected many of the Payson youths to compete in Buckeye as well as other events on the junior rodeo circuit.