Fruita Rim Rock Royalty Rodeos return for summer season
FRUITA, Colo. (KJCT) - The Fruita Rim Rock Royalty Rodeos started up again for the summer.
The rodeo girls compete every Tuesday night in the summer at 7 p.m. in the arena.
Preparation starts in April and May, said Daniele Long, senior queen royalty.
“April will start like, we’ll start before that, but we’ll get them into shape. And then April and May will do practices to get them familiar with pattern, other horses that might be new into the team this year, or just things to get them prepared for Tuesday nights,” Long said.
Building a connection with their horses is a vital part of their practice.
“Spending a lot of time with them. Getting to know their personality. And getting for them to get to know you as well. Making sure you’re having that connection. Making sure that you are starting out with slow movements with your horse. And not moving too fast with them. But it really depends on your horse’s personality as well. Some are spicier than others,” said Piper Yahn, senior princess royalty.
The royalty team consists of four girls, with the youngest being 10 years old and the oldest 18.
“It’s very chaotic sometimes, but it’s really fun. And I love grand entry because you get to go in with the flags and do the pattern,” said Gillian Belk, junior princess royalty.
Royalty with the princess title run with the Colorado flag and the queens with the American flag. However, the title doesn’t matter to them.
“We’re just here to be out here with our horses, having fun, being able to hang out with other girls who have the same interests,” Yahn said.
The girls say that support goes a long way, and they love it when the grandstands are filled.
“Last week, a couple of girls from... a couple of the ladies from church came out to support me. And I went over to say hi to them. And as soon as they saw me, they lit up. And that was like the best feeling ever,” said Dallas Gunderson, junior queen royalty.
The rodeos are held at Rimrock Adventures every Tuesday night until August 18th.
