MEEKER | Week two of the Meeker Summer Rodeo Series brought more high-stakes action to the Rio Blanco County Fairgrounds last Thursday night, with competitors battling it out under clear skies and in front of a packed crowd. From lightning-fast breakaway runs to hard-fought bull rides, local talent and visiting cowboys and cowgirls gave the crowd plenty to cheer about.
Unlike in week one, there were steer riders Thursday evening, though none recorded a winning ride. That means $77 will be added to next week’s payout.
In the open team roping event, Joby Barquin and Meeker local Lane Anderson took home the win with a final time of 5.96 seconds. Catherine Edwards and Zane Edinger won the No. 8 team roping.
Husband-and-wife duo Colten and Kaycie Krieder won the dally ribbon roping event with a time of 13.99 seconds.
Deena Norell claimed the open breakaway title with a run of 2.85 seconds.
Ripley Bellio continued her winning streak in the ladies breakaway, following up her week one win with another victory in week two, clocking in at 4.04 seconds.
“I knew the calves were going to be a lot stronger, so I really needed to push the barrier,” said Bellio. “I was lucky enough to draw one of the slower calves, so right when I got close I knew I needed to take my shot to be fast, especially since there were a lot of really talented girls there.”
Bellio rode her seasoned horse Lisa in week one, but switched to a horse named Chrome in week two.
“He’s owned by a friend and client of ours, Jordan Lisco, who’s letting us ride him because I knew I would need a little bit faster horse,” Bellio said.
When asked about the key to her consistency, Bellio credited her mindset.
“My key to consistency is just being confident in myself and my roping and taking my shot—whether it works or doesn’t,” she said.
Whitt Watson, who won the junior breakaway in week one, repeated his success with another win Thursday, clocking a time of 5.96 seconds.
Kelly Conrado won the open barrels event, while Landree Tate picked up another win in the junior barrels. Makena Kruger took home the mutton bustin’ title with a standout ride. She exited the chute riding the sheep backwards and scored 82 points for the win.
Six riders competed in the bull riding event in week two. Three-time Colorado State Champion Logan Durham secured the win with 68 points, earning a $1,000 prize. Though offered a re-ride, Durham chose to keep his original score.
“When they offered me the re-ride I just made a quick decision,” Durham said. “I’ve been struggling with a small rib injury, and I already had my name on a check by getting points, so I decided to play it safe.”
Durham described the ride and what he felt could have gone better.
“When I got the bull I rode, I heard he could be cool in the arena, but if he would have turned back, it would’ve been a lot better. They are harder to ride when they have no rhythm and they don’t score as high. I could have just stayed a little more tight to my rope, but we got the job done,” he said.
Asked how it felt to leave Meeker with the win and a $1,000 check in hand, Durham said, “When you’re going down the road, winning is just part of it. Getting that check makes it easier to get to the next one. Really, just keeping the momentum going is what the sport is about. So when I got the win, there’s no break—it’s just a reason to keep pushing forward.”
As the dust settles from another thrilling week at the Rio Blanco County Fairgrounds, competitors and fans alike are already looking ahead to what week three will bring. With momentum building and rivalries heating up, the Meeker Summer Rodeo Series is proving once again why it’s one of the most exciting events of the summer. Don’t miss the action this Thursday, June 26—slack starts at 6 p.m., and the rodeo kicks off at 7.
