While his competitors, ranging from ages 3 to 6, toppled over shortly after the gates opened, Guiles had a different tactic: cling on with all you’ve got.
As Guiles glued himself to the side of the angry sheep, the crowd went wild.
After the race, Guiles wasn’t surprised he’d take the victory.
“I knew I would win. My dad encouraged me,” he said as his dad, Monty Guiles, beamed in the background. “He said hang on tight and wrap your legs.”
Ute Mountain Rodeo Roundup board member Donna Foster said the turnout for the second night of the 85th Ute Mountain Roundup Rodeo was impressive. Very few vacant seats could be seen in the stands as fans young and old piled in to get a good view of the mud-splattered action.
“I think it’s been going really well. We’ve got a lot of kids here for the mutton busters. The rodeo is just an exciting event for the community,” said Foster.
A Montezuma County summertime tradition since 1930, the rodeo has become an integral part of the local identity and a draw for fans from around the region.
“It’s an amazing feeling (to be able to carry on the 85-year tradition),” Foster said.
While the mutton busters contest is always a huge draw for attendees, the highlight for many is being able to see bronc riders, bull riders, calf ropers, barrel racers and more from all over the country-- some of them with national and world titles under their belt buckles.
Among those with rodeo starpower competing were Taos Muncy, of Corona, New N.M.
Muncy is a two-time World Champion and a Canadian Champion, and according to the announcer, Muncy has made $1.2 million in winnings over the course of his career.
If you missed Friday night’s action, the rodeo starts again on Saturday at the Montezuma County Fairgrounds at 7 p.m.