Socorro’s youth shine in rodeo arenas across New Mexico

In dusty arenas across New Mexico, a group of dedicated young rodeo athletes from Socorro County are bringin’ home the buckles. From steer riding and breakaway roping, to pole bending and barrel racing, these local cowgirls and cowboys say that success in the sport takes humility, discipline, and most of all, teamwork.

Shayden Santillanes, 16, and her brother Kenden Santillanes, 12, can’t remember their first time on a horse, probably because it was before they could walk. Today the formidable siblings have racked up awards in multiple events.

Shayden recently won a saddle for All Around Cowgirl from the New Mexico Junior Rodeo Association (NMJRA) for competing in barrel racing, pole bending, goat tying, and breakaway roping. She also brought home three buckles for barrel racing champion, pole bending champion, and all around champion from Grants. Shayden also won stirrups from the Hot Springs Rodeo Association (HSRA) in Truth or Consequences. And, she is currently running for Socorro Rodeo Queen after winning Sweetheart and Princess in years past.

According to Shayden, riding and training every day and trusting her teammate, a “fleabitten” Appaloosa named Piejo, is integral to her success. “We just have a good relationship,” she said. “He knows what he needs to do, and I know what I need to do for him. I have to trust him and he needs to trust me. If I second-guess him, it doesn’t work.”

Shayden, who is planning to apply to NMSU, said rodeo has taught her focus and discipline. “You gotta keep a clear mind when you enter that arena. Once they open that gate, everything in your mind has to go blank to focus on your run,” she said. “When I win something, I get really happy with myself, especially if I’m working these horses, because it wasn’t all me. We’re a team.”

Her younger sibling, Kenden, is following closely in her bootprints as a steer rider, recently earning stirrups in T or C and a buckle for covering a steer for eight seconds in Grants. Like his sister, he said rodeo has taught him focus and patience—skills that carry over into school and everyday life. “Before my run, I sit quietly and think,” he said. “Rodeo has taught me to never give up on your horses, even if they do bad, and never give up on yourself.”

Another young competitor is Madison Chavez-Lopez, 11, and her Palomino Blondie. After a learning curb in 2024, she’s now picking up steam, earning champion flag racer in Grants, as well as placements in pole bending and barrel racing. In T or C she took home a headstall from HSRA for sixth place all-around cowgirl.

She credits Blondie with much of her success. “She’s like a best friend. We hang out all the time. If I need to talk, I talk to her—she keeps my secrets,” she said. Meanwhile, her dreams are as big as the arenas she competes in: to become a professional barrel racer like Fallon Taylor and one day be crowned Miss Rodeo America. In preparation she’s running for Socorro Rodeo Sweetheart, and like all the young ladies running for fair and rodeo royalty, are seeking monetary donations from the public.

With a little help from mom and dad and her pony Jax, 4-year-old Haven Bauer is giving it her all this season in pee-wee events, including mutton busting. “I like to ride on the sheep!” she said.

Other local kids making it into the arena are Chandler Houston, who is competing in youth bull riding in Abilene, TX, and Julissa Avalos, Karina Maldonado, Jerry Chavez-Lopez, and Rivers Sant who compete in barrels, poles, flags and goat tying.

“Rodeo has taught me to be humble and kind,” Shayden said. “You don’t always win, but you always learn something. And you always help others, whether it’s a kid needing a hand in the arena or just cheering someone on.”