craigdailypress.com

If Denton Taylor has his way, this weekend will bring some additions to his saddle collection.

Taylor, 13, will try to collect some prize saddles this weekend during the Little Britches Rodeo at the Moffat County Fairgrounds.

The rodeo started Thursday, and will continue at 9 a.m. today through Sunday.

Taylor said he was off to a good start.

“It’s going alright so far,” he said. “It’s been really good — I did well in dally ribbon roping.

“I’m hoping to do well in team roping.”

Being at such a large rodeo on his home turf gives Taylor more incentive to do well, he said.

“It puts some pressure on you,” he said. “You feel more pressure — you feel like you have to do well.

“It isn’t like being at a smaller rodeo.”

But, being in front of friends and family has its benefits, Taylor said.

“It definitely gives you a confidence boost,” he said.

Several Moffat County cowboys and cowgirls had strong showings on the first day of the rodeo.

Gabbi Steele was fourth in both senior girls breakaway roping and the trail course.

Taylor Duzik finished fourth in the junior girls trail course.

In junior boys breakaway roping, Denton Taylor had a time of 8.31, Dusty Taylor clocked in at 12.37 and Trent Vernon had a 19.59.

In senior boys saddle bronco riding, Wyatt Uptain tied for third with a score of 64.

Trent Vernon was first in junior boys flag racing, with a time of 8.033.

Other winners on the first day included Treg Schaack in the senior boys tie-down roping; J.D. Graham in boys bareback riding; Wyatt Thomas in junior boys breakaway roping; Tylor Bond in senior boys steer wrestling; and Josh Griggs in saddle bronco riding.

Celie Vick was first in junior girls breakaway roping; Grace Bertelson in senior girls breakaway roping; Cameron Irwin and Garrett Grieve in senior team roping; Karina Price in senior girls trail course; Casey Reimler in junior girls trail course; Elizabeth Smith in little wrangler goat tail untying; Shai Schaeffer in senior girls goat tying; and Rachel McKinney in senior girls barrel racing.

Levi Griggs was first in junior boys bull riding; Austin Carter in junior boys goat tying; and Mason Smith was first in little wranglers flag racing.