Local riders look to make an impact at the Rodeo

Magdalena freshman Jorianne Mirabal riding BB is the top pole bending competitor in the New Mexico High School Rodeo Association.
Photo courtesy of the Mirabal family

Local high school rodeo riders are looking to make a big impact locally and possibly nationally as the season enters its final stages.

Riders have one event left before the state rodeo May 23-26 in Lovington and Magdalena’s Jorianne Mirabal atop the standings for the pole bending event, while Socorro’s Mia Castagnetto sits in third in barrels and 14th in pole bending.

Mirabal, a freshman from the athletic Mirabal clan – her three older brothers were standouts in multiple sports during their high schools days, including Joren, who just finished leading the Steers to a second straight Class 1A state championship – is in her first year of high school rodeo, but is nevertheless a veteran.

“I was pretty excited because it was my first year in high school rodeo,” she said. “But I wasn’t sure how competitive I would be. It’s been a blast. It’s been very fun.”

It turns out she’s quite competitive, thanks in part to being around the scene for so long.

“All three of my brothers competed in nationals and state finals,” Mirabal said. “I wouldn’t say it puts anymore pressure on me. I’ve been able to experience the national environment, so I was able to get a feel for it and that helps when I’m competing.”

It doesn’t hurt that they are all quick to offer pointers.

“They practice with me all the time,” she said. “They’re my biggest supporters and biggest critics.”

Still, the level of the competition was something of a surprise.

“There’s a lot more kids in high school rodeo,” Mirabal said. “A lot more rodeo and the best of the best kids compete in high school rodeo in the (New Mexico High School Rodeo) association.”

It also helps that her new pole horse, BB, has turned out to be a perfect partner.

“I was really able to click with her, it’s been pretty good,” she said.

The two spent the summer riding the Mirabal range, working the cows and getting to know each other.

“I ride her all the time, I work cows out on the ranch,” Mirabal said. “We were able to develop a good bond and our personalities mesh really well. At first, I was a little skeptical. But we had a few hard-earned times and then we clicked pretty well, pretty soon. I entered some open rodeo over the summer so were able to work some of those little things out.”

Like the rest of the family, Mirabal is rarely still, playing volleyball, basketball and also running track in addition to her horsemanship and work on the ranch.

And usually her sports preference, “I always say it depends on the season,” she said. But now, “I probably have to say basketball every time. Just because.”

Free time, of course, is something of an unheard of luxury.

“Any day I don’t have a track meet or a game, well, they’re hard to find, then I work on the ranch,” she said. “I balance it all. With the support of my family, it makes it a lot easier.

Siblings Elle Chase and Jack Chase of Magdalena are looking to get their first points, as well.

And Socorro’s Ashlynn Jones is 13th in barrels while Savannah Castagnetto sits in 18th in pole bending.

While competitors don’t need points to compete in the state finals, their points totaled throughout the season are carried over into the state rodeo. After two days of competition, the top-10 in points in each event compete the final day and from there, the top four qualify for the National High School Rodeo Association finals July 17-23 in Gillette, Wyoming.