Both Tarleton State University rodeo teams take to the arena for the first time this season Thursday at the three-day Eastern New Mexico University Rodeo.
The Tarleton State men, led by national champion saddle bronc rider Gus Gaillard, will begin defense of their Southwest Region and national crowns with high expectations as the five-stop fall portion of the 2024-25 season opens in Portales.
“We just had our first saddle bronc practice and the energy was really high,” Gaillard said. “There were a lot of familiar faces, a few new faces, and we’re all excited for the new season.”
He is eager to take on a leadership role for this year’s team.
“Whenever I was a freshman, all I wanted to do was be with the guys who had won the national championship before I got there. Now it’s kind of my job to be there for the younger guys.”
Tarleton S t a t e ’ s women will be looking defend their 2023-24 regional crown. Their season culminated with runnerup honors at the College National Finals Rodeo in Casper, Wyoming in June.
Both teams will next compete at the Sul Ross State University Rodeo in Alpine Sept. 26-28, at Clarendon College Oct. 10-12 and at Texas Tech Oct. 24-26 before winding up the fall schedule Nov. 7-9 at Vernon College.