For the Gonzales family of Questa, the summer isn’t about vacation—it’s about horsepower, hay bales, and hauling down the highway to the next rodeo arena.
As a ranching and rodeo family, they’ve committed their summer to a whirlwind schedule of events across northern New Mexico and southern Colorado. Right now, much of their focus is on the Taos County Gymkhana Series, a six-event timed horse competition hosted by the Taos County Sheriff’s Office at the Sheriff’s Posse Ring.
“We love it,” Jennifer Gonzales said. “It’s in our blood. This lifestyle takes passion, work, money, and a lot of responsibility. But we wouldn’t trade it for the world.”
Jennifer’s father, Fernie Gonzales Sr., taught her and her siblings the value and importance of rodeo life. He learned from his father, Frederico Gonzales, who passed valuable lessons to his children. Now, Jennifer, her brother Fernando (Fernie Jr.), and sister Angel are living the cowboy lifestyle that runs deep in their veins.
The Taos County Gymkhana series began in May and wrapped up July 26. Jennifer’s daughters, Mia and Melody, are riding hard to place in every event, aiming for grand champion and reserve champion honors in their divisions. So far, it’s paying off: June was their second time clinching those top spots in these categories and it’s just one part of their packed schedule.
Thursday nights, they haul to Manassa, Colorado, where they compete weekly in barrel racing, pole bending, and more—all for a chance at prize money through weekly paybacks. “Either Mia or Melody win first in all events,” Jennifer said proudly of her daughters.
They travel in their dad’s truck, pulling a three-horse gooseneck trailer, and hit rodeos in Chama, Springer, Alamosa, Monte Vista, Abiquiu, Mora, and Cimarron. In Chama this June, Mia won a championship buckle and $300 in prize money.
Fernie Jr. and his wife Kassie are key figures in the family’s success. Recently, Fernie won the team roping event at the Sky-High Stampede in Monte Vista in mid-July, one of Colorado’s longest running rodeos. Kassie’s family has a long history of rodeoing and ranching life, enabling her to bring many lessons and help to the family. Together, they’re passing on those skills to the younger boys in the family—teaching them not just barrels and poles, but also team roping. Even their youngest son, Kash, is getting in on the action, winning first place as he scored an impressive 91-point mutton busting ride in Monte Vista in mid-June.
“My dad is the driving force behind all of it,” Jennifer said. “He taught us everything—how to drive the truck and trailer, how to saddle, how to ride. Earlier this year, he had knee surgery, but yet he’s still guiding us from the sidelines.”
Rodeo life isn’t cheap. Entry fees, fuel, horse care, tack: the costs add up fast. But the rewards aren’t just financial. For the Gonzales family, it’s about family, pride, and legacy.
After a recent rodeo in Cimarron for 4th of July weekend, emotions ran high. “I felt my grandpa’s spirit with me,” Jennifer said. My dad told my girls, “Grandpa would be so proud. We’re carrying on his legacy.”
Breakaway roping, a fast-growing event especially popular with young girls, is now becoming a regular feature in many rodeos. The Gonzales daughters are ready to compete, and the younger boys, under 14, are following suit.
“This is our busiest summer ever,” Jennifer said. “We’re doing at least two events a week. Some weekends, we have to choose where to go—there are just so many.”
And yet, with all the long drives, late nights, and early mornings, the Gonzales family stays grounded in their purpose.
“This life isn’t easy. You need confidence, thick skin, and a strong heart,” Jennifer said. Although rodeoing runs in her family, she encourages people to get involved. “If someone sees us out there and thinks, ‘I want to try that,’ I say go for it. Every generation has to start somewhere.”
For the Gonzales family, rodeo isn’t just a sport—it’s a lifestyle. One filled with dust, determination, and deep family roots that stretch across the high desert and into the arena under the bright rodeo lights.
