At just seven years old, Mila Alena Lovato of Taos is the 2025 Little Miss Rodeo New Mexico. Mila is a big sister to little brother, Luke Lovato, and the daughter of Lucas and Benita Lovato who have family ties in Questa, Costilla, and Amalia. Mila is an active second-grade student at Taos Charter School and an energetic participant in swim, soccer, basketball, and softball. Mila is also involved with her church and looks forward to her weekly catechism lesson.
Mila’s dedication to the Western way of life and agriculture is largely inspired by her grandparents. Her grandfather, Lawrence Lovato of Costilla, raises cattle, and Mila and Luke have their own cows they’ve helped manage since they were toddlers. Some of the things Mila enjoys doing is branding, baling hay, and irrigating alongside her grandpa Lawrence.
Meanwhile, her grandfather, Carlos Martinez, is a generational sheep herder in Los Cordovas, and her Taos Pueblo native grandmother, Rae Lujan, teaches Mila “the old ways of living,” including beading, cooking in the horno, and making fresh jellies. Carlos also raises pigs, chickens, rabbits, and turkeys on his ranch —animals and livestock Mila has always had access to.
Mila’s love for the rodeo began by watching ProRodeo videos with her grandfather Lawrence and attending with him. At just two years old she hopped on a horse and never looked back. As soon as she was old enough, Mila competed in Mutton Busting and loved the competition. “The thought of having her ride a sheep at just 5 years old scared me and I told her ‘Mila you could break a bone’,” says Benita. Mila responded by telling her mom “Well it’s a good thing you’re a nurse Mom!” Benita noted Mila’s determination and fearlessness being key characteristics.
It wasn’t long before Mila was captivated by the Rodeo Royalty at local events. “The role was a natural fit for her bubbly, outgoing personality,” says Benita. “She has no trouble getting out of her comfort zone and talking to anyone.” She ran for the Little Miss Rodeo New Mexico title in Oct. 2024, competing over three days in categories including a personal interview, public-speaking, and modeling for “Fashion Forward” and “Western Elegance.” She earned the crown and held the title until Oct. 4, 2025.
For anyone this is a big deal, for a 7-year-old this was everything. The honor meant becoming an ambassador for the state, promoting local rodeos, and supporting her Queen, Miss Rodeo New Mexico, Alyssa Sauter, as she prepares for the Miss Rodeo America competition. This impactful year, filled with parades, fundraisers, and public events, has helped Mila build confidence, poise, and public-speaking skills.
Some of the highlights Mila talks about are being able to meet rodeo fans and how she loved being in the arena. Specifically, Mila enjoyed participating in twinkle light parades and fashion show fundraisers. “As a parent you love to see your child have positive role models and influences. The ladies involved conduct themselves gracefully and respectfully and truly embody everything we could hope for our little girl,” Benita and Lucas expressed. When asked what she’d tell other little girls who might want to someday become Little Miss Rodeo, Mila says with confidence, “I would tell them to be nice, and always pay attention to the big girls. Have fun, don’t give up, and have the best time ever.”
Mila and her family are profoundly thankful for the overwhelming support she’s received over the past year. Mila is first thankful to God for all she has and the opportunities she has been blessed with, and her extended family—including her mom, dad, brother, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and friends—across the communities from Costilla to Taos. She is also very appreciative of the Miss Rodeo New Mexico Executive Board and Staff, specifically mentioning Mrs. Christina Mares Gallegos, Pamela Bishop, and Fiona Jolly, for their commitment to helping her shine this past year. Finally, local businesses like the Monte Carlo Grill, Duran’s Gas Station in Costilla, and the Tiwa Kitchen at Taos Pueblo also provided support, including raising scholarship funds for Miss Rodeo New Mexico to complete her agricultural degree.
Though her reign is complete, Mila is already looking ahead, saving money through chores to purchase her own horse, and making sure people know her name in the world of rodeo.
