Natasha Trujillo has a firm handshake. She likely got it from holding the reins of her American Paint horse Apache while training for barrel racing and pole-bending competitions.
“I love (Apache),” she said. “He’s awesome.”
Trujillo will be able to show off her horse and riding skills Saturday at the Rio Arriba County Rodeo where she will be the Rodeo Queen. The annual event is being held this weekend at the County Rural Events Center in Abiquiú just down the road from her home in El Rito.
“Here I have room and space to work with my horse,” she said. “I love everything out here.”
The Mesa Vista High School senior moved up a notch this year. Last year she was the rodeo princess. This year, she was the only candidate for queen, said Maggie Martinez, of the Rio Arriba Rodeo Council.
“We knew she was well-qualified because she was a princess last year,” Martinez said. “Normally, the girls would compete in horsemanship, speaking and model an outfit for three judges. This year, she was the only one.”
Trujillo, 17 is involved with the Mesa Vista Future Farmers of America, Black Bear 4-H Club, Youth Conservation Corps and cheerleading. inherited the rodeo queen crown from Michelle Herrera, of Chamita. Trujillo will be crowned Saturday evening.
“Being a princess last year gave me a taste,” she said. “I’m excited about being able to represent the County.”
Keeping up with everything that Trujillo is involved with can be a challenge for her mother, Angela, who works at Los Alamos National Laboratory.
“I’ve learned a lot trying to be able to support her,” Angela Trujillo said. “It keeps her busy and it’s all positive.”
Natasha said she’s always busy, but she’ll soon be even busier. As Queen, she’ll represent the County at parades in Taos, Santa Fe, Dulce and Chama. And she’ll compete for the title of New Mexico Rodeo Queen at the State Fair in Albuquerque.
“I’m excited about State Fair, meeting new people and going to new places,” she said. “You can make friends that last a real long time.”
Trujillo credits her stepfather Peter Pecos with getting her involved with rodeo. And her love of animals was first nurtured by her grandfather Joe Trujillo.
“He would let me help him feed the cows,” she said. “My fascination with animals all started with grandpa and the cows.”
Caring for her horses — she also has a mare named Patsy — has taught Trujillo responsibility.
“You have to feed them, work with them and make sure they’re healthy. It’s like having a kid,” she said.
As her handshake indicates, Trujillo has gained a sense of confidence since she joined Future Farmers and 4-H.
“She used to be really shy,” Angela Trujillo said. “That first year in 4-H, she clung to me. Before you know it, you couldn’t stop her.”
Natasha Trujillo plans to attend New Mexico State University and wants to major in animal science. She wants to become a large-animal veterinarian and start her own practice in the County.
The responsibilities of being Rodeo Queen are something she hopes to pass along to 2010 junior princess Alicia Sandoval, of Española.
“(Sandoval) tells me when she’s old enough she’s going to run for rodeo queen,” Trujillo said “I’ll have the opportunity to teach her some things.”
After receiving her crown, Trujillo is looking forward to galloping around the rodeo arena on Apache.
“It’s called the ‘Queen’s Run,’” she said. “It’s a lot of fun.”