Malta Rodeo brings crowd to Trafton Arena

Hundreds filled the bleachers, grounds, and chutes as the Trafton Park Rodeo Arena hosted the 2020 Malta NRA Rodeo last Saturday.

The event, hosted by the Trafton Park Arena Committee, featured competitors from the Northern Rodeo Association, Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association, and local talent.

"I think it went over really well," said Trafton Park Arena Committee President Jerey McEwen. "The stock was great, the crowd was awesome and loud, the food was good, and the contestants were top-notch."

McEwen said that spectators and riders offered him positive feedback, saying that they liked the setup of the Trafton Arena. He also mentioned that in future years, he would like to expand the event into a two-night event, which would include a Saturday morning slack.

The PCN caught up with Tanner Solberg of Opheim who won the Ranch Bronc event with a total of 80 points.

"It was just another horse for me, I guess but it was fun," Solberg said with a smile. "It's an adrenaline rush."

Solberg has been competing in bronc rides for five years and also doubles as a bullfighter. When he was asked which he enjoys more, he said he enjoys fighting bulls because of the adrenaline rush.

Solberg has competed in rodeos in Opheim, Hinsdale, and plans to compete in several other rodeos throughout the area including Brockway, Richey, and Havre.

Solberg was asked how the rodeo season has gone with COVID-19 still shutting down events across the country.

"For the open rodeos and NRA rodeos, (COVID) hasn't affected us yet but a lot of the bigger ones have been shut down," Solberg said.

Solberg edged out Allen Webb who scored 79 points. Malta's Oren Mackey posted a score of 67, Coby Kitton had a 64, and Shane Bird Rattler had 59 points.

The rodeo drew in spectators from around and outside of the state of Montana, one couple, Kerry Schwartz and Carl Stroe, came from Walla Walla, Wash., over eight hours both ways. The couple typically attends the Pendleton Round-up in Oregon, a rodeo many call the GROAT or Greatest Rodeo of All Time. The Round-Up had been canceled so Schwartz and Stroe are attending as many rodeos that they can on their way to the east coast.

"I just like seeing people out having fun and see all of the little kids just enjoying themselves, like we should be," Schwartz said.

The largest payout was earned by header Delon Parker of Worden and heeler Ryan Zurcher of Powell in the team roping event. Both members won $942.82 after posting a time of 5.5 seconds. Header Shay Carroll of La Junita and heeler Levi Simpson of Arlington took the runner up prize of $720.98 with a time of 5.6.

Cole Hould of Havre won the Bull Riding event with a score of 77 on the bull named High Noon. Hould took home $419. 24 from the event.

"I drew really well I haven't ever seen that bull before but he was supposed to be the one to have and he really was," Hould said.

Hould shared what he thought of the Malta NRA Rodeo.

"The rodeo was great it had a really good turn out and it went by smooth," Hould said. "I had a good time and I'll be back next year!"

Cut Bank's Jayde Murphy took second in the Bull Riding event, scoring 73 points in a semi-controversial ending, where the announcer initially said he scored 83. Murphy took home $314.43. Kelly Murnion of Jordan took home the third-place prize of $209.62 with a score of 72, and Payton Fitzpatrick was fourth with a score of 65.

Helena's Jhet Murphy took first place in steer wrestling with a time of 6.2 seconds. Murphy won $797.12. Logan Beattie took second place with a time of 7.6 and won $597.84. Third place went to Tyler Houle of Browning, who was timed at 7.8 and won $398.56.

Tanner Hollenbeck of Dillon took first in the Saddle Bronc event with a score of 79 points. Hollenbeck won $458.72. Wibaux's Gavin Nelson tied with Alan Gobert of Browning for second place with a score of 78.

Jade Gardner of Winnett posted a time 9.6 to win the Tie-Down Roping event. Gardner took home $811.78. Bradley Hays of Bristow took second with a time of 9.7 seconds and won $620.78. Hank Hollenbeck of Molt was third with a time of 10.1 and took home $477.52.

Tammy Joe Carpenter of Kalispell won the top prize of $806.90 in the Ladies' Barrel Racing event with a time of 17.20 seconds. Callahan Tryan of Huntley took second and the prize of $667.78 with a time of 17.45. Bella Fossum of Billings was third with a time of 17.54.

The Junior Barrel Racing event was won by Hailey Burger of Helena who posted a time of 17.91. Burger won $249.60. Kenzie Kallenburger of Havre was second and took home $187.20, posting a time of 17.99. Landry Larson took third place and $124.80, posting a time of 18.00 seconds.