PRORODEO Sports News - March 7, 2025

the help of Zion Enterprises in the spring of 2024. Zion leaders then turned to those with the most knowledge of rodeos in the area: the cowboys. Begay was one of those who was asked for his input to improve the rodeo. He made two suggestions: change the date and increase the purse. A short time later, he was asked to be part of a group that now runs the rodeo. Both of his suggestions were implemented. “I was just giving them advice and next thing you know they were asking me to help run it,” Begay said. “I just kinda helped keep the show going. That was my deal with it last year.” The Home of the Navajo was moved to May 30 and runs through June 2. Previously, it took place over Fourth of July Weekend. The purse, which previously sat at $45,000, doubled to $90,000. The number of participants also doubled from 250. Included in that group were the big-name cowboys that declined partici pation at Window Rock in year’s prior. Steer Roping was also introduced for the first time on the Navajo Nation last year. But most importantly, the rodeo was once again sharing the culture of the Navajo people. A group Begay says may hold the title of rodeo’s biggest fans. “There are two different kinds of fans,” Begay said. “There are normal fans and there are fans that actually know a guy’s middle name, a guy’s wife, his kids. That’s the kind of fans the Navajo are. They know that infor mation.” Across the Navajo Nation, Begay says rodeos take place in every community at least once a year. Many are small, with mostly local participants competing. But each one holds a special place in the people’s hearts.

The Home of the Navajo PRCA Rodeo takes that to another level, where jewelry and textiles from the Navajo culture are introduced to the world. Many of those same pieces are found throughout rodeos across the country, including the National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas. So Begay believes it’s only fitting the Window Rock rodeo would become part of the PRCA in 2024, further elevating its status in the sport. “Every community has its own,” Begay said. “Rodeo is built into who we are.”

The Home of the Navajo PRCA Rodeo introduces the Navajo culture and tradition to rodeo goers in Window Rock, Ariz. PRCA Photo by Jake Hodnett

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