Walker Finishes Mutton Bustin’ Career With 9 Wins
by John Earp
Jal native Gage Walker has been blazing through the rodeo circuit in the Texas/New Mexico region for the past couple of years, racking up nine first-place wins as a mutton buster. He was registered to compete in the Lea County Fair and Rodeo once again in mutton bustin’ this coming weekend, but unfortunately came in at 0.8 pounds over the weight limit of 50 pounds for mutton busters. His mom, Menda Vargas, said, “He starved himself for two or three days” to try to make weight. “It hurt his little heart,” she said. Gage says he is done mutton bustin’, and intends to move up to calf riding next year.
Gage has been riding sheep for a little over 2 years, during which he has taken first place nine times. Rodeos where he has come out on top in mutton bustin’ have been in Austin, Midland, Big Spring, Crane, Monahans, Andrews twice and Seminole twice. His most recent win was in Seminole in mid-July. His mom says, “As long as he loves it, we’re still going.” The awards are mainly buckles, but Gage has also won money, boots, and medals too. Each rodeo decides what kind of awards they will give.
Gage’s six-year-old cousin, Alayna Ortega, who now lives in Andrews, decided she wanted to compete in Mutton Bustin’ recently, following Gage’s example. Alayna placed fourth in the Seminole Rodeo. According to Menda, Alayna “loved it” and will be riding in Lamesa Thursday the 1st. Gage also has started competing in car shows with his father, Patrick Walker.
Gage’s next rodeo will be in Midland in late August, where he hopes to gain his 10th and final first place win in mutton bustin’. Gage says his favorite is the Lea County Rodeo, where he took second place last year. He also competed in the Carlsbad Rodeo, but did not win there. Gage says his favorite parts of the rodeo besides winning are watching the other riders and hearing his name called out by the announcer from the big screen with all his fans cheering him on. He still intends to become a bull rider when he grows up. (Photos courtesy of Menda Vargas).