LOVINGTON, N.M. – Several years ago, the organizers of the Lea County Fair and Rodeo entrusted the production of it’s ProRodeo to a rising star in the stock-contracting game.
Pete Carr Pro Rodeo was established two decades ago, and Lovington’s marquee event was one of the first in the country to bring in the Dallas-based company. In the years since, Carr and his team of professionals have proven to be the perfect choice to produce the annual event, set for 7 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 7-Saturday, Aug. 10; that also includes Lea County Xtreme Bulls, which is Tuesday, Aug. 6.
“One thing we’ve realized over the years is that Pete Carr and his stock are very good,” said Kyle Johnston, chairman of the Lea County Fair Board’s rodeo committee. “We trust what those people are going to do, and they make it very entertaining for our fans.
“Pete and his guys are very good to work with, and that makes it easier on us when it comes to putting on this rodeo.”
Carr is one of the most recognizable and reputable names in the sport. There have been six world champion animals: Bareback horses Real Deal, 2005; Big Tex, 2010; Deuces Night, 2012; and Dirty Jacket, 2014-15. Bayou Bengal, which was named the 2023 PRCA Bull of the Year. Over that stretch, Carr has been nominated for PRCA Stock Contractor of the Year 14 times.
Most recently, though, the biggest honors in the firm’s history came this past April. Pete Carr and Dirty Jacket were inducted into the Texas Rodeo Cowboy Hall of Fame.
“We’re pretty blessed to have Pete Carr coming back to our rodeo,” said Kris Allen, chairman of the Lea County Fair Board. “The quality of his livestock is hard to beat. You’re going to see high scores, and because of that, we’re going to draw good cowboys and cowgirls.
“With the mixture of his livestock, you’re going to see good quality of entertainment.”
That’s important, because folks in Lea County, New Mexico, know rodeo like few other regions. This is cowboy country, and most of the fans understand the ins and outs of the game better than most other rodeo crowds. They know what looks good and what to expect with the Carr crew running the production.
The fair board has also increased its contribution to the overall purse. The rodeo will feature an increase of $100,000 from last year’s event, which helps Lovington have the largest “added money” payout of all the rodeos across North America that week.
“We’re doing a lot of things to help entice the contestants to come to Lovington for our rodeo,” Johnston said. “Increasing our added money is one thing, but having Pete Carr as our stock contractor is another.”
It’s not just the Carr animals that help make an impact. The livestock producer also enlists other contractors, who bring in their best animals. Last year, for example, Richmond Champion won the bareback riding title on Pickett Pro Rodeo’s Uncapped. Bull rider Trey Kimzey won the title on Stockyards Rodeo’s Cheddar Biscuit.
Having the top bucking stock in rodeo is a big deal.