Breakaway Roper Wants to Give Back
Giving back.
Giving back to her community.
That’s what 51-year-old professional breakaway roper Kim R. Jim wants to do as this
year’s rodeo coordinator at the 113th Annual Northern Navajo Fair Rodeo here in Shiprock, New
Mexico.
This is not her first rodeo so to speak.
Jim grew up on a ranch and has been riding and roping ever since she can remember.
Although she lives in Shiprock, her heart and her ranch are down the road in Beclabito,
New Mexico.
Jim is a professional INFR/WPRA breakaway roper. And in her words, a “Full-Time
Cowgirl.”
When she is not on the road and roping, she carves out time to train horses and works
with the youth who are interested in horses and the sport of rodeo. She also sponsors barrel
racing and roping events in addition to overall rodeo production.
“I also mentor the youth in rodeo and provide horsemanship programs on the Navajo
Nation,” Jim noted.
Moreover, she has also produced rodeos at other Navajo tribal fairs and celebrations in
Window Rock, Kayenta and Tuba City.
Although this year will be her fourth year as rodeo coordinator at the Northern Navajo
Fair and Rodeo, she has a long history of working as a rodeo producer to help produce the
Shiprock Fair Rodeo with her uncle Ray Yabeny and family and today, the Northern Navajo Fair
Rodeo. As she explains, “When the rodeo arena was made for wood.”
Back in the day, before she became a rodeo coordinator at the Northern Navajo Fair, she
said, “Previous rodeo productions were hiring outside non-native contractors. I wanted to
provide a great production with the notion to hire our local and Navajo-owned livestock and
personnel. To provide a rodeo that takes pride in our Navajo businesses.”
Furthermore, Jim emphasized, “I wanted an event that gave back to the community, 100
percent payback, and a hospitality tent to provide a good meal for the contestant.”
As a professional WPRA card holder, Jim stated, “I have witnessed how the rodeo
producers outside the Navajo Nation take pride in their rodeo events. I want the contestants to
feel welcome and the rodeo fans to witness the talents of the contestants local and nationwide.”
Jim said she will hire professional livestock, personnel and rodeo producers to provide a
great celebration and entertainment.
Being a rodeo coordinator is serious business.
“I take my job seriously, and every year I have improved the structures of the rodeo
arena, arena dirt and pens. My knowledge in the world of rodeo is what I bring to the table. My
Mom and Dad instilled in me to give back to my community with the knowledge I have in the
sport of rodeo. I do this because my heart and livelihood in the sport of rodeo is worth sharing.”
She noted, “Ke’ Ajobaa Inna and Saad are what guides me as a rodeo producer. I am a
true believer in the good Lord and by what he blessed me with the knowledge of rodeo is how I
give back to my community.”
She said one of the biggest challenges of being an event coordinator every year is not
having enough time to procure sponsors for the rodeo.
“Next year, I would like to start early to seek sponsorships for better planning,” she
emphasized. “I also would like to have an informative session for the fair board members on
what rodeo is about.”
Jim said it is important that the fair board understands the structure and importance of
rodeo.
A new fair manager, fair board and some new event coordinators hit the ground running
this year so all the fair organizers are working diligently to make up for lost time.
Although the Northern Navajo Fair and Rodeo is just around the corner, Jim still finds
time to appreciate her production team, the contestants who will be presenting their
horsemanship and timed event skills, queen pageantry skills, and of course the cheers, smiles and
laughter from the audience.
“I enjoy all of what comes with being a rodeo coordinator,” she commented. “My job is
done when the last person leaves and knowing that my job is done with great feedback and
putting the Northern Navajo Fair Rodeo on the map as one rodeo not to miss every year. When
you leave tired, but smiling then you know it was worth it!”
She wants fairgoers to become rodeo fans and make great memories.
But more importantly, “I want to inspire the youth and the next generation to someday
become a part of the rodeo world.”
In her words, rodeo is a production that brings in the crowds.
She especially wants the elders to hear the announcer talking in Navajo.
“The Northern Navajo Fair is the oldest rodeo show on the Navajo Nation and I want to
continue this long tradition,” she added.
Due to a very short timeline to obtain rodeo sponsors, there will not be a women’s rodeo
this year, but she noted, “I have kept the motivation and plans with the cuts that have been
made.”
She is optimistic that next year’s rodeo will see a return of the women’s rodeo.
Additionally, she would like to have a special needs rodeo.
“I think if we keep growing and teaching through our events to the community and
provide more opportunities, the sky is the limit!”
Even if time is running short to garner sponsors, she knows everything will come
together at the end…it always comes to fruition because to Jim, failure is not an option.
It may get a little dusty or maybe a downpour of rain, but just putting a smile on
someone’s face is all she needs to see to know that it was all worth being the rodeo coordinator at
the Northern Navajo Fair and Rodeo.
“I want the Shiprock community to be proud of their rodeo grounds and know that the
fair has produced the best rodeo in northern Navajo. There is an event for everyone to watch,
compete in and enjoy an evening of rodeo full of energy and explosive edge of your seat thrill
rodeo action. Man versus beast in the bull riding and bronc riding. Timed events that will keep
you cheering for the contestants to compete. And the turn and burn fast event of the ladies barrel
racing,” Jim noted.
With strength from the Lord and a new surge of motivation, it sounds like a mission that
will be accomplished.