Name: Raynell Holgate
Age: 17
Marital Status: Single
Family/Children: Raymond and Debbie Holgate (parents), Raymond “Cisco”
& Ryan (older brothers), Renaldo & Randall (younger brothers), Rhea & Robyn (Younger sisters), Della B. Yazzie
& Leroy Yazzie Sr. (maternal grandparents), Ruby H. Watson & the late Joe Holgate Sr. (paternal grandparents)
Hometown: Mother is from Many Farms, Arizona. Father is from Shonto,
Arizona, and currently residing in Page, Arizona.
Native American Heritage: Navajo- Diné: Shi ei Tachi’ii’nii nishli, Lok’aa’ Dine’e
Bashishchiin, Kiyaa’aanii Dashicheii, doo Todich’ii’nii Dashinali
Horses: 8 yr. old mare “Blueberry”-
Barrel horse, 15 yr. old gelding “Jake”- Roping and pole bending horse, 9 yr. old mare “Ambur”- All
around horse, 23 yr. old mare “Foxy”- Family horse
Pets that you own: 1 Dog- Freckles, 3
Cats- Sylvester, Tom, and Krystal
Rodeo Events Worked: In open rodeos I compete mainly
in barrel racing, but at times also breakaway roping. In junior rodeos I compete in barrel racing, breakaway roping, pole
bending, goat tying, and sometimes team roping.
Association member of: All Indian
Rodeo Association (AIRCA), Central Navajo Rodeo Association (CNRA), Southwest Indian Rodeo Association (SWIRA), Arizona High
School Rodeo Association (AHSRA), and Indian Junior Rodeo Association (IJRA).
Rodeo Accomplishments:
Qualified for the 2006/ 2007 IIFR, Year-end
Champion in Jr. Rodeos (Barrel Racing & Goat Tying), 2007 Navajo Nation Fair Champion, AIRCA year-end Barrel Racing Reserve
Champion (2006 & 2007), Top barrel racing competitor in Indian Rodeo
When did you start an interest in rodeo? I was born
& raised around rodeos…
What other sports other than rodeo do you enjoy? I also play
on the varsity basketball team for my school, and also was part of our state champion cross country team, and run track.
What is the funniest thing that you have seen or experienced
at a rodeo? The first time I entered in the Navajo Nation Fair, my foot came out of the stirrup and my horse cut on me before second
barrel and I flipped off during the Final Four Showdown. The person who bid on
me in the Calcutta confronted me and told me how much money
he lost (jokingly)…
What advice would you give to Indian youth about rodeo
or anything in general? Keep a goal in mind, go for it and don’t stop
‘till you get it. Things take time.
What advice would you give to Indian youth who wanted
to participate in
rodeo but didn’t have the resources or support to get involved? Don’t be afraid to find a way to get involved with rodeos around and ask people for their help. I have gotten help from rodeo contenders all around the reservation, and outside,
almost all of them went out of their way to help me out, and I’m thankful for that.
Are their any songs that inspire or pump you up
before you ride or rope? No specific song does, just music in general. But as soon as I enter the arena I don’t
hear anything around me.
What would you like to see more of at Indian Rodeos? I would like to see more added money
and more contestants.
What are/is your favorite western movies? Hidalgo, 8 Seconds, Seabiscuit, 3:10 to Yuma =)
What is your favorite music? I mainly listen to country
and R & B, but I like a variety- rock, oldies, hip-hop, and classical music.
What was your most memorable ride or run? I have two- The first time my barrel horse, “Blueberry”, made a complete barrel
run and our run at the short-go during the 61st Annual Navajo Nation Fair.
Who is your all
time hero? My parents
What Indian Cowboy or Cowgirl has influenced you to rodeo? My father and all my aunties and uncles.
Would you like to thank sponsors and or anyone for your success in rodeo? I would like to thank my parents (my sponsors), who have allowed me to take
part in the great sport of rodeo, and helped me in more ways than I can thank them for.
Also, my extended family who supports me and sends countless blessings for my success in rodeo and life in general.
Love you all!
