story by Kyle Eustice
Born in San Angelo, Texas, but raised in Maryneal, 13-year-old Quay Lloyd got his first horse when he was just a year old from his parents Randy and Brittany Lloyd. His father, who sadly passed away in August, was a huge influence on him.
“I have ridden horses all my life,” said Quay. “I competed in my first rodeo when I was three. My dad calf roped through junior high, high school, college, and later in amateurs. I guess I just fell right into it with him.”
Quay joined the NMJRHS in 2015 and immediately gravitated towards the people in his new association. Although it was his first year to ever rodeo in New Mexico, it didn’t take much time for him to acclimate.
“I did not know a single kid at the first rodeo but quickly made friends,” said Quay. “Although the weather was crazy, I loved roping in the big, outdoor pens where they scored the calves out and you had to go rope them. The most beautiful place I have ever been to a rodeo was in Gallup, New Mexico. I love how each rodeo is a statewide competition and the people are extremely laid-back and honest. I made some great friends this year.
“I love all the close friends I have made and their wonderful families,” continued Quay. “I am very competitive, so I enjoy the competition, as well. The rodeo family is like no other. You compete and try to beat all your friends, but at the end of the day, they are like your brothers.”
A 7th grader at Highland Junior High, he’s enthralled by his Texas History class in addition to his athletic pursuits. He loves “learning about the cowboys and indians.” When he’s not studying, he’s in the arena perfecting his ribbon roping, team roping, calf roping, chute dogging, and goat tying skills.
“Calf roping is my favorite because you have to rope well and have good ground work to win,” said Quay. “You really need a horse you get along with because there is a lot of action and reaction when roping calves.”
Quay team ropes on his horse Macho, goat ties on his dad’s old horse Doc, and rope calves on Rick James and Casper. With all of the practice he’s been putting in, it paid off almost immediately.
“My biggest accomplishment so far was winning Cowboy Rookie of the Year in New Mexico and qualifying for Nationals in two events, ribbons and goat tying,” said Quay. “I missed being a qualifier in the calf roping by 2.5 points, which still bothers me. I was proud to be the best 6th grader in the entire state of New Mexico and honored to represent them at Nationals. Winning ribbons for the year with Jade Jackson was awesome because no one knew who we were so we drew each other for partners and qualified for Nationals.”
In the future, Quay plans to rodeo through the rest of junior high and into high school. Then he wants to go to college on a rodeo scholarship.
“After I get my college degree, I would one day love to rope at the NFR in Las Vegas on my birthday,” said Quay.
During his downtime, he loves to hog hunt with his dogs, fish, work cattle, wakeboard, surf behind the family boat, and hunt. During the school year, Quay spends his time playing sports like football and cross country, competing in UIL events, and being a vice president of the Nolan Co. 4-H Club. He believes he owes it all to one thing.
“My rodeo success would not have been possible without my faith in God, and my dad and mom, who spent countless hours in the arena practicing, driving late nights, and being my biggest fans,” said Quay. “I also have amazing sponsors in Cactus Saddlery, Cactus Ropes, Cactus Gear, Heel-O-Matic, and Resistol. My rodeo family has been a huge support these past few weeks and I am grateful for their support.”
