The Benton County Fair and Rodeo arrives this week with entertainment, rides, competitions and exhibits over a four-day stretch of July 31-Aug. 3 and among those stepping into the spotlight will be this year’s queen, Naomi Bailey, and her mustang Ochoco.
Bailey, a Newberg native and Oregon State University student, trained Ochoco through the Teens and Oregon Mustangs’ 100-day Mustang Adoption Challenge, a competition that challenges young trainers to tame wild horses.
Their journey, filled with dedication and mutual respect, will be on full display during the rodeo’s halftime shows Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. Ochoco, with his versatility and emotional connection to Bailey, will demonstrate why mustangs make exceptional companions.
“Ochoco is the coolest horse,” Bailey said. “He’s been broke for less than a year and the bond we’ve created is like no other. He tries so hard for me and that bond is something truly special.”
Benton County Fair and Rodeo activities will run from 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Wednesday, Thursday and Friday and 11 a.m.-midnight Saturday.
Admission at the gate is $10 (ages 17-59) or $8 (ages 6-16 and 60 and older). Children ages 5 and under are free. Kids 16 and under are free Wednesday as part of Family Fun Day and seniors ages 60 and older are free Thursday as part of Senior Day. Tickets can be purchased online. All rodeos and concerts are included with the price of admission. There is a $5 per day parking fee.
A complete Benton County Fair and Rodeo schedule is available on the fair’s website.
Bailey’s journey with Ochoco began in May 2021 when she was selected among many applicants to participate in the Teens and Oregon Mustangs program. The Bureau of Land Management rounds up the herds and teens like Bailey are given the chance to train them.
Bailey said her scientific background and lifelong passion for horses made her an ideal candidate for the program.
“Mustangs are incredibly important to me,” she said. “They were introduced by the Spanish and with no natural predators left, they’ve overpopulated. Training and domesticating them is a way to save the species and allow them to be loved by the public.”
The Teens and Oregon Mustangs program has gained recognition and support through social media and other platforms, helping raise awareness and funds, and Bailey said donations are crucial to the program’s mission of promoting humane treatment and management of wild horses and burros.
Ochoco shows the success of the program. From wild horse to rodeo performer, his journey reflects the dedication and passion of trainers like Bailey.
“I’ve always loved horses,” Bailey said. “Being part of this program and working with Ochoco has been an incredible experience. The bond you can create with a mustang is unparalleled. They are a clean slate and connect deeply with their handler.”
Bailey’s ultimate goal is to earn the Miss Rodeo Oregon title, which would allow her to continue promoting the welfare of mustangs and the Teens and Oregon Mustangs program.