All three champions were healthy enough to carry home their trophies.

Last year, broken bones, dislocated joints and other injuries forced many participants in the 2009 Mountain High Broncs & Bulls at Wallowa County Fairgrounds in Enterprise to the emergency room at nearby Wallowa Memorial Hospital, but last weekend’s show turned out to be cleaner – even though rain sprinkled on much of the second day – and as a result, fast-paced and exciting.

Mountain High Broncs & Bulls awarded rodeo buckles to three new champions, June 19 at the fairgrounds. Mickey Nelson, a veteran bull rider of the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) from Payette, Idaho, scored an 84, the top mark in the two-day competition. Eli Burr, a native of Jack Pot, Nev., hit the jackpot in ranch saddle bronc riding. He posted an 81 and finished in first place. And seven-year-old Isabella Blair won the mutton busting contest with her 69.

Once again, cowboys faced a major challenge riding stock provided by Gold Buckle Rodeo Co. and Rafter B Bucking Bulls. Of the 48 bull riders, only six managed to stay on for eight seconds, long enough to qualify. All six came away with checks for their efforts. Nelson’s 84 was the highest score. The rest of the competition was tight. Riding on the second day of the show, Nelson passed Brian Marshall and Nick Sandru for the top spot. Both had 81s from the first night. Clint Johnson, the champion in 2006, was fourth this year with his 80.5. He edged Cheyne Onley, who had an 80. Parker Breding’s 76 was the only other qualified ride.

Meanwhile, Burr led a strong class of 48 ranch saddle bronc riders. They were after the purse of $11,000, the richest in the country. After Burr’s 81 won the biggest share, Daxton Jim was next with a 78. Competition for the rest of the money was neck-and-neck. Kico Villagrana had a 75, enough for third place. Chance Pieta took advantage of a re-ride, bumping his 61 up to a 74. Mitch Griffith and Bret Condon both scored 73, tied for fifth place.

Youngsters from around the county opened the second day’s show with mutton busting. Three lasted long enough to qualify. Blair won with her 69. She edged Gracie Dickenson, 7, who posted a 68. Justin Bales scored 62.