story by Lindsay Humphrey
Before Magdalena Lujan was ever born, she already had her first horse. She was destined to love horses from the very beginning, but her time in rodeo has just been the cherry on top. “When I was little, we lived in Las Vegas, New Mexico, and it was harder to ride because we didn’t have horses at home,” said the now 17-year-old. “We had some family friends who lived close, and they always let us ride in their covered arena. Now that we have our horses at home in Las Lunas, we try and ride every day.” And by we, Magdalena is referring to her younger brother Antonio who’s 16 and both of their parents, Joseph and Anna Maria. “My younger brother (Pablo, 11) isn’t into horses that much. He’s much more interested in his 4-H goats and sports.”
Regardless of that fact, Pablo is still a big help when a queen contest calls for all hands-on deck. This past summer Magdalena competed at nationals in the queen contest for the second year in a row as the reigning Miss New Mexico High School Rodeo Queen. “My mom helps me get glammed and then my dad and brothers get my horse glammed,” she said with a chuckle. “My brothers were a big help at nationals. I was able to beat all my scores in every category from last year, so that was pretty awesome.” A lot of that success came from all of Magdalena’s preparation and hard work. She also credits her success to her family and the queen coordinator, Christine Henson, and the former rodeo queen, Makayla Henson. “Her entire family helped me with every little detail. And they even drove all the way up to nationals this year to support, coach and encourage me and it just meant so much. They are such great people with great hearts.”
It shouldn’t be surprising that many of Magdalena’s experiences in the NMHSRA have had a similar look and feel. There’s always a helping hand at the ready and an encouraging smile before entering the arena. “I’m excited for my senior year, but I’m also sad. Being queen has instilled a sense of pride in me for my state. My family has been in New Mexico for over 400 years, and I think that unique history and pride was evident in my speech at nationals.” Even though Magdalena keeps busy serving as the NMHSRA queen, she also competes in barrels, poles and breakaway roping. “I’m so lucky that I have my mare, Goldie [Intense Heat], who does all of my events with me. I wouldn’t have the opportunities that I’ve had if it wasn’t for her.”
Magdalena’s been blessed with plenty of unique opportunities, but she’s also helped cultivate those for herself through her hard work and passion for the sport. She’s a senior at Los Lunas High School where she’s earned enough credits in previous years for graduation that she only has a few classes left. That’s given her the unique class schedule where she arrives late and leaves early. “When COVID first hit I was a freshman, and we didn’t go back in person until my junior year, but I chose to continue online so I could ride my horses.” Magdalena chose to go back in person this year since it’s her last before graduation. “It’s a lot different since I’m not home all day long. The days are getting shorter so it’s a little more difficult to practice when I get home from basketball practice.”
As Magdalena looks forward to the future, she has set high standards and multiple goals to achieve. “I want to be an architect and design horse facilities, recreational centers and houses all over the world. I also want to take some business classes so when I become a professional rodeo athlete, I’ll know how to manage my finances and do my own marketing. I also love cosmetology. I know there’s always more room for that, especially in the queening world.” No matter what Magdalena chooses as a career, she’s certain horses will always have a place in her life.
