12/17/2025
Mike Alderete, Rodeo Grounds Manager at Prescott Frontier DaysÂŽ -- Worldâs Oldest RodeoÂŽ, kept his word and brought the prestigious and highly sought after WPRA Justin Boots Best Footing Award home to Prescott. Alderete was recently recognized at
the WPRA Star Celebration in Las Vegas at the South Point Hotel and Casino for his dedication in making the PFD arenas safe for barrel horses and all rodeo livestock.
Justin Brands and the Womenâs Professional Rodeo Association (WPRA) partner to focus on health and well-being of all animal athletes, as well as recognizing the hard work and time rodeo committees put into making their ground as safe as possible.
Arizona Barrel Racing State Champion and Breakaway Roping State Champion Saige Scott has first-hand experience with Mikeâs arena work and said, âThe Prescott Rodeo Grounds has been amazing ever since Mike Alderete took over the arena. Thanks to his work, we now have some of the best barrel racing ground around.â Saige also served as a 2025 Junior Ambassador for PFD.
Typically humble, Mike was thankful for the support he has received and related, âWell⌠a long year of diligent effort has culminated in a week-long celebration in Las Vegas, honoring my sixth consecutive win of the WPRA Justin Boots Best Footing Award, a testament to perseverance and hard work. What better place to receive this recognition than the Worldâs Oldest RodeoÂŽ, a beacon of tradition and excellence? As Iâve been preoccupied, I wanted to extend my heartfelt gratitude to each and every one of you for your kind words and appreciation, which fuel my passion and motivation. âI also wanted to express my deepest thanks to everyone in the WPRA Turquoise Circuit, who embody the spirit of community and teamwork. Iâd like to extend a special
thank you to my family and rodeo family, whose unwavering support and love inspire me to reach new heights, and to my General Manager, Jim Dewey Brown, who believed in me and gave me the opportunity to grow and thrive. Although the celebration is brief, Iâm already focused on the 2026 season, ready to push beyond boundaries and achieve greatness.â
With his faithful dog Hank riding along, Mike can usually be found expertly grooming the arenas with heavy equipment that consists of a water truck, a gannon, and a farm tractor with an arena groomer attached. Mike says that there is a real science to arena grooming. Heâs got to keep track of the weather, figure out how much water is needed,
and prepare the arena for individual events; each equine event requires different footing (e.g., barrel racing, team roping, or the all-out rodeo). âOne of the key things I do is build durability, flexibility, and safety into the soil,â Mike said. âThis is the horsesâ and ridersâ livelihood. Theyâve got to make those points and move on to the next rodeo.â With safety being the most important component, Mike makes sure the contestants have a safe and equal arena to compete in. Thank you, Mike, for keeping our animal athletes
(and humans) safe!
Caption 1: Mike Alderete with his WPRA Justin Boots Best Footing Award. Photo courtesy/Kymberli Lopez.
Caption 2: Saige Scott with her breakaway roping and barrel racing awards. Photo courtesy/Chino Valley High School.
