When Sarah Lomanto was a little girl she use to stand on the
side of San Benito Street and watch the Saddle Horse and Rodeo
court ride by in their sequined western dresses and sashes.
When Sarah Lomanto was a little girl she use to stand on the side of San Benito Street and watch the Saddle Horse and Rodeo court ride by in their sequined western dresses and sashes.
“I always thought they looked so glamorous and pretty,” she said.
Now it’s her turn. Lomanto, 18, became the 14th young woman to be crowned Miss San Benito on June 5, and she’s thrilled about representing the Saddle Horse Show and Rodeo, and San Benito County.
“I’m really excited,” she said. “It’s something I’ve been a part of my whole life, and it’s definitely one of the most original rodeos around.”
Lomanto first entered the show at 4 years old in the outfit class, a competition where the horse and its owner are judged on their appearance together.
“I always thought of it as how well you matched,” she jokingly said.
At about 6 years old, Lomanto stopped riding and went into sports. During her freshman year at San Benito High School, she joined a friend and attended a high school rodeo, and instantly realized what she was missing out on.
“There were so many kids our age there and they were all having such a good time I realized I had to get back into it,” she said.
Since then, Lomanto has been a member of the California High School Rodeo Association, American Computer Barrel Racing Association, American West Barrel Racing Association, National Barrel Horse Association and the Gabilan Cutters Association. Specializing in barrels, poles and cutting events, Lomanto spends about six to 10 hours a week riding. Support from her mom and friends is what encouraged her to ride on into Bolado Park and the competition in the first place, Lomanto said.
“My mom used to run in similar pageants in the past, and she encouraged me and gave me tips on my horse showmanship,” she said.
Along with demonstrating her riding skills for the judges, and an appearance and personality category, Lomanto also had to submit a written portion of the contest, which had a series of questions about Hollister and the history of the rodeo.
“They wanted to make sure we knew what we are representing,” she said.
When the time came to announce the winner, Lomanto didn’t see a crown in her future.
“I went back to the trailer and told my mom ‘I lost it,'” she said. “I didn’t think I did a good job with my horse.”
Regardless of her uncertainty, Lomanto’s experience and talent prevailed. She’ll be joined by a number of Miss San Benitos from the past, as well as her own court at the parade tonight and at the event throughout the weekend. She will also go on next summer and represent the county in the Miss California Rodeo competition in Salinas in 2005.
Christine Tognetti can be reached at 637-5566, ext. 330 or at
ct*******@fr***********.com
.
