Roddy and Connie Lara don’t talk much about the trophies that fill their home.
Racking up stacks of belt buckle awards that adorn the shelves in their Mountain View Ranchos home, the Flagstaff couple met in 1975 at the former Cowboy Country Club (CCC).
“I was just out of the service and was in a rodeo at CCC and got injured by a bull. Connie took me to the hospital and took care of me. That’s also why I moved to Flagstaff, so I could help coordinate the rodeos at CCC with owner John Avery.”
They began their horse training business in 1988. “We started from the ground up,” said Roddy. “We did colt training and trained horses so people would have a safe animal. The business escalated from there, training folks how to ride. Connie continues to teach horse riding lessons and I occasionally work with advanced riders.”
Soon after starting their business, they bought some mules for hunting and moved into training mules as well.
“It’s really hard to get history out of Roddy and Connie,” said Quad Cities Business News owner/publisher Troy Bix. “Roddy is a decorated Marine veteran and they are a salt-of-the-earth couple that are always doing things for others. They are God-fearing, trustworthy and loyal and most people would want to emulate them because they raise the bar. I met them about 10 years ago when I was inquiring about mules.”
Their famous mule, CR Katie, was a scene-stealer when competing in rodeo events such as Dressage, English pleasure, hunter over fences and more.
“When Katie entered the arena to compete, everything came to a standstill, and you could hear a pin drop. She was a small mule with a big heart. In 2009, she was inducted into the Bishop Mule Days Hall of Fame,” said Roddy. “All eyes were on her.” CR Katie’s last competition was in 2022.
“I fell in love with CR Katie the first time I saw her, said Western Mule Magazine Editor in Chief Ben Tennison. I’ll never forget her tail in the dirt and her dramatic sliding stops. Great mules don’t just happen, they exist in the hands of great owners and trainers like Roddy and Connie Lara. I was blessed to witness greatness!”
At 12 years old, the Laras’ grandson, Cameron, who is now 36, competed with CR Katie and was one of the first youngsters to show her at the Bishop Mule Days. “CR Katie holds dozens of championships in various age groups. She has won multiple all-around championships as well as multiple reserve world championships,” said Roddy.
CR Katie was Connie’s first mule and the couple continues to reminisce about their time with her. A memory book of pictures and articles graces their kitchen table along with the palpable sorrow of losing her. “Katie was a once-in-a-lifetime equine and we were so blessed to have had her. She now rests in our arena and we think of her every day.”
Though modest about their accomplishments, the Laras’ four top trophies include Connie winning the all-around world championship at the Bishop Mule Days (BMD) in 2023. In 2004, she won the World Championship High Point amateur all-around at the North American Saddle Mule Association World Show.
“In 2008, I was invited to go to Brazil to an international equine invitational to put on clinics. I also won the World Championship in Reined Cow Horse at BMD in 2017,” she said. Reined Cow Horse is designed to demonstrate a horse’s control of a cow, entailing speed, balance and responsiveness to the rider.
“Roddy and Connie are the epitome of class, sportsmanship and everything that BMD represents,” said BMD Executive Director Donna Bird. “They are kind to other contestants but fierce competitors. It’s fun to see them compete against each other and the excitement they both demonstrate. They are a vital part of BMD, and everyone loves them. Their animals are pictures of equine athletes. They take such good care of them and treat them like family.”
The Laras were both born and raised in Phoenix. Roddy has been riding horses since he was about 8 years old. He worked as a cleanup boy at a stable. Connie started riding when she was 18.
Frank Windes of Flagstaff has known Roddy for years. “If cats have nine lives, well then Roddy has 30. He’s been through a lot. Several of our friends have told him that he needs to write a book. Connie is an incredible woman, too and I’m grateful to know them.”
THE PERFECT DAY
CONNIE: Getting up late, going for a bike ride and saddling up and riding and training on our mules or horse.
RODDY: What Connie just said, plus try to ride as much as you can before you get tired or it gets too hot. I like to ride at least three or four animals a day.
BEST ADVICE
CONIE: To not take things so seriously.
RODDY: Be kind and gentle with your animals.
WHO WE ADMIRE
CONNIE: My sister, Debbie Wilmeth. She has had so many health problems, and she just keeps fighting. I’m really proud of her.
RODDY: Ben Balow, a horse trainer and good friend of ours in Skull Valley.
OUR GUILTY Pleasure
CONNIE: Chocolate.
RODDY: Any kind of ice cream.
A FAVORITE PLACE TO UNWIND
CONNIE: My bed.
RODDY: At the kitchen table having a cup of coffee. QCBN
By V. Ronnie Tierney, QCBN
Photo by V. Ronnie Tierney, Fresh Focuses Photography: Roddy and Connie Lara (pronounced “La-RAY”) enjoy riding, training and being at home at Mountain View Ranchos in Flagstaff.
Leave a Reply