Cowboys and cowgirls from throughout the Central Valley compete in this day long event for more than $16,000 in prizes including custom made saddles and silver bits. Traditionally held at the beginning of April, the best riders and their horses must ride, rope, brand, rein and perform cow work exercises against each other. They are competing in the kind of ranching activities they must do every day on their working cattle ranch operations. Each team consists of four (4) riders who must use their same horse for the entire event.

The winning four-person teams went home with coveted hand-made saddles embossed with “Clovis Ranch Rodeo” handsomely tooled along the fender. The saddles are often put back to use as each team member continues the ranching legacy that plays a critical role in our western heritage.

A sanctioned Western States Ranch Rodeo Association (WSRRA) event, the Clovis Ranch Rodeo is considered one of the top ranch rodeos held in California. WSRRA gives the teams the opportunity to compete at a higher level of ranch-hand rodeo events.

Photo Credit: Katie McDougald

Dot Seven Team: JD Triffon, Brett Behlen,
Reed Helsel, Tyler Willis