Celebrating Buckaroo Life
and the Buckaroo state of mind

~ some serious, some educational, some for fun ~
to submit link email Weblackey; family oriented only





Buckaroo Man by Dave Stamey -
performed and recorded live at Tales from the Tavern
(at The Taproom in Buellton, Calif.) - Feb. 21, 2007.

Old Tyme "Buckaroo Sport"

Before you go to any of the events listed, be sure to call ahead
or visit their website to check for any changes in their schedule.
To add or report any changes or corrections email Weblackey.

New for 2012:
Traditions Reata Roping & Stock Horse Show, October 13-14 2012, Churchill Co Fairgrounds, 323 Scheckler Lane, Fallon Nevada. TRADITIONS was a kernel of an idea planted in spring of 2011 & rapidly grew into an event designed to honor our participants, showcase them to the public in events that they excel in and reward them for a job well done. Events will be judged by a panel of 3, carefully chosen from among a large pool of talented stockmen/women that have hands on real-world experience in everything the participants will be doing. In addition to the prizes & prize money awarded, there will be many awards that go to our participants that are VOTED ON BY THEIR PEERS. We will also be having "door prizes" that will given out to anyone who fills out a door prize slip, be they participant or spectator. We will have a small western tradeshow with vendors both local and long distance. In addition to the the roping & show, we are planning a ranch bronc riding on the Friday night prior. We invite you to come and enjoy the people, culture and livestock of the Californio/ Vaquero/ Buckaroo lifestyle, come enjoy their TRADITIONS. For more information email Karyn Shirley.

National Cowboy Poetry Gathering is held annually in January at the Western Folklife Center located in Elko Nevada. (photo of Baxter Black, cowboy poet & humorist, taken at 2003 Cowboy Poetry Gathering by Chris Simon) Other Elko Activities During the Gathering

Baxter Black's website






Ranch Hand Rodeo  since 1989, held in early March, Annual Ranch Hand Rodeo and Ranch, Rope & Performance Horse Sale, Winnemucca Events Complex - Winnemucca, Nevada. Winnemucca's Ranch Hand Rodeo is the largest and most exciting in Nevada. 30 teams compete for bragging rights and prizes in Saddle Bronc Riding, Calf Roping, Wild Mugging, Team Roping, Ranch Doctoring and Team Branding. Also, cow dog trials, and a Western Trade Show, Horse Sale, Stock Horse Challenge. Photo is Justin Wright.





The Californios The official site of The Californios Ranch Roping & Stock Horse Contest, previously held annually each spring in Red Bluff, California: LOCATION CHANGED! Reno-Sparks Livestock Events Center – Reno, Nevada. “The Californios” is a unique, one of a kind competition featuring events that mimic the real life working situations of the buckaroo. It is not a ranch rodeo... The stock handling techniques of “Old California” and the Great Basin buckaroo are proudly represented. All horses in all facets of the competition must be ridden in traditional gear. The stock horse contest features horses trained in these disciplines (Hackamore, Two rein and “straight up in the bridle”). The events at “The Californios” are original and uniquely designed to promote the correct training and handling of horses and cattle in a traditional, time honored fashion." Includes sales of The Californios DVDs. Shown here, photo of "Big Medicine" or bull doctoring event; Galen Taylor ropes a bull deep at The Californios, Colt Shields in the background. Photo credit: event photos; F. Chehu.

Burns pre-Jordan Valley Event Ranch Saddle Bronc Riding & Big Loop; Burns Oregon.

most photos on this page are by Mary Williams Hyde unless otherwise indicated.









Big Loop Rodeo, Jordan Valley, Oregon, 3rd weekend in May, Since 1962. [52nd Annual Event Dates: May 14 - 16, 2010]. Big Loop, saddle bronc, stock saddle bronc, bull riding, barrel racing, cow riding, Jr steer riding, team roping, calf roping. Saddle horns must be dry leather wrapped only.







Lovelock Ranch Rodeo; Early June; Saddle Bronc • Team Branding • Team Roping • Calf Roping • Big Loop Cow Roping • Ranch Doctoring • Ranch Horse Class. Contact Phil and Sandy Miller, 775-273-7359.
Tub Blanthorn in photo.









Minden Ranch Rodeo: The saddle series with 8 events. Held annually in early to mid June at Douglas County Fairgrounds, Pinenut Road, Gardnerville, NV. Contact: Dan Nalder at 775-690-9276. Photo of Phil Miller.










McDermitt Ranch Rodeo July 4th weekend. McDermitt Nevada. For more info, contact Rodeo Secretary– Reina Youngberg 775-421-8890.

Photo is Chris Baird up.









Silver State Stampede in early July, Elko, Nevada. "The legend lives on! The Silver State Stampede Association is working to keep alive over sixty years of Nevada rodeo heritage, the oldest professional rodeo in the state, with an all-volunteer, non-profit organization. The tradition of Elko’s annual rodeo started in 1913 when GS Garcia, the world-famous bit, spur, and saddle maker, decided that northern Nevada cowboys needed a rodeo, and the town needed the added entertainment and income. The Stampede is extremely unique in that it is the only professional rodeo to offer Garcia spurs to event winners."






Harney County Ranch Rodeo, Harney County Fairgrounds, Burns, Oregon. Held in early July. Team Branding, Ranch Doctoring, Wild Cow Milking, Muley Roping, Horse Roping, Bronc Riding.
Rodeo Secretaries: Cliff and Peggy 541-573-2863.










Yamsi Traditional Ranch Roping Clinic with Scott Grosskopf and Traditional Ranch Roping Event, mid July, Chiloquin, OR. Contact John & Jerri Hyde, Yamsi Ranch, 541-783-3008.










Masten Ramsey Cow Horse Classic & Ranch Rodeo, held mid July at the Alturas Livestock Complex Alturas, CA. Lori Galvin 530-233-3345.












Paisley Ranch Rodeo, last weekend of July, contact Cleve Anseth.


Photo of Jody Cooper.











"Vaquero Fiesta," held on 1st weekend in August, Alturas CA at the Fairgrounds. Managed by Richard Caldwell... vendors, traditional ranch roping competition; for more info contact Kim Kinnear 818-521-4554.

Photo of Richard Caldwell Feb 2009.

The Buckaroo Heritage Western Art Roundup. Held annually over the Labor Day weekend [Labor Day is 1st Monday in Sept; so usually is the end Aug - first Sept] in Winnemucca NV, separate from, but in conjunction with, The Buckaroo Hall of Fame Induction ceremony, whose inductees are recorded & honored on this website. The Roundup is a gathering, show & sale by many of the greatest western painters, sculptors & artisans in the country. A fun gathering complete with prime rib dinner, old-time cowboy music and poetry readings, wine-tasting, demonstrations, a Quick-Draw, and a judged art show. Artists donate work to an art auction, from which proceeds benefit the Roundup, which also helps support the Buckaroo Hall of Fame. Here you will find braided rawhide reatas, silver bits & spurs, saddles, jewelry, home decor, leatherwork, buckaroo gear, horsehair mecates, drawings, paintings & sculptures by master artists & artisans. Call Carl for more info (541) 573-2921 or email: Carl@BuckarooHallofFame.com.





Winnemucca Fair & Stampede; Tri-County Fair. Labor Day Weekend... "Winnemucca's Wildest Weekend has something for everyone... Come see why this is Nevada's oldest continuous rodeo. Sanctioned by the ICA (Idaho Cowboys Association), and the CCPRA (California Cowboys Pro Rodeo Association). Also: Tri-County Fair & Carnival & the Western Art Roundup which features artists, poets, craft people and inductees into the Buckaroo Hall of Fame, as well as demonstrations and buckaroo poetry readings." Buckaroo Breakfast. Contact  Tri-County Fair, 50 W Winnemucca Blvd., Winnemucca, NV 89445; 775-623-5071 Ext. 102; email Darrel@Winnemucca.com





Elko County Fair. Held annually on Labor Day weekend, a family tradition. All fair activities plus Stockhorse; Roping, Branding & Sorting - and Nevada Stallion Stakes; NSS & NRCHA Bridle Classes, Snaffle & Hackamore classes. 775-0738-3616





Harney County Fair and Race-Meet is the weekend after Labor Day. Contact Don Slone (541) 573-6166.



Van Norman Stockhorse Challenge - 3 Event - Rein, Cow, Rope. Held in September - Elko County Fairgrounds, Elko, Nevada.



Big Loop Rodeo's Owyhee Rope & Ride, Jordan Valley, Oregon, late September, Since 1998. Featuring cow dog trials, stock saddle bronc riding, horse and muley roping. Contact Mike Hanley for information: 541-586-2216
Photo of working stockdog, a Kelpie, "Nyes Tuff," from website.





Lyon County Ranch Rodeo, Lyon County Fairgrounds Arena, usually 3rd weekend of September in Yerington, NV. "Will feature a ranch style saddle bronc competition" announces Lindsey Stockton, Lyon County Fair Board member. The event is a CCPRA event and brings some of the best ropers and riders to the town of Yerington, 80 miles southeast of Reno, Call 775-463-6509. Miles & Wally Blossom.





Vaquero Days Western Heritage Festival, La Fiesta de los Californios - Vaquero Days... started in 1992, an annual gathering to celebrate our Vaquero heritage. Held in Descanso, CA in mid October. In 2009 they had Dave Stamey in Concert, Ranch Horse competition, Ranch Roping, demonstrations, music and poetry, Horsemanship Demonstrations, gymkhana, barbeque and even dog trials & rawhide braiding clinics - and as always great buckaroo vendors and sponsors will be there. Article about Elihu Granville "Granny" Martin & Vaquero Days.




 Old California Reata Roping  Established in 2005, this event is held annually in mid October at the historic Rancho Santa Marguarita combining traditional Californio style horsemanship and reata roping. The rancho surrounds the little town of Santa Margarita, California, which is located approximately halfway between San Francisco and Los Angeles, about 8 miles north of San Luis Obispo. "A reata is more than a rawhide rope - it exemplifies history and embodies a way of life... 'They were not the rough-and-ready type of roper, riding up close and slapping the loop on any old way to get the job done. They were what you might call the 'artist' type. They took pride in the way they cast their loops...' "These reatas...were truly works of art. A good reata is a very tricky thing to make, and few people have any idea of the knowledge and artistry employed in producing a top string. They are braided with various numbers of strands, four, six, or eight... The eight-strand rope is preferred for ease of manipulation and, if braided by an expert, can be a thing of sheer beauty." ... "From the first cowboy, the American vaquero, who roped and rode the ranges of Alta California in 1769, to legendary horseman and reata ropers such as Bill Dorrance, we continue to make an attempt to preserve and protect the the heritage of Old California."



The Paso Gathering; featuring Western artists & artisans: Western Gear, Trappings, Art Show & Sale, held annually the first part of November, in the Pioneer Museum, Paso Robles, CA






Santa Ynez Vaquero Show & Sale held annually at the Santa Ynez Valley Historical Museum in Santa Ynez CA, early November; features selected makers & collectors, dinner w/ auction, live demos, music, museum exhibits.








Heber City's Cowboy Poetry Gathering & Buckaroo Fair, With great guests & entertainers, annual event held in mid November in Heber City, UT includes cowboy poetry, ranch rodeo, clinics, workshops, western wares, cowboy church, BBQ, buckaroo dance, and more. Our Mission: "To promote the cowboy way of life through music, poetry and art by holding an annual Cowboy Poetry Gathering and Buckaroo Fair and by giving back to the community along the way."

2004 Heber Cowboy Poetry Gathering & Buckaroo Fair Poster.




World Championship Ranch Rodeo, held annually in mid November at the Amarillo Civic Center, Amarillo, Texas.

If you hold or know of another Vaquero event that should be listed here, or have updates email weblackey

International Guild of Bit and Spur Makers.

Traditional Cowboy Arts Association (TCAA)



Western States Ranch Rodeo Association (WSRRA) is a "Ranch Rodeo Association for the working man" started by Marc Page, who lives in Woodbridge, CA. He called Mary Williams Hyde to announce this new association, and wants to get the word to all ranch rodeo participants and organizers in the Great Basin that this could be the organization for our region, the one that pulls everyone together to provide sanctioned events and a point tracking system that leads to regional championships at the end of the season. Marc has deliberately structured this organization to not only include working ranch teams but also the average "weekend" cowboy, working men and women. That would make it possible for everyone who loves ranch rodeo to have an opportunity to compete in sanctioned ranch rodeo events. That would be unlike the Working Ranch Cowboys Association (WRCA) which is strictly for full time working ranch folks he tells me. WSRRA will adhere to the same "rules" that you are used to, like no rubber on the horns, no tie-downs etc. We hope that everyone who organizes ranch rodeos will get in touch with Marc and help him shape this organization so that it really works for the region. His number is 916-296-2326 or email him. Check out the WSRRA website.




Northern Range Ranch Roping. (Montana & Wyoming) The goal of the NRRRS is to promote a form of roping that encourages low stress roping with proper horsemanship and stockmanship, employing a variety of functional and, sometimes, fancy loops. To this end, the NRRRS sponsors ranch roping clinics and events to teach and promote this style of roping.
Scott Grosskopf, President, Ed Disney, Vice-President, Dawn Shryock, Sec-Treas., also, Buck Brannaman, Dean Delp, Arne Esp, Dick Grosskopf, Clint Johannes, Bob Lile, Charlie Mackay, Salvador Madrigal, Paul Woods.
Scott Grosskopf, buckaroo in Montana





Canadian Ranch Roping Association



Working Ranch Cowboys Association



NVRHA, National Versatility Ranch Horse Association



American Ranch Horse Association



photo (right) taken at the M C Dispersal Sale in the early 90's, Adel, Oregon by Mary Williams Hyde




Museums USA


Nevada Museums Association




Western Folklife Center: Tools of the Trade, Resources & Links. The Western Folklife Center is a museum in Elko Nevada that not only holds the annual National Cowboy Poetry Gathering, but has exhibits and preserves history of the west including the buckaroo: "Over the past twenty years the West has seen a renaissance of artistic expression emerge from its ranching neighbors. Traditions of reciting poetry, making music, sharing stories, and creating tools of the trade..." are Western art forms of today. photo from website by Jan Boles






Great Basin Curly Horse Buckaroos: The Dameles Cowboy Showcase article by Mike Laughlin. Eureka, Nevada, first settled in 1864, is located in the heart of wild horse country in central Nevada. This town is sometimes called the home of the hypoallergenic North American Curly Horse. This remote ranching and mining town is also named the Loneliest Town on the Loneliest Road in America, U.S. Highway 50. The surrounding Great Basin countryside is a high-altitude cold desert dominated by sagebrush flats and surrounded by steep mountains. Only the strongest people and animals survive this harsh environment. Curly horses have always been seen running with the mustangs in Eureka County, Nevada. When the Damele family began using them on their ranch in the 1930's, history was made. From Cowboy Showcase. If you are allergic to horses, try a Curly Horse.

Old video of Benny Damele checking out a 2-yr-old (Baha-Toiya).
Taken from an old VHS video which was taped summer 1986 or 1987.

Eclectic Horseman. This is a printed & online bi-monthly magazine featuring horsemanship & subject matter favored and read by many buckaroos and horsemen who appreciate advanced western horsemanship. Info for horse owners of all skill levels.









Western Horseman Magazine. World's leading horse magazine since 1936. An invaluable resource for generations of North American horsemen.




The Working Horse. A Monthly Publication for the performance horse and rider since 1997.


Paul Davis of the Alvord Ranch is the rider of the black horse ... this photo was taken at the M C Dispersal Sale in the early 90's; Adel, Oregon, by Mary Williams Hyde.

"Buckaroo Legends of the Great Basin" Volume 1 was introduced at the Buckaroo Hall of Fame ceremony 09-03-11. It is a nice hard cover 8"x10", 240 page book with a dust jacket, containing 82 inductees from 1990 through 2011 with photos and history. We are taking orders for this book: it would make a great gift. Cost is $110 (which includes S&H). Email Carl to order.

"A Long Dust On The Desert", another buckaroo book written by 2011 inductee Ed Hanks & his wife Ella, is available exclusively through the Buckaroo Hall of Fame; it is a soft cover, and is $18 (which includes S&H). It is a very nice book with (true) turn of the 20th Century buckaroo stories from Ed's exciting life as one of the early Nevada buckaroos.

Doma Vaquera. Spain. "This website has been developed in response to demand for more information about Doma Vaquera, this noble Spanish art of horsemanship, to be made available on the Internet, especially for those that do not speak Spanish. Doma Vaquera is one of the styles of equitation in Spain, another being Doma Clasica (classical equitation). Doma Vaquera is a style of horse riding which enables the rider to carry out daily duties on horseback on a working cattle ranch and grew out of decades of daily work with cattle in the open countryside. The style of riding, tack, dress and discipline of the working horses evolved into what we see today. It is still being used on working ranches, in Doma Vaquera competition and more recently, Doma de Trabajo (working equitation)." photo from website






DomaVaquera.es, Spain. photo from website












Ranch Academy, Buckaroo enthusiasts in Italy and


IRRA, Italian Ranch Roping Association.

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Notes: it is not the intention to advertise here on the links page, but to credit those who generously contribute to the buckaroo world of today, and those who honor the buckaroos of yesterday, and who contribute to this site. If you would like to be listed in a Members' Directory - we'd love to list you there, or, on the resources page. The weblackey has made every attempt to contact all possible copyrighted material presented on this website. Some emails bounced. If you have a copyrighted piece featured on this site, please contact me at weblackey so we can get it approved or make it right. Most photos on this page are © Mary Williams Hyde. No graphics may be used from this website without express permission from the artist or photographer and the weblackey. Thanks.

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