Frank J. Buchman

Cowboy • Horseman • Writer

Santa Fe Trail Working Ranch Rodeo At Council Grove July 4-5

Working ranch cowboys from several Midwest states will converge on County Grove this weekend.

“It’s the 28th annual Santa Fe Trail Ranch Rodeo, Friday and Saturday evenings, July 4-5, in the arena east of Council Grove, just off Highway 56, beginning at 7 o’clock,” announced Clay Wilson, president of the Morris County Youth Rodeo Association (MCYRA), rodeo sponsor.

Sanctioned by the Working Ranch Cowboy’s Association (WRCA), competition will feature ranch teams each represented by four working ranch cowboys. Events are to include wild cow milking, stray gathering, team penning, calf branding and ranch bronc riding.

Points from both evenings’ performances will be totaled, and the top team is automatically qualified for the WRCW Finals later this year in Amarillo, Texas.

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Contrasting to saddle bronc riding at amateur and professional rodeos, ranch bronc riding allows cowboys to “grab leather, hoop, holler, wave their hat and carry on” as they ride toward the qualifying eight-second whistle during Working Ranch Cowboys Association rodeos. Cowboys from throughout the Midwest are expected to match their riding skills with big stout bronc’s bucking ability during the 28th annual Santa Fe Trail Ranch Rodeo, July 4-5, at Council Grove.
     A trade show  featuring vendors selling Western tack, clothing, accessories and home décor is planned both evenings. A snack shack operated by the sponsoring organization is scheduled to be open as well.

The MYRA Summer Junior Ranch Rodeo, with three-member teams made up  with cowboys and cowgirls, 13 years of age and under, is scheduled for Saturday morning, July 5, at 10 o’clock.

Events are team penning, ribbon roping, and calf branding. Entries can be made by calling Wilson at 785-466-1359, and will also be accepted the day of the rodeo.

The Morris County Youth Rodeo Association has also scheduled the annual MCYRA Youth Rodeo, Saturday, Aug. 2, 6 p.m., and the annual MCYRA Fall Ranch Rodeo, Sunday, Oct. 5, 1 p.m., with a Junior Ranch Rodeo at 10 a.m.

Details for all activities can be found at www.mrcoyouthrodeo.com.

 

 

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