For nearly seven decades, rodeo fans from across the globe have invaded The Cowboy Capital of the World for the PRCA Oakdale Saddle Club Rodeo. This past weekend was no different. The grandstands, VIP and standing room only areas were packed with rodeo fans of all ages and, for the first time in a few years, the weather was picture perfect for roping and riding.
“My family and I came from Utah and this is our second time making the trip,” said rodeo fan Brock Riggins.
Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association announcer Jody Carper once again lent his voice from the Oakdale Saddle Club booth. Carper got fans excited for the event both days and called the action.
On Saturday, April 14 David Peebles held on for the eight seconds on C5 Rodeo’s Virgil in bareback to take first place and earned the Western Drywall, Inc. championship buckle after scoring 88. Richmond Champion came in second place with an 83.5 ride and Jamie Howlett scored 81 and took third.
In steer wrestling action, Trevor Knowles took first place in the first round with 3.7 seconds. In the second round Nick Guy and Dirk Tavenner tied for the day at 4.2 seconds. Earning the average was Blake Knowles at 9.2 seconds. The Burtschi Family In Memory Of Henry and Lena was the official sponsor of the event.
Luke Brown and Jake Long worked together in the team roping in the first round and took first place at 5.6 seconds. In second round action, Clay Tryan and Travis Graves earned first on the day with 5.9 seconds. Average went to Spencer Mitchell and Clay O’Brien Cooper at 14.4. California Team Roping Association sponsored the event.
Hardy Braden took first in the saddle bronc riding with an 80 point ride on Four Star Rodeo’s Fancy Pants. Braden’s efforts earned him the MediaSmack Saddle Bronc Riding championship buckle. Bradley Harter placed second with a 78.5 ride and Colton Carter and Joe Harper tied for third with a 78.0 ride.
Lynette Clyde and her horse blazed through the course in barrel racing and placed first in 17.72 seconds. Clyde took home the Chicken Ranch Bingo and Casino championship buckle. Kelsey Hayden came in second with a 17.82 run. Third place honors went to both Jana Bean and Taylor Rodgers with a 17.86 time.
Kyle Dickens placed first in the tie-down with a speedy 8.4 second time and took home the Les Schwab Tires championship buckle. Cody Jones placed second with a 9.0 second run and coming in third place was Chant DeForest at 9.4 seconds.
DeForest also earned All-Around Cowboy honors presented by H-B Bachi’s Family Dining of Oakdale.
Each year the rodeo begins and ends with bull riding action. This year it was Boudreaux Campbell setting the tone early on Saturday. Campbell set a new arena record with his 90 point ride on Four Star Rodeo’s Yellow Fever. Clayton Savage placed second with an 86 point ride and coming in third were Shane Proctor and Parker Breeding at 85.5 points. The bull riding was presented by A.L. Gilbert Company.
