Rodeo 101: Ranch Residents Get Sneak Peek into This Weekend’s Rodeo
Last week, while the stands were going up, tickets were selling out, and everyone was buzzing about this past weekend’s 14th Annual Rancho Mission Viejo Rodeo, a very special group of Sendero residents got a sneak peek into this year’s festivities during Rodeo 101.
To begin their day, a group of lucky Sendero and Gavilán residents headed out to the center of Ranch operations, historic Cow Camp. En route, Charlie Ware, our Director of Governmental and Community Relations, regaled them with stories from the O’Neill family history, and gave them a brief tour of The Ranch.
Upon arriving, residents were greeted by Lissa Freese, VP of Ranch Operations, and Gilbert Aguirre, Executive VP of Ranch Operations, and were served up a delicious meal of breakfast burritos, pastries and coffee. Gilbert gave them an official welcome and told them of the Rodeo’s history, as well as the story of Cow Camp.
After breakfast, the group headed over to the Cecil Martinez Arena where the real action began. Some of the contestants were getting ready for “America’s richest two-day rodeo,” and the cowboys (or “vaqueros,” as we like to call them) treated the residents to an insider viewing of their private team roping practice.
Cotton Rosser, a ProRodeo Hall of Famer, talked with the group about his history as the Stock Contractor of the Year in 1985, and gave them an up-close, behind-the-scenes tour of the bullpens.
To top off a perfect Ranch morning, the group saw a very special demonstration by world-famous horse trainer Bobby Kerr. Kerr was the halftime act for the Rodeo this year, and he gave residents a special showing of his new Mustang at Rodeo 101.
Residents said it was absolutely spectacular to watch Kerr work, and they felt like true VIP’s. Kerr and his horse Trigger demonstrated several tricks, achieved only by many hours of practice and a trusted bond between horse and trainer. Kerr spent four months training Trigger, who was a wild horse from Wyoming just one year ago. Kerr’s been touring rodeos across the country to raise awareness about wild horses. And his performance at the Rodeo was magical. Just look at what he and Trigger can do!
Were you a part of the action this weekend? Share your Rodeo photos with us on Facebook and use the hashtag #RMVRodeo!
See more photos and read more about Bobby Kerr online at the OC Register. And check out our 2014 Rodeo winners!
Stop by the Guest House at the Village of Sendero this week for an in depth history of The Ranch. We’re located at 11 Brioso in Rancho Mission Viejo. And, don’t forget to sign up for our newsletter to receive exclusive updates on all things Ranch and Rodeo!
