Taking Stock of the Rowell Ranch Rodeo

More than 150 bulls and horses will be shipped in from the Flying-U Ranch for this weekend's rodeo events.

In addition to the dozens of contestants at the Rowell Ranch Rodeo this weekend, there will be more than 150 bulls and horses brought in to challenge the riders’ talents and skills. But it takes a small team of experts, a lot of preparation, and a lifetime of care for the animals that will make those 8 seconds so exciting.

It’s about a two-hour drive from Castro Valley to the Flying-U Ranch in Marysville, California. That’s where the bulls, horses, and other stock animals are raised and bred for the Rowell Ranch Rodeo and other local rodeos in California and Nevada. The ranch hands driving four to five truckloads from the Flying-U will deliver the stock to Castro Valley. Each animal has a pre-assigned number for quick identification, but each also has a personal reputation with names like Flood Tide, Billy the Kid, Holy Hoppin' Hell, Lucky Charm, Bit-a-Bad News, and Boss Man.

When they arrive, the numbered herd will be separated into smaller groups. Three to five wranglers collect the herd then identify the animals by a number and then crossmatch that animal with a specific contestant during a specific event such as bull riding, bronco roping, or the Cowboy Experience.

“Prior to all rodeos, cowboys submit their entry form online which is processed by the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PCRA) in Colorado Springs,” says Joe Paulo, Rowell Ranch Rodeo board director and “chute boss.” “From their spreadsheet, we will know which animals to separate for that day and bring them into the competition area prior to their events.”

Paulo estimates some 30 bulls, and more than 50 steers will be at Rowell this weekend. An additional 30 bucking horses with 20 more for bareback events. There will also be calves and cows for the team events. In addition to the stock from the Flying-U, contestants will also be trucking in their own competition horses for events like roping and barrel racing.

“What is unique about Rowell is that some of the stock not being used is being let out on the grassy hill behind the arena. You can see these animals from the freeway… just feeding in the open spaces. It’s an original way to make them comfortable,” says Rowell Ranch president, Russ Fields.

Before the action happens, the cowboys spend just under five minutes in the chute getting situated with the animal before that explosion of energy bursts out of the gate and the iconic 8 seconds it takes to judge the rider’s performance with the bull or horse.

What’s changed over the 100 years since Rowell Ranch Rodeo started is the advanced knowledge that the cowboys have about competitive livestock.

“These guys have a game plan long before they get on the horse or bull,” Fields says. “Historically, a cowboy would have to talk to a ranch hand or the owner to get the inside scoop on how an animal behaves or which way to expect them to buck. Now they have online forums and cheat sheets where they can know more about the livestock than ever before.”

And after the event, the bulls and horses will get loaded back onto the trucks and sent back to Marysville, says Flying-U manager Reno Rosser.

“The animals only participate once for those 8 seconds and then we rest them for a month before they go to any other rodeo,” Rosser said. “You can’t buck them every weekend. That would not be safe for the rider or the bull or horse. It’s a misconception that rodeo animals are not taken care of. If you don’t take care of the livestock, they won’t take care of you. The average rodeo stock looks better with their shiny and slick coats than your average ranch will have.”

And while the bulls and horses are active, Rosser notes that bucking is a natural motion that you really can’t train.

“They either buck or they don’t,” he adds.

Those that don’t buck naturally are trained as either barrel riding or show horses. Those that are inclined to buck are then trained starting from a colt to be calm in a pen or a chute.

“When they are young, we put them through a system to help calm them down,” Rosser says. “We pet them and help them get used to a saddle and a harness. It takes time, but when they are calmer there is less chance of injury to rider or livestock.”

Additionally, PCRA rules require a medical team on-site for the contestants and an animal veterinarian team and animal care unit on site for the livestock.

The Rowell Ranch Rodeo events start this weekend. Tickets are on sale now. Visit rowellranchrodeo.com for more information.