Bucked off
Clint on far right watches young competitor
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Ranch Rodeo 2015
A Western Tradition
by Terry Allen
August 7, 2015
"The rules are simple," Clint Grimes explained. "Stock saddle bronc riding is using your ordinary every day saddle. Then, you just hold on any way you can. You can hold on with both hands like you would out on the ranch where sudden things can happen unexpectedly. It’s better to do what you need to do instead of trying to make a big fancy show of it."
Clint Grimes works in the gas field as a roustabout, but a couple years ago he found himself thinking more and more about rodeo. "I liked them, I had competed in them and I realized I really missed them," he said. Clint Grimes talked to his family and friends and with their support, decided to host an annual rodeo in Pinedale.
He had a lot of experience to draw from. "My parents were in rodeo when they were young so it was natural for me and my sisters Kate and Rachel to get into rodeo as kids, too," Clint said. "Then, as an adult, I cowboy’d for 12 years, so it was really in my blood."
But, Clint wasn’t interested in a Las Vegas style event, he just wanted an event where regular ranch people could show up with their horse and do their best. "A lot of guys in riding are working cowboys and they are doing it for a living," he said. "I think it is a historic art form that we can see on display. I think it is something everyone in the community would probably appreciate."
So, Clint enlisted the help of his girlfriend Keeley, Mom, Dad, Step-mom and sister to put on the event. They made it very family friendly. "The entrance fee is $5.00 for 18 and older, younger than 18 is free. Everyone can bring their own cooler and umbrella, too," he said.
"The ranch rodeo events we include is, load, doctor, rope, and buck; just every day events you normally encounter doing ranch work," said Clint. "Kids can compete in roping at age 5 and up and in the riding events at 7 and up. Some of the kids here today are expecting to compete in pony broc riding at our national meet," said Clint. "There is no upper age limit. If they think they can do it, I’m going to let ‘em."
This year’s oldest competitor was in his 50’s.
"We also have a women’s division, and historically women do better than the boys in some events because women excel when there is a lot of technique required," Clint said.
This year’s event was the second year of his ranch rodeo and he plans on making it an annual event. "We tripled the attendance over last year, and we had 70 competitors," he said."
Clint’s ranch rodeo is part of a 30 – 40 event circuit during the season, held under the auspices of the Western States Ranch Rodeo Association. www.wsrra.org
Related Links
www.usrra.org - Western States Ranch Rodeo Association
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