2019 Ramona Rodeo Program by Ramona Home Journal

Ramona Outdoor Community Center Presents the

39 Annual th

Ramona Rodeo

May 17-19, 2019

Fred Grand Arena 421 Aqua Lane

Brought to You by

Ramona the Beautiful eeeeeeeeeeee

2019 Ramona Rodeo 1

Welcome to the 39th Annual Ramona Rodeo!

n behalf of the Ramona Outdoor Community Center and Rodeo Committee Members, welcome to the 2019 Ramona Rodeo! Each May, we celebrate our community’s roots and Western heritage. What was once an average cowboy’s working lifestyle, rodeo today is one of the most highly attended

professional sporting events across the nation. We are proud to bring the 39th consecutive year of professional rodeo to our town. Whether you attend our rodeo each year or have never joined us, we invite you to experience the best of professional rodeo. Expect to see everything from the classic event of saddle bronc riding, to the exciting roping events and barrel racing. We will feature the everpopular mutton bustin’ during each performance, junior barrel race on Sunday and one of the best entertainers in the industry throughout the entire event. In addition to our Western roots, the rodeo

arena is a space for the community to thank our first responders, pay tribute to our active duty military and veteran heroes, and honor the flag. This event embodies so much of what is at the heart of our beautiful community. Thank you to each of our sponsors who are behind this event, and we encourage you to support those businesses who support the rodeo, many of which have done so for a number of years. We also appreciate our dedicated volunteers who keep things running smoothly behind the scenes. Enjoy the show! Kayla A. Duba

Rodeo Production Coordinator

Table of Contents Ramona The Beautiful . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Roots Run Deep for Ramona Rodeo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Rider Kiesner — The Trick Ropin’, Gun Spinnin’ Whip Cracker . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Virginia Honeycutt — Lifelong Rodeo Queen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Rodeo Queens — Miss Rodeo California & Miss Rodeo Ramona . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Junior Barrel Racing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 PRCA Photographer Reed Settle — The True Meaning of Perspective . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Announcer Bob Edmonds — The ‘Voice’ of Ramona Rodeo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Nancarrow to Headline After-rodeo Entertainment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Dr. Jon Matthews — Ramona Rodeo Veterinarian . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Interesting Rodeo Facts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Boots or Suits? All are Welcome at Cowboy Church . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 Rodeo Athletes Meet Challenging Competitions Head-on . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 Advertiser Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 2 2019 Ramona Rodeo

Ramona Outdoor Community Center Board Members Charlie Koehler President Pat Donovan Vice President Art Thomsen Board Member ~ Secretary Joani Georgeson Treasurer Artie Thomsen Board Member ~ Facilities Management Mike Celaya Board Member ~ Facilities Eric Guenther Board Member ~ Parking Chris Anderson Board Member Cheryll Schulz Board Member Kayla A. Duba Ramona Rodeo Sponsorships Janelle Morrow Venue Rental

Ramona Rodeo Committee Members Charlie Koehler Co-Chairperson Joani Georgeson Co-Chairperson Cheryll Schulz Director of VIP Mike Celaya Director of Vendors Kayla A. Duba Director of Sponsorship

Journal Photo by Darrel Kinney

Ramona the Beautiful

ow do you put Ramona into words? For those who know her best, it’s nearly impossible. But if Ramonans know anything, they know you have to give a challenge your best shot. It is here, in the backcountry, where people still value many of the tenets the first pioneers brought to the Old West — things like family, friendships and faith. When the California Gold Rush reached Julian, the stagecoach route from San Diego to the mountains went through this valley. The riches of the 1870s

Amanda Hop, Miss Rodeo California 2018. Journal Photo by John Jones

came from the ground, but 21st century Ramona is still down-to-earth. Flashy and showy don’t get the job done — it takes hard work, persistence and a lot of love to make a life out here. “Ramona is such a unique, beautiful town with a way of life that is rapidly disappearing,” says Charlie Koehler, Ramona Outdoor Community Center President. “It is true Americana.” Koehler also says that everything, from the horses and livestock, to small businesses, schools and vineyards, make Ramona a community that welcomes growth and camaraderie. And Ramonans aren’t

afraid to be real — you can’t put on airs while mutton bustin’, after all. Living in this section of the backcountry means living closer to the land and the elements than what most people find in the more urban and suburban settings. At the end of the day, the earth and the animals are straightforward and unpretentious, as are the people who live not just off the land, but with the land. Ramona Rodeo is just one way that Ramona shows some of her best colors. But no matter which season Ramona is wearing, she wears it well, because beauty is in the heart of the beholder. n

Roots Run Deep for Ramona Rodeo

lot has changed in the nearly 39 years since Ramona held its first rodeo, when country fields dominated the landscape, and the heart of town was a handful of stores along Main Street. Back then, Fred Grand, a former Ramona Chamber of Commerce board member, was one of the driving forces behind establishing the rodeo and the Ramona Outdoor Community Center (ROCC) — and by extension, the Fred Grand Arena. Casey Tibbs, the famous rodeo cowboy and Ramona resident, added to the momentum. Then, Art and Linda Thomsen joined the cause, and their family has been one of the key champions of Ramona Rodeo ever since. The Thomsens, who have been married for 61 years, have no interest in “retirement.” Just the

From left, Timmy Georgeson, April Smith, Tim Georgeson, Joani Georgeson, Art and Linda Thomsen, Photo by Megan Peralta Artie Thomsen and JoLinda Georgeson in the Fred Grand Arena.

opposite, in fact, since their family is now three generations deep in rodeo service. Their daughter, Joani Georgeson, is the current treasurer for the Rodeo Committee, and her husband, Tim Georgeson, and their adult children, JoLinda and Timmy, along with April Smith, have made Ramona Rodeo a central feature of

their family. Also involved are the Thomsens’ son and other family members, including Artie and Pam Thomsen, Collette Thomsen, Nickie Daniels and Morgan Thomsen Varney. Georgeson says her father’s promise to Fred Grand — shortly before Grand died — meant the Thomsen family would

shoulder the care of the property. “Then, he makes a promise to Casey Tibbs,” Georgeson adds. “Hence, we’re running the rodeo. So no more speaking to anyone when they’re not feeling very well.” She laughs. The whole family, with

See Roots Run Deep Continued on page 5 2019 Ramona Rodeo 3

Rider Kiesner

The Trick Ropin’, Gun Spinnin’ Whip Cracker

odeo runs deep for many of the professional performers, and Rider Kiesner is no exception. He is a fifth-generation cowboy who started getting serious about trick roping when he received a Will Rogers Roping Kit at the age of 9. But as a child growing up in a rodeo family, he might as well have been born with a rope in his hand. Even with that head start, he practiced endlessly until he perfected each trick, thanks to the help of instructional videos and what was likely a spacious living room. At age 10, he

debuted in local events, and by 11 he was performing at professional rodeos. His father’s work as a horse trainer meant that Rider and his brother, Roper, traveled widely during their younger years. The brothers got some of the best education on the road, too. Most kids learn about the Great Wall of China from pictures in history textbooks, but the Kiesner boys got to see the real thing. All these years later, Kiesner has awed audiences as a professional trick roper and Western entertainer in every state except Hawaii, in addition to 15

countries besides the U.S. Along with being recognized at national circuit competitions, he has also won world championship titles multiple times. Fortunately for Ramona, this international performer is going to bring all his talent to this year’s Ramona Rodeo. His performance repertoire has to be broad and adaptable, because each crowd has its own personality. Whether the stands are full of families with kids, or party animals going wilder than the broncs and bulls, Kiesner has to connect with them all. Humor, too, involves great subtlety and the ability to engage with an audience. And he can do so not just across the broad spectrum of American audiences, but also in the more vast and diverse international arena. “It’s really cool to bring what we have in the U.S. to other countries and to learn more about their cultures,” says Kiesner. “I’ve done a lot in Asia, traveling with ‘Cavalia.’ I would walk the streets and go to the temples to see their different beliefs and cultures.” For Kiesner, some of the most rewarding aspects of performing come from the need for spontaneity. “In rodeo, you always have different problems and solutions,” Kiesner says. “You have to think quick on your feet. It’s not like a regular job.” Even within the rodeo crowd itself, there is a wide range of people, from lifelong rodeo fans to first-timers. An entertainer like Kiesner has just a few hours to make sure such a diverse group of people gets to experience rodeo in the best way possible. “I’ve been doing it for 20 years, and I haven’t figured it all out,” he adds. “It’s a challenge, but you keep rolling with it, and at every rodeo, you learn something new.” Whether you’re in the stands or in the arena, hold onto your hats — it’s going to be a wild ride when Kiesner enters the arena. n Trick roper Rider Kiesner performs for the rodeo audience. Photo Courtesy of Rider Kiesner

4 2019 Ramona Rodeo

Roots Run Deep for Ramona Rodeo Continued from page 3

the help of dozens of dedicated volunteers, has taken those promises to heart. “I don’t think we’ve gone a day in 36 years we haven’t talked rodeo, ROCC, weeds, gophers,” Georgeson says. “It’s our every waking moment. We love our rodeo. We love to bring people to Ramona, because we love our town.” Instead of horses, Art Thomsen says the family rides tractors and wields brooms and rakes, preparing and maintaining the ROCC. The facilities have served as a nursery, play yard and training ground for the family’s life of service. JoLinda Georgeson remembers planting trees with her grandfather — trees that now tower above the

buildings. And nobody is too good to pull weeds or get their hands dirty. Family members all agree with Joani when she says, “It takes every grain of sand to build that beach.” They are all there as volunteers. No one gets paid, even though it adds up to several full-time jobs. In fact, almost all the proceeds go back into the ROCC, the rodeo and Ramona. As JoLinda can attest, “It takes some tough skin to be a volunteer, but it’s so rewarding at the end of the rodeo or any event we do here.” Explaining why rodeo means so much to her family, Linda Thomsen says, “You have to remember this is our roots, and where

families were really close and had to work together, because that’s how they survived.” Linda looks forward to the rodeo each year with the same anticipation that most people associate with Christmas. For her family, it’s just like celebrating a special birth. “The whole family says we better not plan anything from February to June, because the ‘baby’s’ arriving,” she says, proving how important Ramona Rodeo is to this family. A great deal of faith has gone into the ROCC and the Ramona Rodeo, too. It is one of the few events that start each performance with a prayer — and not just for the people involved.

“You have to feel the presence,” says Linda. “And Jerry Honeycutt, our stock contractor, prays for the animals. He loves those animals. They’re hand-fed and taken care of. Even though it looks like it’s rough and tumble, it’s, ‘Please bless the animals and keep them safe.’” “We pray every day,” says Art. “Got to talk to Him. Somebody’s got to help us.” And though it seems like a tall order, repairing or replacing buildings, keeping up the lawns, planting trees and maintaining the arena, the Boss upstairs must be listening. With faith as their rudder and love in their sails, this family has helped make Ramona what it is today. n

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Virginia Honeycutt Lifelong Rodeo Queen

f you want to know what the Western way of life stands for, Virginia Honeycutt, of Honeycutt Rodeo Stock Contractors Inc., was a perfect example. You might even say she was a true rodeo queen in the way she promoted rodeo and its core values throughout her life. Though she passed away unexpectedly Dec. 1, 2018, she left an indelible legacy in her family, and in the world of rodeo. The Honeycutt family is 80 years and five generations deep in the rodeo business. Walter Alsbaugh, Virginia’s father, put on his first professional rodeo in 1945, when Virginia was three years old. Virginia was well known for wearing many hats in terms of rodeo roles. When she was younger, she ran barrels and carried flags. As she got older, she was timing events and driving trucks for her father. In 1963, Virginia married Roy Honeycutt, a rodeo bull rider who even went to Japan to put on the Wild West Show with Casey Tibbs, the legendary rodeo cowboy and former Ramona resident. The Honeycutts raised their family with an emphasis on faith, integrity and hard work. Their simple philosophy was, “If you can walk, then you can pitch in.” “That’s part of our success, being able to work together as a family,” says Jerry Honeycutt, Roy and Virginia’s oldest son. “You don’t have to worry about whether everyone is pulling their weight. I like to say I worked harder than my brother, Scott, but my sister, Janet, worked harder than 6 2019 Ramona Rodeo

Virginia Alsbaugh Honeycutt Photos Courtesy of the Honeycutt family

both of us.” Virginia was devoted to her faith and to rodeo. She could include Jesus in almost every conversation, and she could also chase a wayward son right through an arena when he wasn’t at his post on time. “I told her she was the rock of our family,” Jerry says. “She didn’t like me putting that kind of pressure on her, but she was the rock. She kept us all in line.” For Jerry, the real legacy his parents left is in the values he and his siblings were raised with. “I wouldn’t trade all the money or inheritance for the way they raised us kids and made sure faith in Jesus was important to us,” he says. “I’m forever grateful to both my parents for that. I just hope I leave my kids a legacy that teaches them to respect people, to be at peace and enjoy life.” And for the Honeycutts, family and rodeo are nearly synonymous. Over the years, working with the

Virginia Alsbaugh married Roy Honeycutt in 1963. The two were married for 55 years, until her death in December 2018.

same people to put on great events also creates lasting relationships. Art Thomsen, longtime Ramona resident, first hired Roy Honeycutt as stock contractor for the inaugural Ramona Rodeo nearly four decades ago. “Rodeo wouldn’t work without people like the Thomsens,” says Jerry. “I have to make a living, but there are so many people behind the scenes who work hard just so I can come in and shine.” The behind-the-scenes preparation for a rodeo does amount to a herculean task — from head to hoof. They must follow PRCA rules, including keeping bulls’ horns tipped and the stock’s feet trimmed. Then, they have to sort and make sure the right animals are going to be at each event. When they get to the rodeo grounds, they have to take the animals — and people — through test runs. Just as crucial, though, is putting the right people

in the right places. Rodeo events are dangerous, and animals are unpredictable. All these little details must be considered before the first flag appears in the arena. It’s also a tricky business because, as Jerry points out, you can’t train horses to buck. “You want to settle them down enough but not break their spirit,” he explains. “Once you open the gate, you let nature take its course. Rodeo horses are running wild — we don’t try to break them, we let them do what they naturally do. That’s a neat thing about our business.” Another benefit of rodeo and stock contracting is being able to see the results of your efforts. “When you raise something from a baby, you see their personalities grow and how each one is different. It’s neat when you finally get to see the fruits of your labor and take them to the rodeo.” Virginia’s values also

emphasized not just being good with animals, but also working well with people. As their kids took on more responsibilities, she and Roy were able to do more work on the public relations side of the business. They were both adept in forming relationships, and they passed that on to the next generation. “From one guy to the next, you can’t treat people the same — just like our horses,” says Jerry. “Getting to meet and deal with all different types of people is a challenge, but an exciting one. There is a lot of pride, heritage and camaraderie about the rodeo business.” As for Roy, he lives at the ranch in Alamosa.

“He feeds our buckin’ cows, and watches over things there when we are on the road,” says Dawn Honeycutt, Jerry’s wife. These days, the Honeycutts provide stock for 30 to 35 events each year. Of all those, though, Ramona still stands out. “Ramona is such a beautiful place, and the crowds are great,” Jerry says. “I look forward to going to Ramona every year.” One thing is certain: The heritage of the Honeycutts and Virginia, a lifelong “queen” of rodeo, lives on. You might even say that Honeycutt Rodeo is a “cut” above the rest. n

Pictured from left are Jerry, Virginia, Scott, Janet and Roy Honeycutt. Photo Courtesy of the Honeycutt family

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Rodeo Queens

Miss Rodeo California & Miss Rodeo Ramona

rodeo queen is an ambassador for professional rodeo, and while it might seem easy to ride into the arena with a smile, countless hours and even years of dedication are the foundation for her success. The Miss Rodeo pageant, itself, is an intensive process. Unlike rodeo cowboys and riders, contestants have several hats to wear. The final winner is chosen based on her riding ability, knowledge of horse and stable care, and her understanding of rodeo events and history. However, her personality is a major factor, as well. She has to interact with audiences of all sorts, not

Madison Wagner Miss Rodeo California Photo Courtesy of Miss Rodeo California, Inc.

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Contestants have to demonstrate their riding ability, take tests and go through interviews with a panel of judges. Like everything else in rodeo, it’s not for the faint of heart. If this weren’t enough, they also have to carry themselves in a confident manner, look amazing and use their charisma to interact with so many types of people. Miss Rodeo contestants also go through stringent background checks, and they are held to the highest ethical and moral standards. It takes great sacrifice and commitment from their families, as well. Valley Center native Madison Wagner now wears a crown for all of California as 2019’s Miss Rodeo California. She is an accomplished rider, quilter, roper and poet. She began attending the local Valley Center Stampede Rodeo in 2002 and started volunteering as soon as she was 12. She was crowned Young Miss Valley Center Stampede Rodeo in 2012 and

Miss Valley Center Stampede Rodeo in 2018. Now, she is representing all of California, which goes to show that great things can come from small beginnings. This young lady may be from a small town, but she has big aspirations. After graduating with two associate degrees this spring, she will go on to pursue her bachelor’s degree in chemistry. She plans to use her education for pharmaceutical research, developing better methods to treat mental illness. This year’s Miss Rodeo Ramona is Bridgette LaHaye, a Poway native who has been involved in the world of rodeo for more than 10 years. She is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in psychology at California State University, San Marcos, and intends to earn her master’s degree in clinical psychology in order to teach at the college level and eventually become a licensed professional clinical counselor. LaHaye started her rodeo queen career as Ramona Rodeo Young Miss in 2010, and was crowned the state’s first Teen Miss Rodeo California in 2013. More recently, she has served as Miss Rodeo Valley Center and Miss Rodeo Poway. When she’s not in the arena, LaHaye works at Mary’s Tack and Feed in Del Mar. She loves sharing the sport of rodeo with fans and is thankful to hold the title of 2019 Ramona Rodeo Queen. “I consider Ramona my second hometown,” says LaHaye. “I’m super excited to represent the Ramona Rodeo.” n

2019 Ramona Rodeo 9

Junior Barrel Racing

t 3 p.m. on Sunday, May 19, junior barrel riders Grace Janice, Courtney Walters, Ella Hale, Reyna Johnson, Alyssa Rios, Johanna Hagerstrom, Makayla Carlisle, Kayley Wilson, Leah Ginkel and Bella Pate will get the final day of the rodeo off to an exciting start. These 10 contestants posted the best times at the junior barrel racing qualifier in April, and will wow the crowd with their daredevil spins and turns. n Journal Photo by DArrel Kinney

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PRCA Photographer Reed Settle The True Meaning of Perspective

eed Settle, owner of Roughstock Photography, has been the official Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association photographer for Ramona Rodeo for almost 15 years. He is the only photographer allowed in the arena with all the action, and you might say he experiences as much excitement as the contestants. Settle got involved with photography when he was in the U.S. Army, stationed in Germany, and it was a

ProRodeo photographer. He is also a credentialed photographer for the Professional Bull Riders organization and works with a variety of associations on jobs that take him all over the United States. Even though he now lives in Utah and has traveled so widely, Settle still likes coming back to Ramona. “It’s a great rodeo — not just for Ramona, but all of San Diego,” he said. “It’s like you have these little extensions of your family, so

useful skill later on when he studied architecture at Arizona State University. When he and his wife, Marie, moved to Ramona, Marie started riding with the Rainbow Riders precision drill team. Reed became their photographer, and from there, he started the grueling process of becoming an official PRCA

there’s the Ramona Rodeo family, Poway, Yuma, Cortez — like mini family reunions. It’s neat.” Though there’s the comfortable familiarity of seeing longtime friends, rodeo photographers have to be as tough as the riders. Settle might be shooting in blistering heat, pouring rain or 5 degrees Fahrenheit. He’s fine

12 2019 Ramona Rodeo

a fence saved the fortunate rodeo queens and their horses waiting on the other side. And that’s just the basics. Along with managing to stay out of the way of flying hooves and horns, Settle still has to take amazing photos — not just for magazines and websites, but often for the contestants, themselves. From a technical point of view, he has to consider countless details. The position of the sun, the time of day, the weather, the arena setup and the swirling dust all factor into each shot. Often, though, it’s a matter PRCA Photographer Reed Settle. of space. There is so much Photos Courtesy of Reed Settle, going on that, when he is Roughstock Photography in the arena, it can be difficult to get far enough with all that. Lightning is back to capture the whole, pretty much the only thing yes, picture. that makes him consider He also appreciates packing up a little early. Ramona’s particular enShooting a rodeo can vironment because of the also entail 12- to 14-hour golden sunlight as dusk days, and hours of kneelis falling. ing or constant movement. “It’s a fluid thing,” he Sometimes it even means said. “Every shot is different leaving the arena at 3 a.m. because the sun is constantly While the crowd is eatmoving.” ing popcorn and enjoying Perhaps the biggest key the events from the relative to his success, though, is safety of the stands, Settle his attitude. Like many of never relaxes or loses focus the world’s top athletes in the arena. and performers, he shares “The bulls are the most the philosophy that it’s not dangerous if they get you,” the external conditions that he said. “But broncs are the shape the final outcome — most dangerous, in general. it’s the determination in the Once the rider dismounts, face of difficulty. the bronc always runs “If it’s overcast, go out around the outside edge and get the worst conditions of the arena, and they can and shoot,” he said. “That’s scrape you right off the how you learn to be a pipe rails.” photographer.” At one memorable rodeo, Maybe that’s even how bulls escaped from the arena you learn to be a stronger on two different nights. A person. It’s all about third bull tried to make his perspective, after all. n getaway the last night, but

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Announcer Bob Edmonds The ‘Voice’ of Ramona Rodeo

Bob Edmonds will be the announcer for the 2019 Ramona Rodeo. Photo Courtesy of Bob Edmonds

ob Edmonds has been the announcing “voice” of professional rodeo for about 18 years. It all started when his great-uncle got sick and couldn’t announce at a county fair, so Edmonds filled in for him. From that one event, he got three more calls — and things kept rolling from there. Along the way, he has garnered an impressive range of experience. In addition to being the 2018 Women’s Professional Rodeo Association Announcer of the Year, he has been the announcer for Ram Mountain States PRCA Circuit Finals Rodeo eight times, and twice for the

National Circuit Finals Steer Roping. Of the 40 to 45 events Edmonds works each year, Ramona Rodeo is one of his favorites. This will be his third year announcing for the event, and he is looking forward to coming back for another great rodeo. In his perspective, announcing is more than just narration. “The crowd and the way they interact make my job fun,” he says. “If you look at all the other pro sports, there’s not really a live playby-play like rodeo, where you get to interact with the crowd.” One of the challenges of being a professional rodeo

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announcer is the competition in the field. “Once you get a good fit, announcers have a tendency to stick around and become the voice of that event,” he explains. Anyone who has ever been shocked by a change in voice actors, from “Winnie the Pooh” characters to company mascots, will agree that a person’s voice can make all the difference. On the subject of what impact an announcer can have, Edmonds says, “The announcer is the makeor-break factor for a great rodeo. You get to talk to the people. And one of the most important things is having a conversation with the crowd

and not talking ‘at’ them. Even though it’s one-sided, their feedback is the response.” Another value Edmonds brings to rodeos is the importance of storytelling. The announcer is the person who makes the contestants and the stock real and personal for the audience. “Even the bulls and the horses have their own stories,” he says. “You might see an animal in the arena for 30 seconds, but they have a story.” Edmonds grew up in rodeo culture and has continued that legacy with his own family. His wife, Brandy, often works alongside him as a PRCA music

director and PRCA timer, and their twin daughters are both working on their team roping skills, with help from their dad. “I’ve got a great love for rodeo,” Edmonds adds. “You can throw all the awards out the window — the important thing is that rodeo is a big family. If you ever needed anything, those are the people you call to help you out.” Rodeo professionals often travel together, and they become close. “A lot of times, you work with the same people year after year,” he says. “You all become family.”n

JOURNAL Photo by John Jones

2019 Ramona Rodeo 15

Nancarrow to Headline After-rodeo Entertainment

ollowing the rodeo events Friday and Saturday, revelers can enjoy the musical entertainment of the Nancarrow band. The band is set to take the stage at 9:30 p.m., and admission is free to the public. With Graham Nancarrow providing lead vocals and guitar, Buzz Campbell on guitar and vocals, Russel Hayden on steel guitars and vocals, Joe Weisiger on bass and Ron Kerner on percussion, the crowd is bound to boogie with this original honky-tonk group. This will be the group’s second year playing for Ramona Rodeo audiences. Graham Nancarrow says he

is looking forward to coming back to his roots in San Diego, where the band has won several awards in the last few years. Most recently, Nancarrow was named the 2016 City Beat Magazine’s People’s Choice for Best Country Band, and was nominated for Best Country Album in the 2018 San Diego Music Awards. Though he started out as a punk rock musician, Nancarrow’s inspiration is an eclectic style inspired by the music of Bad Religion, Sublime and Elvis Presley. His father, the late local television newscaster Loren Nancarrow, was a country music DJ in college, and it was through him that Nancarrow Photo Courtesy of Nancarrow

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Graham first heard about country legends such as Merle Haggard and Johnny Cash. The band has been together for eight years, and each member has played punk rock at some point in his career. Even though punk and honky-tonk don’t seem to have much in common, Nancarrow found the connection. “There are a lot of similarities between outlaw country and punk rock,” he says. “So I felt like the styles were complimentary.” The group will perform original songs, along with well-known classic country covers, so there’s sure to be a beat and a tune for every pair of feet to dance to. Buzz Campbell, who started playing with Nancarrow five years ago,

will also be performing during the band’s Ramona Rodeo appearances this year. “We’re really excited to have Buzz Campbell with us,” Nancarrow said. “He plays with Lee Rocker, of The Stray Cats. I’ve never heard him hit a wrong note in my life.” What’s special about Nancarrow’s live performances is the group’s ability to roll with the crowd, reading the energy and responding in a way that can’t be matched in the studio. “Energy is what it’s all about for me,” he said. “There’s this resurgence of country music, and it’s not going away, which is awesome news for us.” It’s awesome news for Ramona Rodeo audiences, too. n

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Dr. Jon Matthews Ramona Rodeo Veterinarian

r. Jon Matthews, D.V.M., of Matthews Equine Services, has been working with the Ramona Rodeo for almost 30 years, helping ensure the safety and wellbeing of the stock upon which the whole rodeo depends. Though he might be considered a small-town vet, there is nothing small about the scope of his practice or of his approach to veterinary medicine. As an international sport horse veterinarian, he has worked on at least four continents so far, and has treated horses for the United States, German, French, Chinese, Mexican, Tibetan and New Zealand national equestrian teams. He was the Fédération Equestre Internationale veterinarian for the 2017-18 World Cup in Paris, and he has also been Ramona Rodeo’s veterinarian for 26 consecutive years. Dr. Matthews’ middle name might as well be “eclectic,” because his patients range from backyard donkeys to multimillion-dollar Olympic horses. That is one of his advantages, though, being involved in such different events and aspects of equestrian health. “When I’m in Ramona, I’m like a general practitioner or small town doctor, dealing with your typical bumps and bruises and colics that happen to regular horses in the backyard,” he says. “When I’m in other parts of the world, it’s highly specialized.” Veterinary medicine has come a long way since

18 2019 Ramona Rodeo

Dr. Jon Matthews, D.V.M., of Matthews Equine Services, will serve as Ramona Rodeo’s on-hand veterinarian. Photo Courtesy of Robin Matthews

Matthews earned his veterinary degree at the University of California, Davis. Back then, acupuncture was not really considered a viable treatment approach. But the hand of happy happenstance was at work. When Matthews was called to help a horse with a severe case of colic, the horse was in such distress that surgery seemed necessary. He needed to get a sample of abdominal fluid first, and stuck the needle into the flailing horse’s abdomen. He and the horse’s owner were astonished at what happened next. “The horse did a complete turnaround from intense pain to no pain,” Dr. Matthews remembers. “I’m looking at the needle

still sticking in the belly and tell the owner, ‘This must be acupuncture.’ If it is and if it’s this powerful, I need to know more about it. It started me on a path of self-discovery.” Over the next 20 years, he learned as much as he could about acupuncture and started incorporating it into his practice. Now, he also uses chiropractic techniques, noting that these two tools are a tremendous help in diagnosing his patients. It was this innovative approach to equine medicine, coupled with a more efficient diagnostic ability, that made Matthews an internationally recognized veterinarian. But the trail to such success goes back much farther. “I was raised around

horses, and specifically racehorses,” he says. “So they were always having lameness problems, because you really didn’t know where the pain was coming form. So I always wondered, if there were some way I could ask a horse where it hurt, that’s half the battle — knowing where the problem is.” Matthews has been to China 15 times to do equine acupuncture. In his opinion, the situation is a bit ironic, because acupuncture originated in China. It was also originally developed for equines, specifically, because it proved such efficient treatment for the horses used in battle. While Matthews recognizes that working in big cities such as Beijing, Auckland, Sydney or Brisbane is exciting, he still appreciates being able to come back to a smalltown atmosphere. “The Ramona Rodeo is great,” he adds. “Since I’ve been doing it for decades, I’ve gotten to know the rodeo people as friends. It’s also interesting to see a sport I don’t see all the time. It’s a whole different thing.” As the attending veterinarian, Matthews is naturally concerned for the health of all the stock animals that make a rodeo possible. However, he feels that his charges get the easier end of the deal. “The horses only have to work a minute a week, so they have the easy lot,” he says. “The one who has the hard life is the cowboy.”n

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Interesting Rodeo Facts

amona Rodeo has been a local tradition every spring for 38 years, drawing contestants from around the country to compete in a number of physically demanding events. Cowboy competitions weren’t exclusively called rodeos until the 1920s, with professional cowboys officially adopting the term in 1945. Until then, competitions were commonly referred to as frontier days, stampedes and cowboy contests. Here are some fun facts about the history of rodeo. • The word “rodeo” is loosely derived from the Spanish word for “round-up,” or literally, rodear, “to surround.” • The English word “rodeo” was first used around 1834 to refer to a cattle round-up. • Rodeo events are based on the real-life skills of working vaqueros and cowboys, first in Spain and Mexico, and later in the United States, Canada and Australia. • William F. Cody, also known as “Buffalo Bill,” created the first major U.S. rodeo and Wild West Show in 1882, in North Platte, Neb. • Women joined the rodeo circuit in the 1890s. • Before World War I, competitors couldn’t earn a living on rodeo winnings alone, so many were also Wild West show performers or performed entertainment acts at rodeos. Vaudeville hosted many of these acts during the rodeo offseason. • In the era of non-standardized rodeos, cowboys and cowgirls often did not know the exact events being offered

20 2019 Ramona Rodeo

or the rules of competition until after they paid fees to enter the contest. • Before the 1940s, the most popular competitions included trick riding and fancy roping. Also in demand were gymnastic feats performed on horseback at high speed, and Roman standing races, where riders stood upon a pair of horses, one foot on each horse. • Women of this era often rode broncs and bulls and roped steers against male competitors — and sometimes won! • In 1940, Gene Autry became so popular as a rodeo singer that even today, rodeo producers attract crowds with country singers headlining at rodeos. • The harder a bull bucks, the higher the cowboy’s score, with 100 points being the highest. • In 1991, Wade Leslie scored the only 100-point bull ride in the history of rodeo. • Modern bucking broncos are not wild horses but are bred for use in rodeos. A proven bucking bronco may cost between $8,000 and $10,000. • The traditional rodeo season in North America was spring through fall, with the Fourth of July weekend the busiest time of all. Now, some warm-weather states continue rodeo competitions into December. n References used include Wikipedia.org, Funk & Wagnalls New Encyclopedia, New Rider, and Humps ‘n’ Horns.

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Boots or Suits?

All are Welcome at Cowboy Church

hen you think “rodeo,” do you think “church?” Probably not. But Pastor Richard Rabehl has been making sure that cowboys and rodeo participants remember who’s really in charge — even when it seems like the bucking broncs and bulls have the upper hoof. Ramona Rodeo includes a special Sunday service at 10 a.m. at the rodeo grounds. Rabehl leads Cowboy Church for rodeo performers and personnel, their families and anyone who wants to bow his or her head in acknowledgement of a higher power. Rabehl did not set out to become the rodeo’s church

Richard and Maureen Rabehl Photo Courtesy of Richard and Maureen Rabehl

service officiant, though. On a Sunday morning 13 years ago, he was asked to fill in as the Cowboy Church pastor at the last minute. Since Rabehl was already heading to church, he just changed his location and

showed up at the rodeo grounds. When his wife, Maureen, asked what he planned to preach, he said, “Whatever the Lord gives me on the way.” The Lord must have given him a heartfelt message, because he’s been the preacher for Cowboy Church ever since. Rodeo church doesn’t serve your run-of-the-mill church crowd, and the Rabehls’ work in ministry has also been far from ordinary. They are missionaries and church planters with InFaith ministries, and have worked with Sudanese and Iraqi refugees, among other groups. They first came to Warner

Springs Community Church a few years ago because the church needed an interim pastor. They are still there, enjoying the intimacy of the smaller community setting. When it comes to reaching his rough-and-tumble rodeo crowd, Rabehl can relate to the traveling lifestyle of most rodeo contestants and their families. “You’re not going to be home for supper tonight,” he says of his temporary congregants. “You’re going to be on the road. It’s a hard life, so I try to address their needs.” So whether you prefer boots to suits or vice versa, you’ll be welcome at Cowboy Church. n

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Rodeo Athletes Meet Challenging Competitions Head-on Audiences at Ramona Rodeo can look forward to an assortment of challenging PRCA-sanctioned (Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association) events. Organizers promise exciting entertainment, family fun and top-notch rodeo contestants.

Bull Riding

Unlike other rough stock contestants, bull riders are not required to spur with their feet. In fact, it’s usually impressive enough just to remain seated for eight seconds on an animal that may weigh more than a ton, and is as quick as he is big. The cowboy’s upper body control and strong legs are essential to riding bulls. The rider tries to remain forward “over his hand” at all times. Leaning back could cause him to be whipped forward when the bull bucks. Judges watch for good body position and other factors, including use of the free arm and spurring action. Although not required, spurring will add points to a rider’s score. As in all the riding events, half of the score in bull riding is determined by the contestant’s performance, and the other half is based on the animal’s effort. A bull rider will be disqualified for touching the animal, himself or his equipment with his free hand, or getting bucked off.

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Bareback Bronco Riding

Bareback riding developed in the rodeo arena many years ago and consistently produces some of the wildest action in the sport. A rider begins his ride with no saddle, seated on the bronc’s bare back and with his feet placed above the break of the horse’s shoulder. If the cowboy’s feet are not in the correct position when the horse hits the ground on its first jump out of the chute, the cowboy has failed to “mark out” the horse properly and is disqualified. Throughout the eight-second ride, the cowboy must grasp the rigging — a handhold made of leather and rawhide — with only

one hand. A rider is disqualified if he touches his equipment, himself or the animal with his free hand or is bucked off. The rider is judged on his control during the ride and on his spurring technique. The score also is based on the rider’s “exposure” to the strength of the horse. In addition, the horse’s performance accounts for half of the score.

Barrel Racing

In barrel racing, the contestant and her horse enter the arena at full speed. As they start their pattern of racing around three barrels, the horse and rider trigger an electronic eye that starts the clock ticking. Dirt flies and hearts

See Rodeo Athletes Continued on page 26

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Rodeo Athletes

Continued from page 25

pound, as rider and horse race against the clock. The racer rides a cloverleaf pattern around the three barrels, which are strategically positioned in the arena. Then they sprint out of the arena at full speed, once again tripping the electronic eye and stopping the clock. The contestant and her horse can touch or even move the barrels, but the racer receives a five-second penalty for each barrel that is overturned. With the margin of victory measured in hundredths of seconds, knocking over one barrel can spell disaster.

Saddle Bronc Riding

Journal Photo by John Jones

26 2019 Ramona Rodeo

Long considered rodeo’s classic event, saddle bronc riding has roots that run deep in the history of the Old West. Ranch hands often gathered and competed among themselves to see who could display the best style while riding untrained horses. It was from this early competition that today’s event was born. Each rider has a small saddle on the horse and must begin his ride out of the chute with his feet over the bronc’s shoulder, to give the horse the advantage. A rider who synchronizes his spurring action with the animal’s bucking efforts will receive a high score. Other factors considered in the scoring are the cowboy’s control throughout the ride, the length of his spurring

Journal Photo by Darrel Kinney

stroke and how hard the horse bucks. Disqualification results if — prior to the buzzer, which sounds after eight seconds — the rider touches the animal, himself or his equipment with his free hand; if either foot slips out of a stirrup; if he drops the bronc rein; if he fails to

have his feet in the proper “mark out” position at the beginning of the ride; or if he is bucked off.

Steer Wrestling

Wrestling a steer requires more than brute strength. A successful steer wrestler, or “bulldogger,” is strong, to

be sure, but he also understands the principles of leverage. The steer wrestler on horseback starts behind a barrier, and begins his chase after the steer has been given a head start. If the bulldogger leaves too soon and breaks the barrier, he receives a 10-second penalty.

The steer wrestler is assisted by a hazer, another cowboy on horseback, who is tasked with keeping the steer running in a straight line. When the bulldogger’s horse pulls even with the steer, the rider eases down the right side of the horse and reaches for the steer’s horns, pushing down with his left hand in an effort to tip the steer over. After the catch by the horns, the steer wrestler must either bring the steer to a stop or change the direction of the animal’s body before the throw, or he is disqualified. The clock stops when the steer is on its side with all four legs pointing the same direction. See Rodeo Athletes Continued on page 28

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Rodeo Athletes Tie-Down Roping

Like bronc riding, tiedown roping is an event born on the ranches of the Old West, when sick calves were roped and tied down for medical treatment. Today, success in tie-down roping depends largely on the teamwork between a cowboy and his horse. After the calf is given a head start, the horse and rider give chase. The contestant ropes the calf, then dismounts and runs to the animal. After catching and flanking the calf, the cowboy ties any three of the animal’s legs together using a “pigging string” he carries in his teeth until needed. If the calf is not standing when the contestant reaches it, the

Continued from page 27

cowboy must allow the animal to stand before setting it down to tie three legs. When the cowboy completes his tie, he throws his hands in the air as a signal to judge. He then remounts and allows the rope attached to his saddle to become slack. Horses are trained to be careful in keeping the rope just right, with not too much slack or too tight, until the cowboy mounts up again. The run is declared invalid if the calf kicks free of the ties within six seconds. As with any timed event, a 10-second penalty is added if the roper does not allow the calf the proper head start out into the arena, which is known as “breaking the barrier.”

Team Roping

Team roping is unique in that two cowboys work together for a shared time. The first cowboy, known as the “header,” ropes the steer

either by the horns, around the steer’s neck or by one horn and the neck, known as the “half head.” After the catch is made, the header wraps his rope around the saddle horn, commonly

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Rodeo Clowns

The primary job of the rodeo clown, or bullfighter, is to protect a fallen rider from the bull by distracting the animal and providing an alternate target for the bull to attack. The bullfighter helps protect riders who have been bucked off or who may have jumped off the animal. Clowns also provide comic relief.

Mutton Bustin’

Mutton bustin’ is a rodeo event, similar to bull riding or bronc riding, in which little cowboys and cowgirls ride sheep. An adult sheep is held still, either in a small chute or by an adult handler, while a child is placed on top in a riding position. Once the child is seated, the sheep is

See Rodeo Athletes Continued on page 30

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Rodeo Athletes

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released and usually starts to run in an attempt to get the child off. Often prizes or ribbons are given out to the children who can stay on the longest. A crowd favorite at Ramona Rodeo, Mutton bustin’ is a fun event that offers just as many thrills and spills as the major rodeo events. There are no set rules for mutton bustin’, and most events are organized at the local level. n

Journal Photos by Darrel Kinney

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Check our website for specials: www.BigSchottRanch.com 760-670-8050 • AOH@BigSchottRanch.com 30 2019 Ramona Rodeo

Advertiser Index Adventures on Horseback . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 Alamo Self Storage & Alamo West Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 Albertsons . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 Alice’s Vehicle Registrations of Ramona . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 C. Dalton Flooring . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 C21 — Lisa Marie Guasti . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 C21 — Sal Lucatero . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 C21 — Vicky Sansom . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 C21 Award . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Carpet Lady, The . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Coldwell Banker — Sharon Quisenberry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Creek Hollow Ranch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 D’Carlos . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 Dr. Jamie Gonzalez, DDS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 Economizers Hardware . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 Equivite . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Fire & Ice Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 Home Smart Realty — Bart Ryan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 Hurricane & Poway Fence Company . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 Jewelry World . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 Joe’s Paving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 John R. Harper III, M.D. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Judson Real Estate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Kamps Propane . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Knight’s Mattress & Furniture . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 La Cocina . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Malcolm J. Boykin, DDS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 Master Hair & Nails . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Poway Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge, Ram . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Poway Rodeo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 Ramona Café . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 Ramona Community Rib & Chicken Fest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 Ramona Country Fair — Ramona Chamber of Commerce . . . . . 23 Ramona Disposal Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 Ramona Fence, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 Ramona Main Street Dental . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Ramona Rodeo Sponsors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 Ramona Shootists’ Emporium . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Ransom Pump & Supply, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 Smoking Cannon Brewery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 Squash Blossom Trading Co. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Tony Smith’s Equine Training . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 Water Wise Well Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 Wrench Rebels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

PUBLISHER: Carol Kinney Writers: Megan Peralta | Kayla A. Duba Graphic Design: Mary Van Doren Photography: John Jones | Darrel Kinney | Megan Peralta Lenny Kerbs, Kerbs Custom Photography Reed Settle, Roughstock Photography

Published by Ramona Home Journal 621 Main Street • Ramona, CA 92065 www.ramonajournal.com © 2019 The Ramona Home Journal. Ramona Home Journal is published every other week and distributed free of charge. Advance written permission must be obtained from the Publisher for partial or complete r eproduction of any part or whole of the Ramona Home Journal news magazine, including advertising material contained in its pages. Opinions expressed by contributors are not necessarily the opinions of this publication. The publisher is not responsible or liable for misinformation, misprints or typographical errors in editorial or advertisements printed in the publication. We reserve the right to edit submittals. Editorials and information on calendar events are welcome. Send to the Ramona Home Journal, 621 Main Street, Ramona, CA 92065; or phone (760) 788-8148; email news@ramonajournal.com.

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32 2019 Ramona Rodeo