88 th Annual
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wner of Frontier Rodeo Co. Jerry Nelson, said, “The 2015 season to me was and is still a dream. I wasn’t so shocked when we won Saddle Bronc of the Year because the guys love to get on Medicine Woman. But the Stock Contractor of the Year award just blew me away. I just never thought we had a chance at that. Then winning the top two spots in bareback of the finals, plus the saddle bronc of the finals was shocking. Lots of thanks to all the commit-
tees and contestants who come to our rodeos. “When Neil Armstrong landed on the moon he said, ‘Whenever man really tries hard enough he can succeed.’ The whole crew at Frontier Rodeo has worked hard and the accolades don’t belong to me, but everybody involved in our company.”
Jerry Nelson’s Frontier Rodeo Company was voted the 2015 PRCA Stock Contractor of the Year. More than 10,000 PRCA members voted on the award. This is a top honor that any stock contracting firm can hold.
Providing The Best Saddle Bronc of the Year (Medicine Woman – left), and Reserve World Champion Bareback Horse of the Year (Full Baggage – right). Medicine Woman and Full Baggage earned the same awards in 2014.
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ore than 8,500 acres of land in Texas is home to approximately 300 head of bucking horses, mares and colts; 80 or so bucking bulls and breeding stock; 300 head of roping steers; and likely 100 head of bulldogging steers. The property is headquarters for Jerry Nelson’s Frontier Rodeo Company,
established in 1991, and now one of the world’s largest rodeo stock contractors. Heath Stewart, geneticist and ranch foreman, along with his ranch hands often put in up to 21-hour days during the rodeo season when stock is on the road. During the peak rodeo season and summer months,
extra hands come in to help with the daily chores of feeding and tending to all the livestock, clearing the land, mending fences, maintaining the corrals and equipment, etc. Stewart credits the work of his ranch hands who are
“more like family,” and who make sure the operation runs smoothly. The livestock must be tended to seven days a week, 365 days a year. There is no “day off ” in the business.
All ages of livestock live on the ranch. There are mares with foals, yearlings, two- and three-yearolds and horses that are almost ready to hit the rodeo circuit. Then there’s the “active stock,” which includes many of the top bucking horses in the world. Same with the bulls. There are the seasoned rodeo bulls and young bulls which are waiting their turns to take on the rodeo cowboys. There are also roping and bulldogging steers; some active and some waiting to become “rodeo ready.”
Roughstock
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Bull Riding
ost rodeo events originated on ranches and cattle drives of the old west. Roping cattle and riding broncs in competition were natural extensions of ranch work. Climbing onto a bull, however, was not. Many people, in fact, view attempting to ride a surprisingly agile and powerful 2,000 pound bull as a concept that is not totally sane. But those who make their living riding bulls swear by the lifestyle. Bull riding requires balance, coordination, quick reflexes, flexibility and (perhaps above all else) a positive mental attitude.
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Bareback Riding
mmense physical stress is placed on the arm and back, and bareback riders face more long term injuries, such as elbow and lower back problems, than other rough-stock cowboys. Sheer strength isn’t all that’s required. A bareback rider is judged on his spurring technique, the degree to which his toes remain turned away from the horse throughout the ride and his “exposure,” or willingness to lean far back and take whatever may come during a ride. The horse’s bucking action also contributes half a rider’s score.
Arcadia All March 10-13,
See ticketing information Specialty Acts
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Shoot Out
ock your doors, hide your women and keep your livestock corralled; the Tater Hill Bluff Gang is coming to town! The Gang has been around on a regular basis since approximately 1966. It was originally started by Terry Welles around 1963. This group consists of individuals from in and around our community. As of this time, there are approximately 50 members. They are all volunteers who enjoy having fun and entertaining the rodeo fans. Some of the Gang have been involved with the group since its beginning. The Director of this dastardly bunch is Walter Brown, a lifelong Arcadia resident. He has been with the Shootout since approximately 1966. Then there’s Willie Wood, the stumblin’, staggerin’, let’s hang ’em now Judge who’s been with the Gang since around the time it was originated. In addition to Mr. Brown and Mr. Wood, there are numerous Outlaws, Townspeople, a Banker, Otis – the town’s whiskey quality control inspector (he does a great job) – the Sheriff, several Deputies, a Town Judge, Bartender, a Saloon Madame and of course, the very attractive yet hardly virtuous Dance Hall Girls.
Quadrille
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Quadrille is a very Saddle Bronc Thepopular event which addle bronc riding requires the balance can best be described
of a gymnast, the timing of a springboard diver and grace of a dancer – all aboard a 1,200 pound pitching, twisting bronc. Considered rodeo’s “classic” event, saddle bronc riding evolved from ranch work of breaking and training horses. Many cowboys say bronc riding is the most difficult rough stock event to master because of its technical requirements. Spurring action must be synchronized with the horse’s movements. If a rider is able to “keep in time” with the horse, the ride will be fluid and graceful – not wild and uncontrolled.
as “square dancing on horseback.” The Arcadia All-Florida Saddle Club Quadrille was founded in 1946 by Charles S. Hill and Gerald Taylor. At that time the team practiced at the old Welles Rodeo Grounds among the pine trees. The Quadrille consisted of eight couples with matching white gear on horses and each couple wore matching shirts and jeans. Quitmon and Adelle Brown led the Quadrille for about 35 years. Riders usually practice for about 3 months before each rodeo. The Quadrille has performed all over the state of Florida for different rodeos as a specialty act. The couples still wear jeans and matching shirts with chaps, black hats and matching gear on horses. The riders are all members of the Arcadia All-Florida Saddle Club.
Kids Events
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Calf Scramble
his event is announced just before intermission, and no application is necessary. The calf scramble takes place inside the rodeo arena. There will be several calves decorated with a bandanna, and the winners are those kids who “undecorate” them. Kids ages 4 – 12 are eligible to participate, and prizes are awarded to the winners.
Florida Championship Rodeo 2016
on page 7 Timed Events
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11:00 a.m. Gates Open 1:00 p.m. The Shootout Gang
Rodeo Parade Downtown Arcadia on Saturday, March 12th at 10:00 a.m.
Steer Wrestling
teer wrestling is the quickest event in rodeo. The objective of the endeavor is evident in its name: To wrestle a steer to the ground using only leverage and strength. The steer wrestler, or “bulldogger,” begins his run behind a barrier along with his “hazer,” a second cowboy whose task is to keep the steer from veering away from the steer wrestler.
WPRA & Junior Barrel Racing
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loverleaf barrel racing established in 1957, became the competitive event for cowgirls that would determine who would be named the All-Around Champion Cowgirl. It will be these cowgirls who will add the color and excitement of championship rodeo here in the arena. An important part of barrel racing is, of course, the well-trained and seasoned horse. It takes months of practice, years of hauling and thousands of dollars to produce a barrel racing prospect. The barrel horse must have speed, stamina and strength. They must be able to run fast, stop short, roll back in a turn and – most importantly – they must have the will to win. Training and riding the barrel racing horse takes dedication and patience. A good horse can’t perform without a determined and experienced rider.
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1:30 p.m. Mutton Bustin’ 2:00 p.m. Rodeo Begins
Mutton Bustin'
ur Mutton Bustin’ event has become one of our most popular, talked-about events since its introduction. The contestants are 4 – 6 years old, and the winner is the contestant who rides the sheep the longest distance inside the arena. The winner receives a shiny new belt buckle, ribbon, and his or her picture is posted on the website.
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Tie Down Roping ore than any other event in professional rodeo, Tie Down Roping has roots dating back to the old west. When a calf was sick or injured, it had to be caught and immobilized quickly for treatment. Ranch hands prided themselves on how fast they could rope and tie calves, and soon they began informal contests. Being quick and accurate with a lasso aren’t the only requirements in calf roping. A successful roper also must be an experienced horseman and fast sprinter.
Team Roping
eam Roping is the only team event in rodeo. Like tie-down roping and saddle bronc riding, team roping grew out of the ranch chores of the past. Larger cattle would have to be immobilized for branding and doctoring by two ropers due to their strength and size. Today, team roping is a timed event that relies on the cooperation and skill of the cowboys and their horses. The two cowboys involved in team roping have unique goals. The first, known as the header, does just what the name implies and ropes the head of the cattle. The other cowboy, known as the heeler, ropes the heels or legs.
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Volunteers Make it Possible
n its 88th year, the Arcadia All-Florida Championship Rodeo has a long history of providing the finest family oriented rodeo and equestrian entertainment. As most would imagine, it takes a large amount of people to expedite an event that is suitable for the spectators, contestants and animals. What most do not know is that the majority of the people who make the Arcadia Rodeo possible are volunteers. They will work countless hours, answering phones, prepping the grounds, cooking and cleaning in order to prepare for the event. Thanks to the volunteers, the Rodeo Association is able to support numerous youth organizations like the Boy Scouts, 4-H and Desoto High School Band. When you visit the rodeo you will find the Boy Scouts Troup #39 diligently working to park approximately 15,000 cars during the four-day event. As you walk into the gates the Desoto County 4-H will be
scanning your tickets and selling programs. When you buy a hamburger or Coke at the concessions the Desoto High School Band Boosters will be taking your order. “It helps us raise funds but it really shows the kids the value of working hard and helping the community,” said J.R. Snow, Boy Scouts #39 Troop Leader A constant among our hard working volunteers is the Arcadia Rodeo Board of Directors: 15 locals who have a strong desire to give back to their
community, whether or not they have rodeo backgrounds. “I grew up here, I raised my kids here, I want to see Desoto County thrive and be even better for future generations,” said Don Hall, President of the Arcadia All-Florida Championship Rodeo, Inc. The March Rodeo is just one of the many events that the Rodeo Association holds throughout the year. The Arcadia Youth Rodeo Association has seven competitions per year. The next youth rodeo is
scheduled for Saturday, March 19. We also host the Florida Junior High and High School Rodeo Associations twice a year, the last of which had 400 kids compete from all over the state. We also host Ranch Rodeos, barrel races and Hispanic festivals. All of these events also made possible by our volunteers. “It is all about the kids! They will be the ones to take this over once we’re gone and we have to support them.” Commissioner Buddy Mansfield, Director and House and Grounds Chairman. For more information on the Arcadia All-Florida Championship Rodeo, Inc., please visit www.arcadiarodeo.com or call 800-749-7633. The mission of the Arcadia All-Florida Championship Rodeo is to produce the best family-oriented rodeo and equestrian entertainment possible, to preserve and promote Florida’s rich cowboy heritage and to enhance the economic welfare of Florida’s heartland.
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127 West Oak Street • Arcadia, FL 34266
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The New Mosaic Arena
he Arcadia All-Florida Championship Rodeo, Inc. will soon have a new home that will bring additional opportunities to benefit Desoto County and the rodeo community. With support from The Mosaic Company Foundation and other donors, plans for the new Mosaic Arena have been unveiled. The new 8,000-seat facility will provide increased capacity and functionality
for the Arcadia All-Florida Championship Rodeo, as well as provide new opportunities to host other community events. The Association has partnered with community individuals and businesses to make this dream a reality. Located adjacent to the Turner Agri-Civic Center, the Rodeo Association has partnered with the county to operate both facilities with the intent of attracting larger multi-dimensional events to the area. This state-of-the-art facility will attract more participants and spectators to DeSoto County – improving the economic landscape by benefiting local businesses and civic organizations. The construction of the new facility is also expected to have a regional economic impact of more than $9.5 million. Other ma-
jor donors include Ben Hill Griffin, Inc., Doyle and Debi Carlton and the William G. “Kayo” Welles IV Family. The new facility would not be possible without the generosity of our donors. Thank you for your support! For more information on the Mosaic Arena or to make a donation please visit our website at www.ArcadiaRodeo.com or call 863-494-2014.
20 for Reserved Seats ($18 in advance, ends 3/9/16) • $25 for Premium Seats • $30 for Premium Plus Seats • $15 for kids 11 and under
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Children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian, event goes on rain or shine! You may now purchase and print your tickets at home by visiting our website at:
WE ACCEPT: Visa, MasterCard, Discover American Express, Check, Money Order or Cash
www.ArcadiaRodeo.com Tickets can also be purchased the day of the show at the Rodeo Box Office, 124 Heard Street, Arcadia, FL 34266 or by calling toll free (800) 749-7633 or (863) 494-2014
Tickets will not be mailed out after February 25, 2016 Office Hours: Mon-Fri 8:00am - 4:30pm All ticket prices are per person / per day. Tickets are sold on a first come, first served basis and there are no refunds or exchanges. Group Rates available to groups 40 or more.