Oakdale Saddle Club Traces Roots Back To 1945

Before it became known as the ‘Cowboy Capital of the World’ due to the large number of rodeo champions who chose to make their home here, Oakdale was known as the ‘Clover Capital’ of the world. But with ranching and breeding horses part of the lifeblood of the region, it was back in 1945 that several local horsemen joined together and formed the Oakdale Sad - dle Club. The club quickly grew to well over 100 members and would go on to purchase acreage on the east end of Oakdale, where the rodeo grounds and clubhouse now sit.

Saddle Club member

Jackie Connor uncovered some history on the first of the competitive events there, competition that ultimately would be the precursor to what we know today as the PRCA, Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association, Rodeo. This information, compiled by Connor, is featured on the Saddle Club’s website: “In February 1946, the club set the dates for their first annual Clover Roundup. The event was held May 19, 1946. The roundup consisted of 11 “amateur” events. These events included; Calf

Roping, Bull Riding, Half Mile Race, Saddle Broncs, Trick Horses, Silver Equipment, Stock Horse Class, Bareback Broncs, Fancy Roping, Team Roping and Wild Cow Milking. The cost of each class was $2.50 with first prize varying from $10-$50. At the time, Oakdale’s population was 3,435, yet over 4,500 attended this inaugural event. The top money earner of the day was

Wells Woolstehulm.”

Other events were put on at the grounds over the ensuing years as well, including a professional event put on by John Bowman and John Markham, in 1948, that was known as the Oakdale Stampede.

Connor notes: “John Bowman went on to be a three-time World Champion and was inducted into the Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame in 2013. The Oak- dale Saddle Club awards a perpetual trophy to each year’s Oakdale Rodeo AllAround Cowboy in honor of John Bowman.” Very much rooted in the past, the annual Oakdale Saddle Club PRCA Rodeo continues to pay homage to the lifestyle and work ethic of cowboys and cowgirls, showcasing their skills in the arena while highlighting the region’s Western heritage. time.

ABOVE: Rodeo fans turn out every year, whether the annual rodeo is held among raindrops and a muddy arena or sunny skies and unseasonably warm April weather.

RIGHT: There’s an added dimension when rodeo competitors have to deal with rainy weather in the arena; often ending the day caked with mud.