Within seconds, he throws the thin lasso around the animal's horns and pulls the rope tight, forcing the calf to slow and turn. Seconds later, Ekis skillfully rides behind and hurls another lasso around its back legs. The two men pull the chords tight, and the animal is pinned.
Time!
 Keith Attard of San Gregorio herds cattle into the chute at Driscoll Ranch in La Honda on Thursday. He's practicing for this weekend's rodeo. |
Set in the beautiful La Honda hills off Highway 84, the ranch doesn't paint the typical western picture. A steady breeze runs up the fertile green canyon and keeps the place cool, a perfect setting for a family-friendly weekend rodeo. Gates at the ranch will open at 12 p.m. and the grand entrance, featuring about 150 riders, will begin at 1:30 p.m.
"We pretty much sold out last year," said ranch manager Bob Meehan, referring to temporary grandstands that hold more than 1,400 people. "If you want to get a good seat, show up around 12:30."
This year, Coastsiders will make up much of the competitive field. Events include bull riding, saddle bronc and bareback riding, team roping, barrel racing and much more. A strong turnout from local cowboys from Half Moon Bay, San Gregorio and La Honda will be evident, looking to keep the prize belt buckles in local hands.
But Coastsiders won't be the only ones showing up to compete. According to Meehan, performers from all over the state will be in attendance. Cowboys from San Luis Obispo, Patterson and Eureka will be making the trip, trying to out-do local riders.
"There's a lot of talent here," said Meehan, speaking of the multiple Coastsiders who will be competing. "Sometimes the out-of-town boys come here and get embarrassed when (the locals) show them up."
But the weekend isn't only about crowning the best in each event. Meehan said the goal of the rodeo is to provide a fun contest that the entire family can enjoy.
"We consider it a family-type event," he said. "There's lots of things for the kids."
There are also contests for the younger crowd, including barrel racing and steer riding. The crowd favorite has to be mutton busting though, a unique sight in which kids, 7 and under, plop on a helmet and hang onto a wild sheep for as long as possible. There's also a free face painting booth and other attractions for youngsters.
Other stations will feature an authentic blacksmith, a belt maker and leather worker, a saddle maker and other various tack and Western wear vendors. And don't forget the challenging mechanical bull, open to all ages.
There will be no shortage of food; Alice's Restaurant will be grilling up cheese steaks, burgers and other barbecue classics. Local fried artichokes, garlic fries and other delicious fare will be available too.
For Attard and many other Coastsiders, the event is something to look forward to all year, even though he travels the state throughout the year competing. For him, horse riding and roping is a great way to unwind after a hard day's work "When you do this, it doesn't matter how bad your day was," he said.
The San Gregerio resident came in second place in 2005 in the team-roping contest and this year he and Ekis look to take home the title.
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DRISCOLL RANCH RODEO
Where: Take Highway 1 12 miles south of Half Moon Bay and head east on Highway 84 for six miles. The ranch is located on the right side of Highway 84.
Cost: Tickets are $15 for adults, $10 for youth (6-12). Younger children are free. $7.50 for seniors.
When: The 150-person grand entrance begins at 1:30 p.m., but guests are advised to show up an hour earlier to guarantee a good seat. Gates will open at noon.
What: Events will include bull, saddle bronc and bareback riding. Timed contests will include team roping, ribbon roping and barrel racing. Youth events will also go on throughout the day.
Who: Hundreds of riders from across California will be competing, but Coastsider's make up much of the field also.
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