But the Los Alamos resident sure plans on returning next year. Ove the weekend, Chaves won the All-Around Cowboy title at the two-day event, held in La Honda.
Tammi West White of Los Osos won the women’s title.
 A young girl clings to the back of a sheep during the 'Mutton Bustin'' competition on Saturday. The event is always one of the fan favorites at the annual rodeo. |
“I got a flier in the mail and it looked like a good event,” Chaves said. “I love this rodeo. I am definitely returning.”
That was the prevailing attitude of the more than 200 participants, their families and hundreds of fans who made their way to the ranch Saturday and Sunday.
“I always have a lot of fun here,” White said. “They have all sorts of events here.”
The location of the arena adds to the atmosphere. With trees surrounding the south end of the arena, and a good size camping area to the west, easily within in walking or trotting distance, the rodeo is a favorite on the circuit.
“It’s a neat spot,” White said. “It has beautiful scenery. It has a great view.”
Nestled in the valley, about 10 miles away from the ocean, weather is generally more tolerable than elsewhere in the California summer.
“We were at a rodeo in Merced (last) Saturday,” said Brent Lockett of Ivanhoe. “The weather is a lot nicer here.”
He and his rodeo partner, Wes Goodrich of Scooba, Miss., won the team roping title.
“Last year, we finished third,” Goodrich said. “We came back to try and improve on our finish.”
A small percentage of the participants call the Coastside home.
“This is my hometown rodeo,” said Robert Caughey of La Honda. “I have gone to a lot of rodeos. This is a good rodeo.”
Caughey gave the hometown fans something to cheer about as he won the bull riding competition, the second time he has done that.
Junior Villalobos, who comes from neighboring Hayward, participated in bull riding competition as well.
“I got a lot of support here,” he said. “This is a very supportive crowd. I will return next year.”
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