Three generations of the Renz family are saddling up for the
annual San Benito County Saddle Horse Show and Rodeo this weekend.
Some will be roping and riding, others will be watching from the
stands, but they’ll all be together for 72nd annual rodeo.
Hollister – Three generations of the Renz family are saddling up for the annual San Benito County Saddle Horse Show and Rodeo this weekend. Some will be roping and riding, others will be watching from the stands, but they’ll all be together for 72nd annual rodeo.
For Hollister resident Greg Renz, it’s more than just an annual event, it’s a family tradition. The tradition began with Greg’s father, Allan, who started competing after high school and still takes part today at 78 in the cattle sorting competition with his grandson Greg.
Greg Renz, the proud father of two former Miss San Benito Rodeo queens, will watch all three of his children participate in this year’s competition. He used to compete in the riding and roping events, but now he likes to take time out to watch his children.
“Now I just like to hold down a seat in the grandstand,” Renz said. “It’s a real tradition for us.”
The Renz family will not be alone. They’ll be joined by more than 7,000 people to take in the fresh air and fun atmosphere this weekend at the Bolado Fairgrounds.
The 72nd Rodeo began last Sunday with figure-8 roping elimination, Jack Pot roping and the San Benito County Horse Association barbecue. The top ten figure-8 ropers will be competing throughout the coming weekend, Saddle Horse Association office manager Ann Strickland said.
“We’ve been seeing an increase of new folks,” Strickland said. “Lots of folks with small parcels of land have become involved.”
Strickland said the Rodeo will keep tradition alive with such events as a halter horse show and a Western art and equipment show.
“It’s important because it draws people together for fine sportsmanship,” Strickland said. “People interested in fresh air, beautiful horses and good competition.”
One of the new events this year will be barrel racing. Strickland said this new event will replace the stake race they had last year.
The Western Art and Equipment show will feature the works of local artists as well as crafts and equipment.
“It gives people the opportunity to buy hand-crafted items that will last a lifetime,” Strickland said.
Charlie Tobias, a large animal veterinarian and board president of the Saddle Horse Association, said the association has been trying to encourage more new people, unfamiliar with the rodeo, to attend the event.
“We try to make everyone feel as welcome as possible,” Tobias said. “It’s a real enjoyable show to watch and there’s always something going on.”
The myth of the American cowboy draws many people that would otherwise not attend the event, including new resident’s lacking roots in the community and those who have relocated to Hollister for business reasons, Tobias said.
“They like to go out to see the horses and talk with the cowboys,” Tobias said.
Tobias said that the event is so important here in Hollister because of the livestock industry and the traditions the event maintains.
“It’s important for any community to have functions that draw everyone together,” Tobias said.
Hollister resident Gary Goularte said that although he has missed the rodeo for the last couple of years, he will be attending this year.
“It’s like a town reunion, you get to see local people, family members and everyone else,” Goularte said.
Brett Rowland covers education for the Free Lance. He can be reached at 831-637-5566 ext. 330 or br******@fr***********.com.
