If you ask the Skow brothers how long their family has been in
Hollister, they’ll respond
”
forever.
”
If you ask them how long they’ve been riding horses, they’ll
respond
”
well, how long have we been walking?
”
If you ask the Skow brothers how long their family has been in Hollister, they’ll respond “forever.” If you ask them how long they’ve been riding horses, they’ll respond “well, how long have we been walking?”
The Skow brothers, Cody, 25, Jarrod, 23 and Trace, 21, have been participating in the Saddle Horse Show and Rodeo since they were 5-years-old and continue doing what they love today.
“This is a unique rodeo because you get to compete in front of people from your hometown,” Jarrod said.
Born and raised on a ranch, riding horses and participating in rodeos isn’t just a hobby, it’s a lifestyle for the brothers. Through the years, they’ve competed in junior rodeos and high school rodeos all over the state.
The Skow brothers entered the team roping competition at this year’s rodeo. Since the day they could get on a horse, their father, Mark Skow, has been teaching the guys the art of roping. Jarrod and Trace teamed up and practiced for weeks before the event.
“I’m feeling pretty confident,” Jarrod said. “We’ve practiced pretty hard.”
In the past, the brothers have taken home numerous first place awards in wild cow milking, team roping and wild horse races.
“It’s all about practicing with someone you know,” Jarrod said. “It makes it more fun.”
The Skow brothers admit aside from roping, they have a lot of fun socializing together at the rodeo. From beer drinking competitions, to seeing old friends, they said this rodeo is one they look forward to all year.
“Only San Benito County people can compete, and its a great place to meet up with friends you haven’t seen in a while,” said Cody Skow. “Everyone comes out.”
While they agree the rodeo is great, the Skow boys will never agree on who is the best roper.
“I am,” Trace Skow said proudly.
“Yeah right Trace, keep on talking,” his brother Jarrod Skow said jokingly.
“We’re all good,” the older and wiser Cody Skow, said.
Ever since they were little, the brothers have competed in just about everything, including riding.
“We compete everyday,” Cody Skow said. “Bragging rights, roping, basketball, baseball – anything we can.”
They also plan on competing in the rodeo for years to come.
“We plan to ride the rest of our lives,” Cody replied.
The next little Skow is expected to be born in January, and Cody Skow, the expecting father said he hopes, boy or girl, his child will continue with the family tradition of riding.
