The Oakdale Saddle Club was started by a group of
local "horsemen" and incorporated in July of 1945.
They began by putting on some local horse activities
after completing the basic work on the grounds they had purchased.
Rodeos emerged in the late 1800's from local cowboy competitions, often
held at round-up time. Oakdale, which sits in the fertile valley below the
Sierra foothills, seemed a natural place for the sport to be held. In 1954,
the Saddle Club took over their own RCA rodeo. It has been held on the
second full weekend in April, every year since. Rain or shine the show goes
on! In 1957, the Oakdale Rodeo was billed as the "world's largest" one-day
outdoor rodeo. In 1960, Oakdale earned the title of "cowboy capital of
the world" due to the large number of successful professional rodeo
contestants. The Oakdale Saddle Club rodeo is unique in that it is one of
the very few rodeos of its size in the U.S. to be put on completely by members
of the club, not by professionals. It keeps alive a colorful tradition. If
you're from the west you pronounce rodeo as "row-dee-oh". If you're new
at the game or a foreigner, you might pronounce it as "row-day-oh".
so, don''t forget you are in the West!
Charles K. Mcintyre II
Estanislao Chapter 58
E Clampus Vitus
"Animal"
Noble Grand Humbug
Dedicated
April 5, 2014
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