Sedro Woolley Riding & Racing Club Pro-West Rodeo stops here July 3rd & 4th
The History of The Sedro Woolley Riding Club: The Sedro Woolley Riding Club came into being on October 22, 1943, formed by a small but energetic group of men and women interested in bringing better horses into the county and binding together horse lovers for the mutual interest of promoting rides, races and social events. Eighteen signed up for membership at the initial meeting and within three years the club grew to a membership of 72.
In June of 1944, the club sponsored its first rodeo, which became an annual event. These rodeos were staged at the Sedro Woolley ballpark on Metcalf Street. On July 3rd and 4th of 1956, the club took over responsibility of putting on the rodeo in conjunction with the American Legion celebration. Such greats as our own Wick Peth got his start at the Sedro Woolley Rodeo, along with Larry Mahan and Jim Shoulders.
In 1945, the club dug deep in their pockets to give whatever they could to buy a 10-acre potato patch on the Polte Road for $3,000. In a joint effort, the members worked every weekend and nights to build bucking chutes, catch pens, bleachers and a complete racetrack around the arena and chutes. They also bought the old McRae Schoolhouse and had it moved to the grounds for a clubhouse. This building is still used as a clubhouse for the Riding Club
In 1948, the Rodeo and Logging show were combined not only in events, but also in name. John Conrad won $25 for coining the name "Loggerodeo".
In 1950, Glenda Aldrich was crowned the first Rodeo Queen for the riding club and since then has been a continuing tradition. Rodeo Queen contestants are now judged on poise, personality, horsemanship and speaking ability. The Queen now attends rodeos, parades and public functions throughout Washington State and Canada promoting Sedro Woolley and the sport of Rodeo. We are proud of the fact that two Miss Rodeo Washington queens and several Pro-West Rodeo Association queens hail from our club.
The Sedro Woolley rodeo is sanctioned by the Professional Western Rodeo Association and have been presented with both the Non-Fair Rodeo Pro-West Directors choice award and the Contestants Choice Award. With the help of tremendous sponsors, the spectators and over 200 cowgirls and cowboys who compete in this rodeo, Sedro Woolley Rodeo will have another successful rodeo.
ProWest: The Professional Western Rodeo Association (PRO-WEST) is an association of professional cowboys, cowgirls and rodeo committees that sanction rodeos throughout Washington, Oregon, Idaho and British Columbia. PRO-WEST represents decades of rodeo experience, the predecessor of the present day PRO-WEST. The Washington Rodeo Association was formed by a small group of rodeo contestants and stock contractors in 1967. Today under a governing Board of Directors, PRO-WEST ranks have grown to a membership of over 700 members. Cowboys and cowgirls are competing for over $1,250,000 in prize money at 85 PRO-WEST sanctioned and co-approved rodeos in 2011! OFFICIAL PRO-WEST WEBSITE
| SEDRO WOOLLEY RIDING CLUB BOARD MEMBERS: |
| Kristen Hinton VanValkenburg, President |
| Angie Harkness, Vice President |
| Rachel Haner, Secretary |
| Lena Thompson, Treasurer |
| Dan Martin, Arena Director |
| Brandie Bruch, Advertising Director |
| Linda Downing/Heather Morgan, Concessions Directors |
| Terri Martin, Gate & Parking Director |
| Drew Stewart, Royalty & Grand Entry Director |