Horsing around in Bishop – Rodeo season is here!

Calfornia High School Rodeo Association District 9 in Bishop, CARodeo season is here in the eastern Sierra, and you won’t want to miss these upcoming events at the Tri-County Fairgrounds in Bishop, California.

The CHSRA was founded in 1971 and is the State Chapter of the National High School Rodeo Association. Divided into 9 Districts, California has over 800 members. There are 2 divisions, a Jr. High and a High School. The Jr. High is grades 6th through 8th and High School is 9th through 12th. These young athletes put their heart and soul into their sport. 

The Jr. High Division has 13 events, Barrel Racing, Polebending, Goat Tying for both boys and girls, Breakaway for both boys and girls, Ribbon Roping, Team Roping, Jr. Bull Riding, Chute Dogging, Saddle Bronc Steer Riding and Bareback Steer Riding. The High School events are Barrel Racing, Polebending, Goat Tying, Breakaway, Queen, Team Roping, Cutting and Reined Cow Horse for girls. Boys compete in Tie Down Roping, Steer Wrestling, Team Roping, Cutting, Reined Cow Horse, Bull Riding, Saddle Bronc Riding and Bareback Riding.

Throughout the state the nine districts have approximately 8 to 10 rodeos a year and the top 5 in each event, in each District move on to the state finals in both divisions. The Jr. High Division has Finals in May and the High School has Finals in June. The top 4 in each event then move on to the National Finals Rodeos for both Divisions as well.

The mission of the CHSRA is

• To encourage among the members closer personal acquaintance, social relations and a friendly spirit of mutual cooperation.

• To maintain order and standards set up by the the National High School Rodeo Association and to promote high school rodeo on a state level and work toward this by bringing state recognition to this activity for students.

• To promote the highest type of conduct and sportsmanship at the various rodeos by setting up standards to be met to reach this end.

• To increase and maintain interest of the high school student in rodeos and other functions of the state.

• To encourage boys and girls to continue in school and participate in rodeos and then continue on to college.

Bishop welcomes these young athletes with open arms and we’re so excited to have them back for the CHSRA Finals  the second week in June. Watch 300+ of the state’s best cowboys and cowgirls compete at the Tri-County Fairgrounds in Bishop. You’ll find the schedule and more at: http://www.chsra.com/ .

Below are some photos from last year’s CHSRA Finals, courtesy of Gary Young Photography. You can see more of his fine work here: https://www.garyyoungphotography.com/

Mark your calendars now for the Eastern Sierra Tri-County Fair over Labor Day weekend. Not only are there all the fun fair events, but there is also a Jr. and regular Rodeo, and a Ranch Horse Versatility competition. We’ll add more about these events as we draw closer to the events, but you won’t want to miss them. Keep an eye on the Tri-County Fair website for more information. https://tricountyfair.com/

We’ll see you at the shows!