From the Ranch to the Baseball Diamond, Highlights from the San Diego Rodeo

Rodeo fans and newcomers filled the San Diego Padres Stadium over the weekend as cowboys, dirt, and some of the rankest livestock took over the baseball diamond.

Rob Riingen

A precedent was set in the Golden State over the weekend, namely, that Californians are welcoming to more of their Western heritage. 'Animal rights' activists had called for the San Diego rodeo to be put to a halt; however, they did not succeed. The inaugural three-day rodeo kicked off with sold-out crowds ahead of each performance.

Leading up to the first-ever San Diego Rodeo, two 'animal rights' groups filed a temporary restraining order in November against the Padres and C5 Rodeo, which would have stopped the rodeo.

The groups claimed the events violated Petco Park's rule on non-service animals not being allowed inside the park. However, a judge firmly rejected the restraining order and explained the municipal code they were stretching to use was meant for the public/those attending events at the park.

San Diego Padres Stadium hosts the inaugural San Diego Rodeo on January 11-13, 2024 / Al Girard, PRCA Member

Still, days leading up to the rodeo, Livestock Welfare Consultant Jed Pugsley told SI Rodeo he, along with C5 Rodeo, was in court with opposing groups, making sure the rodeo could proceed without incident.

“We want to share with the greater San Diego area something we hold very near and dear to our hearts,” speaking of the cowboy culture.

The weekend story could have arguably been the matchup between Bareback Rider Jacob Lees and the ever-impressive grey gelding, Virgil. The young gun may not have taken the champion title but scored a 93-point ride on the multiple world champion bucking horse.

“The camaraderie between contestants, enthusiasm of the San Diego audience, and pride of those who fought tooth and nail to make this event possible were all awe-inspiring to witness firsthand,” Miss Rodeo California 2024 Cailee Roper posted.

A fan favorite and all-around great cowboy, Tuf Cooper, was the man to take away the Champion Tie Down Roping Title.

“San Diego was good to us! Thanks for the great rodeo and the amazing memories made for my family and I,” Cooper said.

Kelsie Domer won the Breakaway Roping in a tie breaker.

Big names competed in the Saddle Bronc Riding, including Lefty Holman and the Hay brothers, Dawson and Logan Hay. Coming out on top was Zeke Thurston, who won with an 87-point ride on C5’s 711 Rubles.

Bridger Anderson took home the Steer Wrestling Title from the Padres Stadium. Team Roping Champions were Marcus Theriot and Logan Medlin, securing their spot with a 3.9 on their second run after a 4.4 in the first round.

The judges of the San Diego Rodeo were seen wearing Padres jerseys as their professional uniforms for the rodeo / Al Girard, PRCA Member

The judges are all wearing San Diego Padres baseball shirts with “JUDGE” across the back.

Barrel Racing Champion Sue Smith had the crowd roaring with her inaugural win, followed by an 89-point ride in the bull riding for Trey Benton, which placed him in the No. 1 spot. 

View from the dirt of the pickup men and a bucking horse at the Padres Stadium in San Diego, CA / Rob Riingen