Reno Rodeo is the kickoff to not only the summer run for cowboys and cowgirls gunning for Gold Buckles but to The Cowboy Channel’s 100 Rodeos in 100 Days. Reno Rodeo has their own special way of starting this standout event and it is with a cattle drive.
The 80 mile cattle drive was created as a fundraiser for Reno Rodeo Foundation, a foundation that helps children in need. From mentoring, donating clothes, or helping foster children, this foundation covers it all.
“It’s a community based, charitable organization and everything earned here at the rodeo goes back to the community,” John Schwartzler said.
Schwartzler is the Wagon Boss for the Reno Rodeo Cattle Drive. It all starts on Saturday at Winnemucca Ranch where they build their wagon circle, the camp crew sets up the dinner tent, the stock contractor brings in the string of horses and more.
This is a cattle drive that attracts guests from across the World.
“There’s a lot of people internationally that follow the cowboy way and are very interested, read the magazine, watch RFD and The Cowboy Channel. They watch the westerns, they’re very popular in Europe… They are mesmerized by the old westerns. So through all those media things, we’ve had a lot of different media travel with us and document the cattle drive over the years,” he said.
The structure of this is for the 50-60 guests that come in every year. It gives them a firsthand experience of driving cattle, whether you’re an accomplished horseman or have never swung a leg over a horse, this cattle drive is for everyone.
It all comes to an end on Wednesday when one man and one woman from the group of guests is selected to be the trail boss for the day and the guests lead the cattle into town. It makes for an unforgettable experience for all involved that goes towards a great cause.