Twenty-four years ago, three ranching brothers decided to kick off a little friendly competition between neighbors by hosting the first annual Ranch Hand Rodeo in Winnemucca.

For Tim, Hank and Dan Dufurrena, the idea was to draw together teams who would go head to head in saddle bronc riding, cow mugging, calf roping, team branding, team roping and ranch doctoring.    

There was one catch, though: professional rodeo cowboys weren't invited. Instead, all competitors had to make their living as ranch hands. In other words, those who show up have to work livestock on the ranch as well as they work crowds in the arena.

Winning Ranch Hand Rodeo team

The Humboldt County Agricultural District No. 3 is committed to preserving the heritage and lifestyle of the working ranch cowboy. From Feb. 27 through March 3, 2013, the 24th annual Winnemucca Ranch Hand Rodeo Weekend will be held at the Winnemucca Event Center.

The event kicks off with the Winnemucca Cow Dog Trials on Feb. 27 and 28. Add to that a Stock Horse Competition and Invitational Bull Sale on Friday, March 1; a renowned Ranch, Rope and Performance Horse Sale on Saturday, March 2; two days of Ranch Hand Rodeo and a premier, four-day Western trade show, and you’ve got one heck of a regional competition.

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“This is a huge competitive weekend,” says Ag 3 Director Kim Petersen. “But these four days are about so much more than trophies and ribbons and money. Ranch rodeos are gathering places for ranching families. It’s a social event, a time to visit, to catch up on each other’s lives.”

“These are the friendliest competitions you’ll see and the camaraderie is heartfelt throughout.”

Admission is free to all Wednesday through Friday events, including the horse and bull sales. Admission to Saturday and Sunday’s Ranch Hand Rodeo competition is $8 for adults and $2 for kids 5-12. Call (800) 962-2638 or click here for more information.  end mark

—From Ranch Hand Rodeo Weekend news release

PHOTOS
TOP: Bronc riding at the Ranch Hand Rodeo.

MIDDLE: The winning Ranch Hand Rodeo team of 2012. Photos courtesy of Ranch Hand Rodeo Weekend.