by California Finals Rodeo Staff
Rancheros Vistadores Ride for the Cure
Long time friend of Johnny Zamrzla and the PRCA California Circuit Finals Rodeo, PRCA Animal Welfare Representative Bob Fox, was given the honor of participating in the historical Rancheros Vistadores, “Ride to the Mission” in Solvang, California earlier in May. This year’s theme was “Ride For The Cure.” Hundreds of riders, all donning Wrangler “Tough Enough To Wear Pink” western shirts, along with pink scarves, rode through the streets of Solvang to Mission Santa Ines for the 82nd Blessing of the Riders.
Bob, riding his horse “Nic,” proudly carried a large pink flag which said “Riding for the Cure.” Bob said that Nic was adorned with one of legendary rodeo producer and stock contractor, Cotton Rosser’s beautiful custom silver saddles. Nic also wore a breast collar with large silver stars (see photo). “It was quite an honor to be asked to carry one of the flags and to be part of this event,” said Bob.
Bob Fox and "Nic" Riding for the Cure
A check for $40,000 was presented to Rob Dunton, Director of Development for the Santa Barbara Cancer Center.
The following article, written by Mark McDonald, and photos appear in ”edhat Santa Barbara” and details the entire event. http://www.edhat.com/site/tidbit.cfm?nid=87497
Rancheros Visitadores
updated: May 07, 2012, 2:20 PM
By Mark McDonald
More than seven hundred “Rancheros Visitadores” rode into beautiful, sunny Solvang Saturday afternoon, parading up Alisal Road to Mission Santa Ines. This year the “Visiting Ranchers” rode to support Santa Barbara Cancer Center research and support services, and as a sign of their support, they wore pink western shirts. The “Visiting Ranchers” then assembled at the Mission for a blessing of the horses and riders.
This tradition began in 1930 as a reenactment of the old west in California when ranchers went on cattle drives to make sales at the Mission. On their way home, the riders visited festivals, rodeos and other ranches. Some past riders have included President Ronald Reagan, Bob Hope and Walt Disney. In recent years riders from other states and countries ride along with the California riders. Following the parade and blessing, the all-male group rides 30 miles to Janeway Camp for private events that include shooting skills and other western lore.
On the Mission grounds the riders gathered in the meadow bordering Mission Drive where Rev. Gerald Barron blessed the riders and horses. The “Rancheros Visitadores,” in a campaign called Tough Enough to Wear Pink partnered with Wrangler, presented a check for forty thousand dollars to Rob Dunton, Director of Development for the Santa Barbara Cancer Center. Dunton told me Steve Benito’s wife was the inspiration for this benefit. Money at the Cancer Center is used for breast cancer care and awareness, clinical research, and wellness counseling and other programs. These programs are available to all breast cancer patients in our community, according to the Solvang Conference and Visitors Bureau, regardless of where they receive treatment or their ability to pay. The crowd of hundreds were all smiling, waving, and having their pictures taken as they wished the “Rancheros” a safe journey as they rode back down to the river bed.
Rancheros Visitadores” riding to Mission Santa Ines
Steve Benito, Rob Dunton, Cancer Center Director of Development, and Roger Schrimp
