Chute Time: Ranch bronc riding makes its Ritzville debut

Look for something new in the arena Friday and Saturday when the Ritzville Rodeo busts out of the chutes. The rodeo association has hired a new stock contractor this year: Layton and McMillian Rodeos. With a new contractor comes this exciting new event for Ritzville.

During both rodeo performances, ranch bronc riding will be part of the evening’s events. Quickly becoming a popular event in rodeo arenas across the region, ranch bronc riding’s most unique rule deals with who is allowed to compete – cowboys – real cowboys employed on ranches. Participants must be employed on a ranch in order to be eligible.

While the Ritzville Rodeo is a Pro-West Rodeo Association sanctioned event, this element is not part of the Pro-West’s regular set of events. All of those exciting rodeo events including bareback, saddle bronc, bull riding, steer wrestling and barrel racing are part of the Ritzville Rodeo.

Ranch bronc riding is set apart from the well-known rough stock events at rodeos because there are few rules. Riders hold on with two hands and use regular working saddles, which isn’t the case in bareback and saddle bronc.

Scott Yaeger, president of the Ritzville Rodeo Association, said ranch bronc riding is a welcome new element and will replace some previous special intermission activities such as the Ultimate Cowboy contest.

Layton and McMillian Rodeos is a veteran stock company that serves about 16 rodeos in the region. Mel Layton brings his award winning pen of bulls to Ritzville, while Mark McMillian provides the bucking horses and the cattle for the timed events.

Layton, of Elk, Wash., and McMillian from Soap Lake, have both collected top honors over the years from the Pro-West. In 2011, Layton’s bull, Sun Flower took the Bucking Bull of the Year award. McMillians horses have earned similar honors.

The Friday and Saturday rodeo shows start at 7 p.m.

The Ritzville Rodeo Association is an all volunteer group led by Yaeger. The other members of the governing board include: JC Harder, vice president; Ellyn Bachman, secretary; Michelle Hennings, treasurer; Ron Hennings, Todd O’Brien, Ronanda Liberty, Bo Gingrich and Julie Hartz, board members.

There will not be any activities in the arena this year on Sunday.