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Rodeheaver Boys Ranch residents are pictured at the ranch, where the first Rockin’ R Wrangle competition will be Saturday.
By Trisha Murphy
Palatka Daily News
tmurphy@palatkadailynews.com
Most people love a little friendly competition, and that’s what Randy Moore is hoping for when the first Rockin’ R Wrangle comes to Rodeheaver Boys Ranch on Saturday.
Moore, the ranch’s farm director, said the event is the brainchild of an old man who lives on the ranch.
Smiling, Moore admits he’s the old man, noting he will turn 76 on July 4.
“We wanted to bring the community together to see how we ‘build boys,’” he said.
“It’s Better to Build Boys than to Mend Men” is the ranch motto and was first used in 1950 by Founder Homer Rodeheaver, an evangelist, music director, music publisher, gospel music composer and pioneer in the recording of sacred music.
The Wrangle will be from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. at the ranch, 380 Boys Ranch Road, and will have three age divisions for the competition: 0-18, 19-45 and 46 and older. The cost per rider is $50. Ribbons will be presented and an overall winner will receive a trophy.
Highlights include an opening parade, obstacle course, pole bending, barrels, a tack sale and trail rides. All riders must bring a copy of a negative Coggins test to show their horses have no communicable diseases.
Observers are also welcome to attend, and there is no charge for spectators. Bleachers will be available for seating.
At 8 a.m. Saturday, the gate will open for those who still need to register for the games. The games will begin at 10:30 a.m.
Advance registration is encouraged and can be done by visiting rbr.org. For details, call 386-328-1281 or visit the website.
According to Moore, all registered riders will enter the arena and make several laps to let the audience see their horses and to wave to their friends.
There will be music playing for the parade and the national anthem, where everyone will be encouraged to sing along.
“This is a family-style gathering where everyone encourages every rider,” Moore said. “It’s a great place to see or make friends and see some beautiful horses.”
Executive Director Brad Hall said Rodeheaver Boys Ranch has a long history of partnership with the local horsemen’s club and other local equestrians.
“We are hosting this event as a way to let equestrians enjoy the ranch while riding their horses,” he said. “We hope to build and strengthen friendships through this event and raise awareness of the mission of the boys ranch.”
Hook-ups for trailers with water and electricity will be available. A hot dog lunch and refreshments will be available for purchase at the ranch’s concession stand. The lunch will be free for those with a paid registration for the games.
As for the horses, Moore said they are nothing new for him on or off the ranch
“I spent 11 years in Montana on my ranch raising horses and studying to learn about training and riding,” he said. “Later, I managed a 50-horse barn for a large dude ranch and rodeo. I came to Rodeheaver three years ago to assist in helping ‘build boys’ and see that they receive a good education and Christian upbringing.”
Moore hopes the first Rockin’ R Wrangle will be a great addition to other annual events that bring people to the ranch, including bluegrass festivals in February and November, a fishing tournament and golf tournament in the spring, and a skeet tournament in the fall or spring.
“If you like horses and want to see some up close and personal, you will enjoy this event,” he said.
Moore said there are currently 10 horses on the ranch and the boys who live there usually ride every week.
“This is a fundraiser to assist in raising the boys and teach them about horses and grooming, handling and riding,” Moore said. “Other vocational skills are taught here, too, such as blacksmithing, carpentry, cooking and guitar lessons. We receive no federal or state money.”
The ranch’s mission is to provide a wholesome home environment with social, educational, vocational and spiritual training for boys in need. Donations to the ranch can be mailed to Rodeheaver Boys Ranch, 380 Boys Ranch Road, Palatka, FL 32177. Online donations can also be made at rbr.org.
Moore is hoping for good weather for the Saturday event.
“If it rains a little, we cowboy up,” he said, smiling. “If it rains a lot, we will reschedule.”
