In 1985 a few local cowboys formed teams to compete in what was an early version of ranch rodeo competition - authentic ranch activities with a scoring system to determine who was the best at ranch work. Not only was it challenging in a friendly atmosphere, it also drew quite a crowd and turned into a means to support local charities. The beneficiary today is the Expo Center of Taylor County. Charities of the Community Foundation of Abilene benefit from the Rhinestone Round Up.
As the Western Heritage Classic began to grow, organizers set a goal to build a prestigious event that would preserve western heritage and traditions. Activities during the annual event have been designed to embody the essence of cowboy lifestyle and history.
Today, the Western Heritage Classic is the major cowboy event it was envisioned to be. The three-day extravaganza, centered on the Ranch Rodeo, offers numerous activities featuring western interests and history: the World's Largest Bit & Spur Show, Chuckwagon Cookoff, Matched Horse Races, Ranch Team Roping, and Cowboy Poetry & Music.. Children's activities include a Stickhorse Rodeo, Piglet Chase and Steer Dummy Roping. The weekend kicks off with Dress Western Day and a giant Western Parade. Friday evening features the Rhinestone Round Up, a spectacular gala event. Other special features are the Invitational Ranch Horse Sale, Frontier Sampler and Ranch Team Roping.
In 1998 the Ranch Horse Association of America added another special event to the Western Heritage Classic schedule. RHAA holds the national finals for working ranch horse competition during the WHC weekend. The top two finalists for the national title compete in a final round during the Saturday night performance of the Western Heritage Classic Ranch Rodeo.
What started with a few cowboys gathering to do for fun what they do for a living has turned into a spectacular weekend event enjoyed by thousands of western heritage enthusiasts.
Photo by Danny Bryant
