Fiesta Stock Horse Show and Rodeo will not be part of 2025 Old Spanish Days Celebrations
SANTA BARBARA, Calif. – Saddles will be hung up this year, as Old Spanish Days announces that one of their beloved traditions is cancelled.
In a joint statement, Old Spanish Days and the Earl Warren Showgrounds revealed there would be no Fiesta Stock Horse Show & Rodeo this year.
"Both Earl Warren Showgrounds and Old Spanish Days Fiesta are saddened to share that the Fiesta Stock Horse Show & Rodeo will not be producing a rodeo this year."
The Horse Show & Rodeo is local favorite during Fiesta, featuring events such as mutton-bustin', bull-riding, bareback riding, tie-down roping, and steer stopping. Last year, the event concluded its 100th year with three sold-out PRCA performances.
In their own statement, the Horse Show & Rodeo said the cancellation is "due to increasing operational and production challenges" that made them "unable to sustain this historical Santa Barbara event for the future."
However, Old Spanish Day does have hope for the future. The organization say they are working to ensure the Rodeo returns and remains apart of Fiesta "potentially as soon as 2025."
"While it is difficult to say goodbye, we take immense pride in the impact and memories created over the decades. The Fiesta Stock Horse Show & Rodeo has left a lasting mark on Santa Barbara’s history, celebrating the skill, spirit, and tradition of the Vaquero way of life."
Rodeo fans hope to see a return of something like it.
"It is a bummer we used go with family members," said Arturo Becerro.
He said he missed professional bull riding events impacted COVID.
"A lot of people, they miss it, we have to go out of town for rodeo events now," Jannette Peinado agrees.
"I just can't see the fiesta without the rodeo, it is such a huge part of it," said Peinado.
Tom Coffin recalls riding in it back in his day.
"It is said times move along, hopefully we will come along to replace it," said Coffin. "I actually used to ride rodeo when I was a kid you know, I kind of miss it, hopefully we will come up with something that is kind of more contemporary for people to enjoy."
A women recalls PETA protesting the rodeo in the past. Past protestors held signs accusing the rodeo of animal abuse.
A few people said they would miss the mutton bustin' that showcases little kids.
After news broke about the rodeo's cancellation, Old Spanish Days' El Presidente Fritz Olenberger says the organization is in active effort to ensure the rodeo continues in Fiesta tradition.
"We are back in the saddle, working with care and determination toward a solution—with the shared goal of ensuring that the rodeo continues to be part of our cherished Fiesta celebrations, just as it has been for more than 100 years."
The Fiesta rodeo was known for bareback riding, tie down roping, steer stopping, mutton bustin' saddle bronc riding, PRCA Team roping, barrel racing, and bull riding.
It was supposed to take place Aug. 1-3.
2025 Old Spanish Days will take place in Santa Barbara from July 30th - August 3rd.
