Kodi Fowles rides in with the American flag at the start of the San Benito County Saddle Horse Show & Rodeo on June 27. Photo by Jessica Parga

This photo essay was produced by BenitoLink intern Jessica Parga. Lea este artículo en español aquí.

Fans and participants poured into Bolado Park on the evening of June 27 as the San Benito County Saddle Horse Show & Rodeo kicked off for the weekend.

The event continues on June 28-29. 

The competition includes bull riding, racing and roping events, including San Benito County’s signature event, figure-8 roping.

Shiloh Deforest overlooks the arena with Emilee Hitchcock, right, as she keeps the competitors’ time. Photo by Jessica Parga.

“Ain’t nothing like a hometown rodeo to make you feel good.”

Hunter Torres
Hunter Torres removes his hat during the national anthem. Photo by Jessica Parga.
Junior Miss Agriculture of America Noelle Conde stands in the dugout before handing winners their prizes. Photo by Jessica Parga.

“I like being part of the rodeo because it’s fun, entertaining, and I want to be in a rodeo someday when I’m older.”

 Noelle Conde, 10
Sydney Fischer competes in the Ladies Breakaway. Photo by Jessica Parga.
Steer wrestling in the arena. Photo by Jessica Parga.
Julie Davies sits with Cynthia Ford, a long-time resident and former participant in the rodeo. Photo by Jessica Parga.

“I have been [coming here] for probably 60 or 65 years. My husband was a cowboy and he rode here and I did too.”

 Cynthia Ford
  • Participants gather on horseback and watch the events in the main arena. Photo by Jessica Parga.
  • Memo Romero, Magda Garcia, and Sarahi Romero came from Bitterwater, CA to see the rodeo with their family. Photo by Jessica Parga.
  • Ari Alvarado and her brother Zafiel Alvarado wait in line for food. Photo by Jessica Parga.

The BenitoLink Internship Program is a paid, skill-building program that prepares local youth for a professional career. This program is supported by Monterey Peninsula Foundation AT&T Golf Tour, United Way, Taylor Farms and the Emma Bowen Foundation.

Jessica attended San Diego State University and grew her love of journalism at the school paper, The Daily Aztec. Her photography took her across San Diego, shooting watersports in the bay to farmland...