Routt County CattleWomen leaders were pleasantly surprised when the 13 team spots for their inaugural All Women’s Ranch Rodeo filled in only two weeks including competitors from Routt County, the Front Range, Utah and Wyoming.

The all-female teams are ready to show off their skills in the fun competition that raises scholarship funds for students pursuing college to study a topic related to beef production.

The event, a first-time offering by the CattleWomen, will include the All Women’s Ranch Rodeo from 3-5 p.m. Saturday, July 12 at The Home Ranch, 54880 County Road 129 in Clark.

Planned rodeo events include competitions for fastest sorting, loading, ribbon roping and simulated branding. First-, second- and third-place finishes will be rewarded with cash and prizes.

CattleWomen board member Hallie Myhre said the new ranch rodeo is receiving a warm welcome from the community.

“We’re a group of strong, hard-working women, and we are excited to host this event for other cowgirls from across area,” said Myhre, who actually raises sheep. “So, come watch these cowgirls in action, have some food and be sure to wear your dancing boots.”

The competition will include teams such as “No Bull Breeding Services” and “Troublesome Sisters.” The ranch rodeo will feature six Routt County teams including “Hold My Beer” with Briana Bailey, Rachel Daughenbaugh, Alisha Kurtz and Sammi Barber; “Sooper Loopers” with Anny Brown, Emily Branham, Josie Bunkelman and Maddy Chamberlin; “Lazy L P Ranch” with sisters Taylor Schalnus and Kayla Wille as well as Madison Slagel; and “Routt of No Return” with Ali Hall, Steph Kuenast, Jackie Rexrode and Sam Papalimu.

A breakaway roping competition, where calves are roped but not tied, is planned for 5 p.m. for anyone who brings their own horse and rope. The fun day will include a Kid and Mr. Mom competition where some male partners will be asked to compete to be the fastest in traditionally women’s ranching chores such as folding laundry, preparing a meal and then doctoring a cow.

A barn dance, cookout and silent auction with donated items ranging from artwork to a load of gravel will start at 6 p.m. and wrap up around 8:30 p.m. Live music will be provided by local country band Backroad Horizon. The meal, with payment by donation, will be a beef hot dog bar with all the fixings.

Admission at the gate is $20 per car load. Board member Adonna Allen said the per-car-load entrance fee is meant to encourage carpooling and bringing along relatives and friends to the family-friendly event.

More information can be found on the Facebook page for Routt County CattleWomen. For questions, call Hayleigh Aurin at 970-819-6030 or email ali@yampavalleyranch.com.

The CattleWomen’s group, which started in the 1950s as the “Cowbelles,” is hoping to make the ranch rodeo an annual event for the community-based organization that supports the beef industry through education, outreach and marketing. The volunteer group educates about the importance of the beef industry in everyday lives and in maintaining Western ranching heritage. Current organization officers include Krista Monger, president, along with Aurin, Myhre and Allen.

The scholarship funds support Routt County high school seniors or college students from families involved in beef production or students who plan to pursue a degree related to or benefitting the beef industry.