EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES


Event Dates:
May 10 - 12, 2012

Tickets on Sale:
Saturday, April 28, 2012

Click here for the 2011 Results!

Welcome to the Western Heritage Classic! This wonderful celebration of Texas tradition for 28 years continues to touch the hearts of generations old and new. The Western Heritage Classic regenerates old memories and creates new ones through a variety of events and activities that make the weekend a success. From the shows and displays to the delicious food, there is something for everyone to enjoy.

Ranch Rodeo:  Watch the excitement as some of the largest and most historic ranches in the U.S. compete in events designed to test the cowboys’ ranch skills. Roping, bronc riding, wild cow milking, team penning, branding and more, provide two evenings of entertainment and thrills. Competing ranches include: Green Land & Cattle Co., Guitar Ranches, Haythorn Land & Cattle Co., Matthews/Nail Ranch, Muleshoe Ranch, Pitchfork Land & Cattle Co., Spade Ranches, Swenson Ranch, Stuart Ranch, and Tongue River Ranch. Rodeo Participant Qualifications. Rodeo Participating Ranches.


2011 WHC Ranch Rodeo Champion - W.H. Green Land & Cattle Co.

RHAA Working Ranch Horse Competition:  Come see the skill and agility of ranch cowboys and their ranch work partner. Reining, roping, and cutting are showcased along with an originality category for a truly crowd-pleasing performance. This event is the National Finals of the RHAA Working Ranch Horse Competition – an invitational event from sanctioned competitions that culminates in the naming of the “Best Ranch Horse in the World” during the final night of the Ranch Rodeo.   

Parade & Street Dance:  Kick off the weekend’s western heritage festivities at the Parade and Street Dance. Wagons, riding clubs, antique cars and tractors, bands and floats all sport a western theme in this colorful display. Celebrate into the night at the Street Dance. 

Chuck Wagon Cook-off:  Take a trip back in time to the cattle drive era as dozens of chuck wagons from across the southwest vie for Cook-off Champion titles. Be sure to save some room for a taste of this authentic and unique cuisine.  

Fiddlers’ Contest:  Stomp to the rhythm of traditional Texas fiddler music as fiddlers compete to be named the best acoustical fiddler in their age class. 

Western Art Show:  Come see the impressive display of artwork in oils, pastels, watercolors, and bronzes by artists from across the southwest. 

Cowboy Poetry & Music:  Listen closely and enjoy some traditional and contemporary music and poetry about the cowboy lifestyle.

Cowboy Matched Horse Races:  Have your stopwatch ready when the flag drops on these heart-pounding horse races. Watch the dust fly as horse and rider face off against competing teams…and the clock. 

Bit & Spur Show:  Tour the world’s largest Bit and Spur Show to buy, sell, trade, or just see this spectacular display of collectible, antique, and contemporary western items. 

Rhinestone Round Up:  Enjoy an evening of glitz, great food, and dancing as cowboys and community supporters join in celebration of western heritage. The featured entertainment will be Charlie Robison.  For tickets, call the Expo Center directly, 325-677-4376. 

Concerts/Dances:  Dance the night away to great music and entertainmment Friday and Saturday night.  Featured entertainer for 2012 include Jake Hooker and the Outsiders!

Children’s Events:  Cheer on your little cowboy or cowgirl as they join in the fun of the Stick Horse Rodeo, Steer Dummy Roping Contest, best-dressed contest, and horse rides. Children must be registered in advance to participate.  Registration Form.

Clinics/Demonstrations:  Improve your cowboy skills by taking part in a clinic and/or demonstration. The Craig Cameron Horse Training Clinic has been featured for the last several years .  

Ranch Horse Sale:  Find your next working ranch horse at the invitational ranch horse sale. Featured horses are among the best available today from a select group of consigning ranches. Founding consigning ranches include: Clark Cattle Co., Muleshoe Ranch, Guitar Ranches, W.H. Green Cattle Co., Pitchfork Land & Cattle Co., Espuela Cattle Co., and Moorhouse Ranch. 2011 Sale Results.