WHO WE ARE

The Wet Valley Saddle Club mission is to preserve and celebrate our western heritage and culture by continuing its traditional events while supporting our community and family values and inspiring and educating our youth to carry on the western way of life.

Over 72 years ago Olin Camper, Saddle Club President, supplied the stock and Mary Montgomery Jagow was crowned Rodeo Queen for the first annual Stampede Rodeo. The tradition of the Stampede Rodeo has been a tradition of the Custer County community for generations and continues to be one of the most popular summer events in the valley.

Founded in 1937 by four local ranchers Rock Canda Sr., Jim Christo , Jack Geroux, and Bud Camper, the Wet Mountain Valley Saddle Club was created as a place to race horses. A natural out-growth of the saddle club was the rodeo. The first rodeo took place in an arena formed simply by a circle of cars. In 1940, a group of generous club members donated $1,000 each to build a permanent arena built on the site of the current rodeo grounds.

OUR BEGINNINGS WERE HUMBLE

In addition to the annual Wet Mountain Valley Stampede PRCA WPRA Rodeo, a Colorado rodeo institution since 1946, the Saddle Club hosts the ranch rodeo and the rodeo's associated parade, gymkhanas, youth programs, member trail rides and overnight horse camping trips, and much more.

Members' meetings are scheduled on the 3rd Friday of the month at 5:30 pm, February, May, June, August, and November. Location: Wet Mountain Valley Saddle Club at 90 County Road 241, Westcliffe, CO. You don't need to be a member to attend our meetings. Come check us out! Get more information on the member page.

Thank you for your interest in upholding our promise to the community, our youth, and our members, while maintaining our common interests and goals. It is our members and our volunteers who keep this organization moving forward! Thank you to all who have donated your time & talents. We hope to continue our success and increase memberships and volunteerism in 2025!