About Us .
For over 35 years, the Industry Hills Charity Pro Rodeo has been a cherished tradition in the San Gabriel Valley, starting in 1986 to support the Dehaven community center. It quickly evolved into a PRCA-sanctioned event by its second year, legitimizing its growth from a basic outdoor dirt area with carnival games to a professional affair attracting thousands of attendees annually.
Key individuals like Tom Moreland from Western Insurance, Dave Perez from Valley Vista City of Industry Disposal, Ken Rammel from an independent CPA firm, Robert Pacheco, a local attorney, Carl Bennitt from Pace Lithographers, and Ed Butts, a local car dealer, were instrumental in its success. Their vision and dedication, along with support from the City of Industry and the Industry Business Council, have enabled the rodeo to raise millions for local children’s causes, benefitting organizations such as the Delhaven community center and the Sheriff’s Department Youth Activities League.
Today, the event remains a fun, safe, and affordable outing for families, ensuring funds raised directly benefit the San Gabriel Valley’s vital services and organizations.
The Gabriel Foundation .
Your attendance benefits the Gabriel Foundation, a non-profit, 501(c)3 formed in 1985. The Gabriel Foundation consists of business, professional and service people who live and work within the San Gabriel Valley. Our supporters recognize that many children in the area lack the opportunities to experience a healthy and productive childhood, due to unstable family situations and/or lack of alternative activities instead of gang involvement. Our goal is to help underprivileged, and disadvantaged children by financially assisting those organizations that provide services, programs, activities and resources to those who face extra challenges in their young lives.
We welcome individual donations and grants, however, our main fundraising effort continues to be the annual Industry Hills Charity Pro Rodeo. Thanks to the support of the City of Industry, the Industry Business Council and many corporate and local businesses, our Rodeo has raised over $2,800,000. The Foundation has distributed these funds to local organizations working with challenged young people.
Organizations that benefit from the donations from the Industry Hills Pro Rodeo/The Gabriel Foundation:
Delhaven
YAL
YMCA
Friends of the Heart
New Horizons Caregivers Group
San Gabriel Valley Foundation for Dental Health
East Valley Boys & Girls Club
The Gabriel Foundation Board of Directors .
Thomas L. Moreland, Founding Chairman Emeritus
Ronald L. McPeak, President
Tim Seal, Vice President
Patrick W. Medlock, Chief Financial Officer
Robert R. Dipre, Secretary
- Ken Calvo
- Desmond Donnellan
- Krysti Dryer
- Gary Dudley
- Leona Harris
- Joanne McClaskey
- Robert Pacheco
- Vince Perez
- Paul Spitzzeri
- Doug Knudsen
- Jim Bickel
Community Kids Day .
Community Kids Day is a focal point to educate 4000+ students in grades 3-5 about our Western Heritage. Prior to event, the Rodeo Committee donates booklets detailing the history of the West and the importance of rodeos. Some years students are given a private rodeo performance and other years it’s an up-close and personal hands-on experience. They are alos encourage to submit a poster or t-shirt design for our contest. Prizes are not only given to the students but also their classrooms. Our many volunteers help keep it exciting, whatever we do!
Events .
A guide to Industry Hills Charity Pro Rodeo Events.
Bareback Riding
Bareback riding demands exceptional strength and timing for control during the wild, unpredictable 8-second ride. Riders grip a one-hand rigging over the horse’s back, focusing on spurring technique and maintaining balance. Disqualification occurs if the rider touches the horse or himself with his free hand or if he bucks off.
Saddle Bronc Riding
Saddle bronc riding, a classic rodeo event, demands precise synchronization between the rider’s spurring and the horse’s movements for an elegant, controlled 8-second ride. Using a 6-foot braided rein in one hand, the rider must “mark out” by touching the horse’s shoulders on the first jump from the chute; missing this mark leads to disqualification. Judges assess the rider’s spurring technique, toe position, and overall control, while disqualification results from errors like bucking down, changing hands, or losing a stirrup.
Steer Wrestling
Steer wrestling is the quickest rodeo event, typically lasting 3 to 5 seconds. The bulldogger and his horse must coordinate closely, with a hazer assisting to keep the steer on track. Racing at speeds up to 30 miles per hour, the bulldogger dismounts, grabs the steer’s horns, and uses leverage to bring it down. The steer is considered down when lying flat with all four feet and head aligned. Weight and size can affect performance in this event, where steers weigh around 650 pounds.
Barrel Racing
Cowgirl barrel racing demands high-speed precision through a cloverleaf pattern, with times measured in hundredths of a second. Knocking down a barrel adds a 5-second penalty, and errors lead to disqualification. Success requires strong coordination between rider and horse. Unlike other rodeo events, barrel racing necessitates a dedicated partnership with a well-trained horse known for its athleticism and agility.
Bull Riding
Bull riding, rodeo’s most dangerous event, requires courage, balance, and quick reflexes to handle a 2,000-pound bull’s agile and powerful movements. Bulls often spin or circle, challenging riders with unpredictable bucking. Riders must stay on for 8 seconds with a flat-braided rope and one gloved hand, using their free arm and body to counter the bull’s actions. Judges assess both the cowboy’s and the bull’s performance equally.