Suburban Cowboy
Preservation of Western Culture in Los Angeles - One Rodeo at a Time
Chris Gonzales grew up on the outskirts of suburban Los Angeles and developed a passion for Western culture as a child.
“My father had me watching ‘The Rifleman’ at a very young age, and my go-to accessory was either a cowboy hat or a toy revolver around my waist.”
As he got older, this youthful love of Western TV shows and clothing led to an interest in riding.
“Although I’m not yet a pro, it’s definitely one of my favorite things to do,” said the Agoura Hills-based marketing and trade show executive.
This weekend, Gonzalas will take the obvious next step in his lifelong passion—he’ll host a rodeo.
“I decided to bridge my interests and event background to create authentic experiences that bring friends together who share the same love for the Old West while also trying to do my part in preserving Western culture here in LA.”
The Outlaws N Rangers’ “Rope N Run” will take place this Saturday, July 13, in Sunland. The event includes Western food, country music, barrel racing and team roping demonstrations—fun for the whole family. And clearly there is demand, as Gonzales reports the event is oversold.
“Hosting events like this in suburban LA is about bringing a piece of Western culture to an urban setting,” he explained. “Our goal is to create a space where people can connect with the cowboy lifestyle and values, even if they live far from traditional ranching areas. “
Recently, there have been moves to ban all rodeos in Los Angeles. Opponents claim these are cruel, while rodeo enthusiasts disagree. What everyone seems to agree upon, however, was that the efforts of the LA City Council were too broad and would have upended horse culture, including dressage, show jumping and other respected sporting events. (This would have been detrimental to the City’s ability to host the Olympics.)
The Council reached a compromise, which ended some rodeo events in the City—but not all.
For Gonzales, this event is about celebrating the spirit of the West and “providing a unique, authentic experience that fosters a sense of community and appreciation for this important part of American heritage.”
“We focus on showcasing the skills and traditions of team roping and barrel racing in a way that respects animals and spectators. By highlighting their heritage and significance in Western culture, we aim to honor our cultural roots.”
Gonzales and the team are creating a space for families and friends to “bond over their shared love for Western culture,” he said. “Educating new generations about our heritage is incredibly rewarding.”
Whether you grew up on a ranch in Sunland or in a ranch house in the Valley, the traditions of the West belong to everyone.