Western Heritage Classic

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Western Heritage Classic

We will see y'all May 8-11 at the 2025 Western Heritage Classic! Points accumulated over a two-day period. The same format is still followed today.

The idea that started with a few cowboys gathering to have some fun has turned into a spectacular three-day event and is enjoyed by thousands of western enthusiasts. THE IDEA THAT STARTED WITH A FEW COWBOYS GATHERING TO HAVE SOME FUN AND SHOW OFF WHAT THEY DO FOR A LIVING HAS TURNED INTO A SPECTACULAR THREE-DAY EVENT HELD IN MAY ANNUALLY AND IS ENJOYED BY THOUSANDS OF WESTERN HERITAGE ENTHUSIASTS.

In 1985, a few local cowboys formed teams to compete in authentic ranch activities that involved a scoring system used to determine who was the best working ranch. It was an event that not only challenged the participants but it drew a crowd and established a way to support a local charity. Long before the name Western Heritage Classic was recognized, the ranch rodeo competition included five events – bronc riding, wild cow milking, team penning, team roping and calf branding. As the event began to grow, organizers set a goal to build a prestigious event that would preserve western heritage traditions. Activities during the annual event are designed to embody the essence of cowboy lifestyle and history. Everything that happens during the three-day event ties back to the cowboy heritage and "the way it was" back on the ranch generations ago. Today, the Western Heritage Classic is recognized internationally. Held on the grounds of the Taylor County Expo Center in Abilene, Texas, the three-day weekend event's showcase is the Ranch Rodeo; though it offers many activities that feature western interests as well as history. These activities include: the World's Largest Bit & Spur Show, a Chuckwagon Cookoff, Matched Horse Races, Children's Stickhorse Rodeo, Cowboy Poets & Western Artisans, Ranch Horse Clinics, Western Trade Show, a Western Gala, the Rhinestone Round-Up, a Ranch Horse Sale, the World Finals RHAACompetition, and a giant Western Parade. All of these events add to the wide range that the Western Heritage Classic offers spectators each year.

09/03/2024

There are too many scammers out there - this is SO important!

07/17/2024

We still can't get over this! Thank you to all who have voted for the WHC - just a few days left to cast your final votes!🤠
https://westernhorseman.com/best-of-western-horseman/ > CULTURE > EVENTS > Western Heritage Classic

𝗜𝘁’𝘀 𝘁𝗶𝗺𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗳𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝘃𝗼𝘁𝗲𝘀! Western Horseman has announced the Top 5 Finalists in the 2024 Best of Western Horseman Awards. You can show your support for your favorite brands, companies and people by voting daily until July 21. Your voice will determine the ultimate winners!

Vote now >> https://westernhorseman.com/best-of-western-horseman/

07/15/2024

Woohoo! The lightning round of voting is OPEN!⚡️⚡️⚡️

For Admirers of Western Stock Horses WesternHorseman.com
World's Leading Horse Magazine Since 1936.

07/10/2024

THIS JUST IN! The Western Heritage Classic is in the TOP 5 of Western Horseman's Best Of Awards! A ⚡️lightning⚡️ round of voting will be open July 15 - 21, and we ask that you take advantage of the voting opportunity. We want to thank you all for your continued support of the WHC - we can't wait to see you in 2025!🫶🤠

06/28/2024

WOW!

Ranch Manager Bubba Smith has been selected to receive the 2024 Working Ranch Cowboy Award at the Texas Cowboy Reunion in Stamford Texas. He is very deserving of this award. Thank you Jewellee Kuenstler and The Stamford and Haskell Star for a great article.

06/27/2024

We've still got a few more days to go! Thanks to all for your support of the WHC - we can't wait for next year!💪

Breaking News! The Western Heritage Classic has been nominated for Western Horseman's BEST OF Awards in the CULTURE - EVENTS category! It is our privilege and honor to provide a place to gather and celebrate the traditions of our way of life. Cast your vote for the Western Heritage Classic at the link below! Voting closes July 1.❤
https://westernhorseman.com/best-of-western-horseman/culture/

06/25/2024

Just a few more days to go!😍 We are so appreciative of the folks who support us, take a minute and cast your vote for the Western Heritage Classic! https://westernhorseman.com/best-of-western-horseman/culture/?

𝐋𝐞𝐭 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐯𝐨𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐛𝐞 𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐝! Voting for the 2024 Best of Western Horseman Awards is officially LIVE! The winners from each category will be featured in our December "Best of" issue. Be sure to come back every day to show your support for your favorite brands and people.

Vote now >> https://westernhorseman.com/best-of-western-horseman/

06/12/2024

Too cool!

You may recognize his voice and name from the hundreds of rodeo arenas he's announced in, but do you know more of Bob Tallman's story?

Check out this Rodeo Arena flashback from 1983 ⬇️ Link in comments

Breaking News! The Western Heritage Classic has been nominated for Western Horseman's BEST OF Awards in the CULTURE - EV...

06/12/2024

05/21/2024

We just LOVE Priefert❤️💙

05/21/2024

It was no surprise when the Tule Ranch took home the TOP REMUDA award at the 2024 Ranch Rodeo. One look is all it takes to know that this crew does everything for the love of the horse. Both in, and out, of the arena, Tule horses are favored for their good minds, natural ability, and competitive edge. Team Capitan, Cooper Cogdell, nods to the Tule's legacy and heritage:
“I believe all the recognition goes to the generations before us. All of them loved a good cowhorse and now 70+ years of breeding and selection later we get the benefit of riding very capable horses. As competitive as ranch rodeos are now you cannot afford to not be mounted on the very best.”

05/20/2024

Congratulations, again, to the Tongue River Ranch on a well-deserved WIN! The boys in black have made the annual trip to Abilene since 1999 and are 3-time Ranch Rodeo Champions. The teamwork and horsemanship exhibited by this crew makes them a crowd-favorite every year!
"They had a plan, a goal and everyone knew their jobs. They achieved that goal and just like here at the ranch they all did their jobs well. We are blessed and proud to have such a great group of cowboys to work here at Tongue River."

05/20/2024

Talk about decorated! Pitchfork cowboy, Clint Jones, took home TOP HORSE & TOP HAND honors at the 2024 Ranch Rodeo!
"I’m very blessed to have received such a highly honored award, especially among so many talented and very capable cowpunchers! Western Heritage Classic has always been such a great event! I can remember plumb back to when I was in high school and would get to come and watch all the good teams and cowboys compete, it’s been a boyhood dream come true to get to compete here!
WILLIAM WALLACE is very cowy, and an athlete that’s fun to ranch on! He is a 9 year old by ROCKIN W and out of a SHINING SPARK bred mare. I started William as a two-year-old. The tougher it is the better he likes it!
I'd like to thank the Lord for all my talents, the great horses that the Pitchfork Ranch has, and my crew for making me look so good!"
We can't think of a cowboy more deserving - congratulations to Clint & the Pitchfork Land & Cattle Co!

05/15/2024

We are so thankful to each and every person who dedicates their time to the Western Heritage Classic - our volunteers are our biggest assets! We would like to take a moment to thank the volunteers who make the Western Heritage Classic a success. In addition to the folks in the photo below, there are many community members and friends of the WHC who enjoy selflessly spending their weekend with us driving courtesy carts, manning the doors and gates, helping us in the office, and working logistics for different events. This one goes out to our volunteers!

05/14/2024

We want to thank everyone who joined us at the 2024 WHC - now it's time to get ready for next year! We will see you all at the 2025 Western Heritage Classic!
Mark your calendars NOW with these important dates:
January 31, 2025: Fan Club order forms mailed out from Abilene
February 28, 2025: Fan Club order form postmarked deadline
April 7, 2025: Ranch Rodeo, Chuckwagon Lunch, Dance tickets on sale to the public. RV spots on sale to the public. VIP Parking Passes on sale to the public
May 8-11, 2025: Western Heritage Classic

05/14/2024

Lost & Found! Please call the office and describe your item in detail if you think you left something here:
- baby stroller
- leather purse
- State-issued ID

We will update this post as our crew continues the clean-up process!

05/14/2024

🔥🔥INCREDIBLE

Our 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟰 𝗦𝗮𝗹𝗲 𝗔𝘃𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗴𝗲𝘀 are anything but average. In fact, they are 𝗮𝗯𝗼𝘃𝗲 𝗮𝘃𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗴𝗲.

05/14/2024

Too cool! Looking forward to seeing what Craig's got up his sleeve for 2025!

05/13/2024

🎻Results for the Old Time Fiddler's Contest. Thanks to all who participated!🎻

05/13/2024

It was a historic year for the WHC Ranch Horse Sale! We cannot thank the Sale Committee enough for 30 years of dedication - the Top 10 High Sellers are truly a reflection of the hard work put into this sale by the Committee members, consigning ranches, and spirited bidders. Thank you to each and every person who was in the First Financial Pavilion on Saturday morning, your commitment to the equine industry is ELECTRIC!⚡️⚡️
We would especially like to thank the bidders and buyers of LOT #1, your generosity for the WHC Disaster Relief Fund will be felt by so many ranchers affected by this year's devastating wildfires. Thank you to the family of Perry Johns.
We love the family of the Western Heritage Classic❤

05/13/2024

🥇Tough competition at the Ranch Horse Association of America National Finals this year! We had high scores all weekend and safe runs all around! Check out the Class Champions below:

05/12/2024

Composite Ranch Rodeo results from the 2024 Western Heritage Classic!

05/12/2024

Introducing the 2024 Ranch Rodeo Champions - Tongue River Ranch!
Congratulations to all 10 of our teams for another GREAT year, and a special congrats to the cowboy of the TRR!

05/12/2024

The Cowboy Church Service will be at the OUTDOOR PAVILION at 9:00 am!

05/12/2024

See you all in a bit at the Entertainment Pavilion!

Have you grabbed your Jake Ho**er and the Outsiders ticket yet? Don't miss out on this WHC icon! Concert kicks off after the Ranch Rodeo awards on Saturday night and we will be dancing all night long! Valid I.D. required for alcohol purchases.
📍Saturday, May 11, 10:00 pm-1:00 am, Outdoor Entertainment Pavilion @ the Taylor County Expo Center
Tickets here: https://www.westernheritageclassic.com/p/tickets--deals

05/12/2024

🐎Matched Horse Race World Finals RESULTS🐎
1st: Jenn Perry🏆
2nd: Aurora Sikes
3rd: Wesley Burns
4th: Destiny Hatfield
Congratulations to all for a SAFE race!

05/11/2024

Whew! What a cookoff! Congratulations to all 9 of our Chuckwagons on a great cookoff - and congratulations to Breakaway Wagon for cinching up the Overall Champion title!🏆

05/11/2024

Congratulations to our competitors for a SAFE race! We are proud of the horsemanship exhibited in less-than-ideal conditions. Results shortly.

6:23 PM: We are running the last race! Foot races to begin shortly.

6:19 PM: The threat of lightning has moved east and away from the Expo Center, along with the rain. Thank you Lord, for the rain! We have been blessed beyond measure this spring.

6:08 PM: Matched Horse Race World Finals competitors have been instructed to enter the track at their own discretion due to the nature of riding in the rain. Continuing to monitor lightning.

6:00 PM: We have run the first race of the evening. Continuing to monitor the lightning. Phones are down in the General Office, please communicate with us via messages/comments.

5:50 PM: MATCHED HORSE RACE WORLD FINALS are ON at the Raydon, Inc Race Track. Thank you all for your patience and cooperation in our effort to keep horse, rider, and attendees safe! We have monitored the weather conditions all day, and with the threat of lightning behind us - we will open the track to run. Our ground crew and Matched Horse Race Committee have verified track conditions are safe to run on. We will make any updates on this post. Prayers for safety and clarity for our competitors and their 4-legged partners.

05/11/2024

💥💥We think our RHAA competitors rocked it this year! Congrats to all who showed at the Western Heritage Classic & the RHAA National Finals!

12/14/2023

Vendor Applications are LIVE on the WHC website! Click the link below for information and applications.
https://www.westernheritageclassic.com/p/get-involved/vendors

Address

Taylor County Expo Center, 1700 Highway 36
Abilene, TX
79602

Website

http://www.westernheritageclassic.com/

Alerts

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Videos

Don't miss Craig Cameron, Cameron Horsemanship, in the First Financial Pavilion this afternoon! Yesterday's clinic was awesome - we can't wait to see what he'll do today! Craig will start at 2:00 pm or immediately after the WHC Ranch Horse Sale, wichever is later.

POV: You walk into the WHC and see this! It's Chuckwagon Cookoff time!🔥 BIG thank you to H-E-B for supporting this event and our wagons!

WHC Ranch Horse Sale

📓✏️Do your homework before Sale Day! Visit www.whcranchhorsesale.com and check out all the consignment's photos & videos so you're ready to bid and buy on May 11 at 9:30 am! WHC Ranch Horse Sale

We are ONE WEEK out from the 2024 Western Heritage Classic! Check out this slick video by Salty Roan highlighting our Ranch Rodeo! If this doesn't get you excited - we don't know what will!🔥🔥🔥 Tickets: https://www.westernheritageclassic.com/p/tickets--deals Stuart Ranch Spade Ranches, LTD. Muleshoe Ranch 9 Nail Ranch Haythorn Land & Cattle Co. Guitar Ranches Green Land & Cattle Co. Pitchfork Land & Cattle Co. Matthews Ranch Tongue River Ranch Tule Ranch Budweiser

The 2023 Western Heritage Classic was one for the books! None of this would be possible without our sponsors, and we cannot thank them enough for supporting this event and way of life. Their generosity is so appreciated, and we cannot wait to see what 2024 brings with these folks in our corner! #ThankYou

At Western Heritage Classic, we have something for everyone! Check out this video by Salty Roan to catch a glimpse of the many ways you can fill your weekend at the 2023 Western Heritage Classic!

Warning: This video will make you hungry! The 2023 Chuckwagon Cookoff menu features Chicken Fried Steaks, Potatoes, Beans, Biscuits/Pastries, and Desserts to boot! Don't miss your chance to see authentic Chuckwagons & gear and smell the delicious meals cooking over wood fires! Tickets go on sale April 3rd. Salty Roan

Are YOU ready for this year's ranch rodeo? For more information about the 2023 Western Heritage Classic visit https://www.westernheritageclassic.com/ Salty Roan

2022 Western Heritage Classic Sponsor Video

We were proud to present the 2022 Western Heritage Classic in partnership with our gracious sponsors. Each year this event makes a large impact in Abilene and the surrounding communities. It wouldn’t be possible without the businesses and individuals that support the Western Heritage Classic. Thank you to each one who played an important role in hosting this wonderful event. 📽: Salty Roan

May 14, 4 p.m. Arrive early, cheer loud, and enjoy the 2022 Matched Horse Race World Finals presented by Raydon, Inc 🎥: Salty Roan

JUST 9 DAYS until we are gathered in Abilene, Texas for the 2022 Western Heritage Classic Co-Sponsored by Budweiser and the Taylor County Expo Center WHICH EVENT ARE YOU THE MOST EXCITED FOR THIS YEAR?

IT'S COMING. MAY 12-15, 2022 The 2022 Western Heritage Classic presented by the Taylor County Expo Center and Budweiser . You don't want to miss a minute of the action! Visit westernheritageclassic.com today and make your plans to Visit Abilene, Texas May 12-15!