The longtime Rancho Mission Viejo Rodeo, a staple in the community, has ended.
Citing post-pandemic struggles and a virus that affected livestock, RMV Rodeo’s founders Tony Moiso and Gilbert Aguirre said in a joint statement: “It is with great sadness that we have decided to end the Rancho Mission Viejo Rodeo.”
“We thank you all for your ongoing support, your meaningful contributions and the important role you played in helping make our annual rodeos so memorable, so impactful and so special,” the two said.
The two-day RMV Rodeo has been a staple to the Orange County community for 21 years. Hosted at the Rancho Mission Viejo Riding Park in San Juan Capistrano, it featured various cowboy competitions including saddle bronc, bareback riding, tie-down roping, steer wrestling, bull riding and team roping.
The rodeo also offered other activities for attendees, including pony rides, a trackless train, bounce houses and face painting.
“It was a very difficult decision to end our beloved rodeo,” said Lissa Freese, vice president of ranch operations in Rancho Mission Viejo. “We are grateful for the incredible community support over the years and hope that its impact of creating lasting memories and charitable funds will be fondly remembered throughout the region.”
In July, rodeo officials announced that the 2023 RMV Rodeo was canceled weeks before the event due to an outbreak of the VSV virus, which affects horses, cattle, swine and other animals. The virus causes blister-like lesions that can break, leaving the tissue raw on animals, according to the Department of Agriculture.
The rodeo was also canceled in 2020 and 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic; it was put on in 2022, though, and it completely sold out.
San Juan Capistrano resident Patty Bauer said she was “extremely disappointed” to hear about the rodeo’s cancelation.
“The RMV Rodeo represented the roots of San Juan Capistrano and was a premier annual event,” Bauer said….
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