Betty Vernooy, president of the Turlock Horsemen’s Club, understands the reality that fewer people live on ranches or ride horses today compared to when the organization was founded in 1944. It’s also what makes this month’s 80-year anniversary so much more special.

On Aug. 17, the nonprofit will be hosting an open house from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at their headquarters on 1506 S. Tegner Rd. that will feature memorabilia on display, vendors, food trucks and, of course, roping.

“The roping is the big thing,” said Vernooy. “Just the excitement and the energy that comes from the riders and the ropers and their families, because some of them are husbands and wives and others have their kids out there doing it; it’s great.”

And it’s not all fun and games either. The roping is sanctioned by the American Cowboy Team Roping Association and results count towards national competition. 

“They’re all trying to earn points to go to the national finals later this year in Reno for the ACTRA finals,” Venooy added. “It's not just a bunch of people coming out to rope for the fun of it, although it is very fun and entertaining, but it's a serious competition.

“It’s a family event that is open to the public just for us to show people what we’re all about and teach them a bit of Turlock history.”

Back in 1944, twenty-five local families decided to create an organization that would provide a better understanding, promotion and improvement of horses, horsemen and good horsemanship in the community while also encouraging family participation and harmony through fellowship. 

They are values still held strong today by the Turlock Horsemen’s Club, which currently has over 200 members and is now one of the oldest horse clubs in the entire state. Recent club activities include going on trail rides, cattle sortings, barrel races, play days and ongoing ACTRA ropings. They also support local Toys for Tots drives and young members of the community by awarding scholarships.

Most importantly is that the younger generations are keeping the traditions alive. According to Vernooy, there are nearly 20 members in their youth groups. Some members, accompanied by parents, are as young as one-year-old. There are also a handful of members in their early 20s participating in activities and events alongside those who are older. Members in their 80s are also expected to attend the upcoming celebration to reminisce on the decades of impact the club has had on the region.

“People just don't have the ranches or the farm life like there used to be in the Valley, everything's gotten more white-collared or industrialized,” Vernooy said. “Over the years with some of our members getting older, there are a lot of organizations that are aging out, so our goal is to have these traditions kept alive through our activities and to keep spreading the word that we’re still very strong.”