California Rodeo Salinas – Athlete life outside the arena
Justin Farr is a world-class rodeo cowboy competing this week at the California Rodeo Salinas in team roping. He competes with Garrett Boekenoogen. But this day, there are no fans, judges, and scores. He’s training a three-year-old horse getting ready to go into the working world with its owner.
Unlike many other sports, these pro athletes have day jobs. But, oftentimes, the skills are one in the same.
“People will send me rope-horses that need to be tuned up or made into a rope-horse. Basically, I’m roping,” Farr said. “Every day I learn something new about a horse and my own abilities and I get to apply it to the rodeo arena.”
Farr’s family has owned this ranch off highway 68, and in the last few years he’s started a business training horses for leisure, work, or competition. He trains and sells his own, houses some for other people, and gives lessons to clients.
In a business where the athletes don’t have multi-million dollar contracts, you have to finish high in the event to win anything close to the big bucks. According to the PRCA, competitors outside the top 30 in their event for the year made between 20 and 50 thousand dollars. That’s why many of the people you’ll see at the rodeo don’t compete full time and have a second source of income.
“Guys that rodeo full-time are dependent on purse money and sponsorships,” Farr said. “If you are not doing well and you lose your sponsor, you’re not getting any money.”
Corey Walker, another Monterey County resident, is a part-time team roping heeler. The full-time father and vegetable seed salesman placed in last year’s Salinas rodeo.
“It’s hard to make a living being a horse trainer or professional rodeo guy. So, I like doing it part-time. It takes the pressure off – makes it more fun.”
Farr is not just competing in the rodeo, but he’s working it too. He’ll be on his horses getting the livestock out of the arena after each run. He says this is a way to keep helping the event and train his colts.
