From Ranch to Rodeo
Scruffy Buffalo rancher hosts rodeo for children and community
By Dianna Troyer
Never one to shy away from new ideas, Dan Tracy envisioned a youth rodeo at his Scruffy Buffalo Arena near Castle Rocks outside Almo.
Last year, Dan and his wife, Caitlin, were talking about how much fun their relatives had doing rodeo events in their arena during a family reunion.
“We thought, ‘Why not host a youth rodeo for kids up to age 18 during Labor Day weekend to bring people together in a breathtaking setting?’” Dan says.
From there, Rodeo in the Rocks was created. The name is a nod to their 40-acre property near Castle Rocks State Park and the City of Rocks National Reserve.
“Being a farming and ranching community, we have a lot of cowboys and cowgirls who would participate,” Dan says. “Plus, we have a fair amount of tourists coming through looking for things to do after they hike and climb at the City of Rocks. We have people wanting something to do— either as participants or as spectators.”
A nearby stock contractor, CT Rodeo in Malta, was willing to provide livestock.
The couple posted the announcement for the inaugural rodeo on their Scruffy Buffalo Ranch Facebook page and on ranch rodeos’ social media sites.
Their first Rodeo in the Rocks was widely successful. About 500 people attended to watch more than 75 competitors.
“We had a great turnout and incredible community support,” Dan says. “Families came from our area, Boise, Twin Falls, Pocatello and as far as Nevada and Wyoming. It was an unforgettable weekend for young riders and their families. We’re excited to be gearing up for year two.”
Bringing It Home
Dan competed in bull riding during his junior and senior years of high school. He remembers how far his parents, Ted and Bonnie, had to travel from the family ranch near Almo to take him to competitions.
“Growing up here was great, but it’s fairly secluded,” he says. “Just to buy groceries, we drive about 50 miles one way. We thought local people would appreciate not having to travel far to be in a rodeo.”
Dan believes competing in rodeo teaches children valuable life lessons, such as self-discipline and confidence.
“It gives you the opportunity to face your fears head-on,” he says. “If you get out there, compete and do your very best, then you’re already moving in the right direction. You’re already a winner if you can push your fear aside and go compete. I love having a platform right here in my backyard that gives local youths the chance to do just that.”
His ranch, Scruffy Buffalo, was inspired by that lesson.
“I’ve always loved buffaloes because they take a storm head-on and face into it without fear,” Dan says. “They don’t run from it or turn their backs to it. When an innovative idea comes, I remind myself to not be afraid to take that first step to make it a reality. Don’t worry about perfection. It’s OK to be a little scruffy.”
After graduating from high school, Dan put his love of rodeo on hold when he was hired to travel nationwide selling home security systems. While working in Oklahoma, he and Caitlyn met through a dating app.
“When we got married, we decided to raise our kids in a rural setting, so we moved back here three years ago,” Dan says. “We wanted them to know about food production and their ranching heritage. Dad is a full-time, fourth generation cattle rancher, and my brother works with him. I help occasionally, especially when the work is on horseback.”
After returning to Almo, Dan rekindled his love for rodeo and built an arena, bought a roping dummy, and set up some chutes and bleachers. Their children— Ashlynn, Olivia, Oliver, Adelyn, Oakley Jo and Emery—are rodeo fans, too.
A few months ago, Dan and Caitlin hosted Ashlynn’s high school senior project—a ranch rodeo to raise money for the Jae Foundation—at the arena. The Jae Foundation is a suicide prevention nonprofit in Twin Falls.
True to the spirit of his own advice about rodeo, Dan has overcome his fear of uncertainty and turned a variety of ideas into reality at the Scruffy Buffalo. He partnered with his mother and brother to create a “glampground” with five geodesic domes, offers trail rides, and hosts retreats and corporate groups. He recently obtained his Realtor’s license and is an agent with the Carney Real Estate Team in Rupert, focusing on farm and ranch properties.
Next year, Dan and Caitlin plan to continue sponsoring the youth rodeo and are considering what other events they could host.
“We’d love to put together a series where we have a monthly event, like team roping, barrel racing or bull riding—fun events for our community,” Dan says.