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About

The Story of Western Rodeos

Western Rodeos was established in 1966 by the Russell Family. The Russell Family was a tremendous ranching family in California and had many ventures in real estate serving as the largest private land owners in Nevada for many years. Western Rodeos became known for some of the finest bucking bulls being hauled to rodeos. The three-time PRCA Bull of the Year Pacific Bell, was born and raised on the Russells’ Folsom Ranch. Another star bull in the Russell herd was Grasshopper, also a PRCA Bull of the Year. Trick or Treat, another NFR qualifier and PRCA Bull of the Year from the Russell herd was also one of their favorites. Alongside their bulls the family also raised many incredible saddle bronc and bareback horses. After many decades as an established professional stock contracting company, Drew Blessinger became a close friend to Dan and Linda Russell in the late 1990’s. Drew owned his own set of bucking stock and helped Dan with many of his rodeos from picking up to hauling the animals and everything in between. After Dan’s passing in 2013, Linda and Drew moved the company from Henryetta, Oklahoma to Emmett, Idaho. In 2015 Drew Blessinger took over as the owner of Western Rodeos. Drew Blessinger, a fifth generation Idaho rancher, considers his animals family. Working alongside his son’s Colton and Wyatt, he wants to continue the legacy of rodeo.

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