Thank you, Beard Rodeo Company

A lot of talent has come through the Ellensburg Rodeo. The competitors have wowed the action-hungry crowds for 84 years now, making this rodeo one of the top in the country.

Adding to the already-impressive rodeo lineup has been numerous bucking bulls and horses supplied by the Beard Rodeo Company.

The company, based right here in Ellensburg, has brought bulls and horses to the rodeo since 1990. By the time Frank and Charlot Beard got involved with the Ellensburg Rodeo, they already had about a generation's worth of bull and horse raising experience between the two of them. So naturally, their stock was some of the best in the Northwest.

"They've been an integral part of our rodeo for close to 20 years now," said Rick Cole, assistant arena director. "And they've had some great bucking bulls and bucking horses."

The Beards both grew up in the rodeo business, raising horses and bulls for their entire lives. When Frank was 19, he went to work for Charlot's father, who owned the John Van Belle Rodeo Company in Outlook, Wash. Just like Charlot, Frank has spent his life around horses. His father, as well as his grandfathers, traded horses throughout the United States.

So when Frank came to work for Charlot's father, he not only got a new job, but found a wife as well. The couple created their own horse and bull raising business and together they were a formidable force of rodeo knowledge. Their partnership as husband and wife, as well as co-workers, has lasted 60 years. They have a fervent love for all things rodeo, and being involved with Ellensburg's for many years was always a pleasure, Frank said.

"It has a lot of prestige," Frank said. "It's a traditional rodeo."

"The Ellensburg Rodeo is one of the top in the country, so when they asked us to participate, it really meant something," Charlot added.

After many years of rodeo work, the Beard Rodeo Company was recently sold. But their grandson Daniel, as well as their daughter, Shannon and her husband Don Stewart, are both involved in horse and bull raising. They will participate in this year's Ellensburg Rodeo.

"It really has been a family deal," Daniel said. "Rodeos for us are like family reunions."

Rodeo board members said the Beards have not only been an essential part of the rodeo, but also dependable, friendly people.

"They've been super people to work with. We've had really good times," said Bill Lowe, rodeo arena director.

Despite both being 79, the Beards plan to continue working with the rodeo. It just may be a bit more behind the scenes. They're not much for the word "retirement," but they do plan to slow down a bit.

The Beards will also retire one of the Ellensburg Rodeo's most famous bucking horses, Lone Ranger, as well. This will be Lone Ranger's last rodeo, Frank said. The 19-year-old horse has won numerous buckles and been to the Ellensburg Rodeo more than a dozen times.

"It will be his last year. He will never buck again," Frank sad with a touch of sadness.