Roping, Riding & Racing at Soldotna Rodeo Grounds

Roping, Riding & Racing at Soldotna Rodeo Grounds

The Soldotna Equestrian Association (SEA) was one of the first organizations to step up and offer an evacuation plan for Funny River livestock. While preparing for their first Rodeo Round Up of the season as soon as they heard of the threat to Funny River and Kasilof livestock owners they offered an evacuation plan to the Soldotna Rodeo grounds. According to Amanda Buchholz of the SEA, “We housed over 55 animals during the threat. We had alpacas, goats, pigs, cows, horses, rabbits, cats, sheep and birds. It was like a zoo! And being spring time we had lots of new babies. Gate panels were brought down, everyone jumped in to help build and assemble what needed to be built to house the animals. A livestock trailer and truck was provided by Brayden Holly. Calls came in as early as 1:00a.m. in the morning to send out rescue teams for help. Joe Dilley organized the operation at the Soldotna rodeo grounds making sure all animals were separated, sorted and watered. Joe even stayed each night at the rodeo grounds so parents of fur babies knew they were safe. Currently at this time all animals have been returned safely to their homes. We also encouraged families with campers or tents to stay on the grounds with their animals. Restrooms were provided and there was no cost to park. We were glad the SEA could be of help in a time of need,” said Buchholz.

With 90 plus members the Soldotna Equestrian Assoc. Association was organized to focus and promote the common interests of safe riding instruction, competition and education on matters related to all segments of the horse industry. “Our association is made up of a 10 member board of directors that includes President Chris Sorrels, V.P. Jenny Stausbaugh, Secretary Amanda Buchholz, Treasurer Rhonda Harvey, plus Joe Dilley, Steve Barrow, Erica Bowers, Connie Taplin, George Peters and Rodeo Secretary Corey Wilkinson. We will be holding four more shows, called Rodeo Round Ups on the Kenai this summer with the next coming up June 7th & 8th at the Soldotna Rodeo Grounds. Then the 4th of July weekend July 5th & 6th, another July 26th & 27th, and will conclude the season August 16th & 17th,” said Buchholz.

Here are the results of Round Up # 1: Bull Riding – Steven Toney winnings $750.00. Team Roping – Jim Bo and Dan Voth $1012.00, Ribbon Roping – Steven Primera and Jenna Mahoney $414.00, Double Mugging – Travis Beck and Justin Rainwater $276.00. Women’s Break Away – Corey Wilkinson $90.00. 17 & Up Barrel Racing – Alena Hanley $240.00. 11 – 16 Barrel Racing – Jolene Hime $30.00. Steer Daubing – Hanna Kelson $20.00. 17 & Up Poles – Ciarra McKinzie $100.00. 11 – 16 Poles – Hanna Kelson $20.00. Calf Riding – Lane Smith $30.00. Jr Bull Riding – Jessie Rogde $45.00. 0 – 10 Barrels & Poles – Lane Smith $20.00. 0 – 10 Lead Line Barrels – Buckshot Koloski $15.00. 0 – 10 Lead Line Poles – Gracie Blazka $15.00.

SEA sponsors include Stanley Ford, Fire Control Systems, UpTown Motel, Pollard Wireline, Silva Saddle, Duck INN, Stanley Chrysler, Rodeo Alaska, Fowler DirtWorks, Craig Taylor, Outlaw Body & Paint and Pacific Star Seafoods for ice. To learn more about the SEA log on to www.soldotnaequestrianassociation.com.

Roping, Riding & Racing at Soldotna Rodeo Grounds

More in News

Jason Criss stands for a photo in Soldotna, Alaska, after being named a qualifier for the Special Olympics USA Games on Thursday, July 10, 2025. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)
Soldotna athlete to compete in 2026 Special Olympics USA Games

Thousands of athletes from across all 50 states will be competing in 16 sports.

The entrance to the Homer Electric Association office is seen here in Kenai, Alaska on May 7, 2020. (Photo by Brian Mazurek/Peninsula Clarion)
HEA opens bids for real property

The deadline to submit bids is 5 p.m. on Aug. 11.

Arturo Mondragon-Lopez, Jr. (right) attends a change of plea hearing related to the October 2023 fatal shooting of Brianna Hetrick on Wednesday, Feb. 5, 2025, at the Homer Courthouse in Homer, Alaska. (Delcenia Cosman/Homer News)
Mondragon-Lopez sentenced for death of Homer woman

Arturo Mondragon-Lopez, Jr. accepted a plea deal in February for the shooting of Brianna Hetrick.

Soldotna City Hall is seen on Wednesday, June 23, 2021 in Soldotna, Alaska. (Ashlyn O’Hara/Peninsula Clarion)
Soldotna OKs $395,000 capital plan

This year’s list of capital projects is “nominal compared to some past years,” according to officials.

A map of areas proposed for annexation by the City of Soldotna. (Provided by City of Soldotna)
Soldotna adds annexation proposal to ballot

The proposed annexation is split across five small areas around the city.

Nets are extended from North Kenai Beach in Kenai, Alaska, during the first day of the Kenai River personal use dipnet fishery on Thursday, July 10, 2025. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)
‘A really good day’

Kenai River personal use sockeye salmon dipnet fishery opens.

The entrance to the Kenai Peninsula Borough building in Soldotna is seen here on June 1. (Photo by Brian Mazurek/Peninsula Clarion)
Borough assembly to consider ordinance to increase residential property tax exemption

If approved by voters in October, the ordinance would increase the tax exemption by $25,000.

Vice President Kelly Cooper speaks during a meeting of the Kenai Peninsula Borough Assembly in Soldotna, Alaska, on Tuesday, July 8, 2025. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)
Borough considers seasonal sales tax rate

Borough sales tax would be modified from a flat 3% to a seasonal model of 4% in summer months and 2% in winter months.

Most Read