There are a series of lily-white poles connecting panels that stand in stark contrast to the red dirt of the arena that the rail encases. The chutes, corral, and side gates have held riders, parents and passionate spectators for years. They’ve served as the welcoming arms to weekend adventures, weeknight practices, and ongoing fellowship.
It is the arena of the Hereford Heaven Stampede Round-Up Club.
Before moving to Oklahoma, I’d never heard of a round-up club. When I learned how they functioned, I was amazed by the concept of community arenas where people who loved rodeo could gather, ride, and compete together. One of these treasures, unique in its own right, is the Hereford Heaven Stampede Round-Up Club.
My first experience with these special people and place was when they hosted clinician Chelsea Novosad of Rodeo University for a breakaway roping clinic.
As I watched my friend Chelsea share her wisdom and enthusiasm with young women from all across the country, I had the privilege of sitting and chatting with the backbone of the club: Mr. Lonnie Ozbirn and Mr. James Pettit, as well as James’ sister Linda, and current club Vice President Bart Stover.
Ozbirn and Pettit are both native to the area and have watched things change over the years. Ozbirn grew up on a dairy farm and has not forgotten the hard work and early mornings. While he swears he never wants anything to do with another dairy cow, the work ethic has stayed with him, and even today he is a courtesy officer with the Chickasaw nation, in addition to welding and community involvement.
In fact, it was Ozbirn who welded the arena together many years ago. He and a friend worked tirelessly the week before the first rodeo to construct a place for the competitors to gather. They finished it just in time, out until 2 a.m. with finishing touches, and it stands as solid as any testament to fine craftsmanship.
Ozbirn started riding with the club at 7 years old and would ride from his home in Hickory to meet up with other club members. A calf roper who has seen many a run, he has had some special horses and can show you how to throw a good loop (I was lucky enough to practice with him.) He has numerous tales of trips throughout Oklahoma and Texas where he and his friends rode with pride carrying the flag of their club, state, and country. Palominos were popular, and at one annual parade in St. Jo’s, Texas, the riders appeared in order of the color of their mount, 100 deep with palominos, then buckskins and so on. Outfitted in their green and yellow outfits, matching chaps and four-leaf clover logo, the riders of the club represented a community once branded by the famous Hereford Bull out of Doc Easley’s Turner Ranch. Not many Herefords are left, but the proud sentiment of the county still remains.
Another outing in Tishimongo brings memories of a horse bucking in deep mud against a roaring crowd. Back then, every businessman in town supported the club, from the banks to the car lots and these joys were shared by all.
Pettit has likewise watched the club change over the years and observed the ways rodeo has evolved. After numerous life hardships, he has risen to every challenge in cowboy fashion and continues to support the club he loves. Today, he does that in the form of his service as President of the club.
Also by his side is Vice President Bart Stover, who has a generational history with the club. Bart’s daughter was rodeo queen and then twenty years later his granddaughter was the rodeo queen of the same arena.
These fine men are the backbone of the club and are joined by a wonderful group of peers and the next generation (notably Marcus Neal of Rockin N Quarter Horses) who are finding ways to share the club with the community today. All things adapt with time, and some things fade away, but the Hereford Heaven Round-Up Club continues to prove it is an invaluable treasure nestled away in rural Oklahoma.
If you’re looking for quality clinics and events, a place to ride or a group of kind people who share your passion, consider joining the club.
Plus, there is an upcoming team roping benefiting Lonnie Ozbirn on Nov. 12 at the Hereford Heaven Round-Up Club Arena in Sulphur, OK—come rope!
Visit their Facebook Page for more information.
