© 2007 - Old California Reata Roping & Stock Horse Contest. All rights reserved.

Aaron and Kristy Lazanoff
Photo courtesy of Londie G. Padelsky ©

Aaron Lazanoff, previous manager of the Santa Margarita Ranch, grew up in Carmel Valley, CA.  After graduating from Cal Poly State University in San Luis Obispo, CA. he worked on numerous ranches and evenutally found his way back to Carmel Valley.  There he was president of Carmel Valley Rancher's Days, the local ranch rodeo.  The highlight event for this ranch rodeo was the Reata Roping in honor of local rancher Bill Dorrance - renowned horseman, roper, and rawhide braider.

In 2000, Aaron's path led him back to San Luis Obispo county where he began working at the historic Rancho Santa Margarita.  Shortly after moving back to this area, Aaron met his wife Kristy.  An eighth generation San Luis Obispo county native, Kristy's family still owns ranches in the area.  Also a graduate of Cal Poly, Kristy manages the finaces, entries, and advertising of the event.  Their son, Ethan, was born one week after the 2006 show.  Aaron currently is employed by Cal Poly State University as the Beef Operations Manager, but the show will continue and will still be held at the Santa Margarita Ranch.

With the beautiful setting of the historic Santa Margarita Ranch and a shared interest in traditional California style horsemanship and reata roping, we started this event in 2005. 

The inagural event (October 8th & 9th, 2005) was a tremendous success.  Contestants traveled from afar to compete, and collectors and gear makers showcased their treasures.  We were pleased with the outcome of the event and the interest it generated.

The 2nd & 3rd annual Old California Reata Roping & Stock Horse Contests (October 7th & 8th, 2006 and October 13th & 14th, 2007) proved to be successful as well.  Many contestants and trade show exhibitors returned, and we welcomed those new to the event.

Alie and Jeff McKee

Jeff McKee, originally from Woodlake, CA., came to work at Rancho Santa Margarita in 2002.  Jeff grew up working on his family ranch in the foothills of the Western Sierra Nevadas.  He moved to San Luis Obispo to attend Cal Poly.  Horseman such as Bryan Neubert, Joe Wolter and Gene Armstrong have been an influence on Jeff.   His wife, Alie, from Lone Pine, CA., also a graduate of Cal Poly, is an accomplished horseman herself. She often helps out with ranch work.