It’s no bull, new event big success

Organizers behind the recent No Bull Equipment Rodeo in Coarsegold are riding high in the saddle after the event drew some 700 spectators and raised about $30,000 for The Perspectives Project.

Coarsegold resident Cameron Cardoza was named the 2026 No Bull Equipment Rodeo Grand Champion, taking home the Grand Champion belt buckle and a $1,300 prize. Cardoza also earned two Open Division first place finishes in Skid Loader Obstacle Course and Excavator Tire Tennis.

Results of the event exceeded organizers’ expectations. More than 50 local businesses and organizations helped turn the first-year fundraiser into a community-wide success.

“It was such a great experience — exciting and fun and the competitors were having so much fun!” said Jennifer Rogers, founder of The Perspectives Project.

What began as an idea for a completely different way to raise money for a nonprofit became a reality on Sept. 12 when the crowd gathered at the Coarsegold Rodeo Grounds for the inaugural showing.

The unique take on rodeo was envisioned and created in partnership with H&H Works, the father and son demolition and excavation team of Keith Horton and Matthew Horton, Rogers’ husband and son, respectively.

Guests watched as operators on excavators, backhoes and skid loaders competed in five challenges. Families enjoyed activities, vendors, food, entertainment and an evening concert.

“Perhaps the most remarkable part was the community support that brought it to life,” Rogers said. “Businesses and organizations stepped forward to support an event that had never been held before.”

Some provided financial sponsorships while others contributed equipment, transportation, services, staffing, raffle prizes and other in-kind donations valued at more than $20,000.

Papé Machinery supplied the exclusively John Deere heavy equipment and a group of community partners and volunteers helped turn the idea into a full day of competition and entertainment.

The Yosemite High School Cross Country team alone parked some 220 cars.

With sponsorships, ticket sales, competitor and vendor participation, day-of purchases and donated goods and services, the community invested more than $60,000 in the first No Bull Rodeo, Rogers said.

After event expenses, the fundraiser is expected to generate approximately $30,000 for The Perspectives Project, with a few final adjustments still being completed.

The greatest impact

Rogers, who is also a Yosemite Unified School District trustee, said the greatest impact of the event is what those funds will make possible.

“The Perspectives Project helps people discover something new about themselves and how they experience life,” she explained. “Through its programs, participants begin to recognize their innate resilience, wisdom and wellbeing, often discovering new possibilities in circumstances that once seemed overwhelming.”

The organization so far has reached more than 100 individuals who completed or are currently participating in programs at Ahwahnee High School, the Madera County Youth Correctional Center, Central California Women’s Facility and MY Club including staff and administrators.

“The funds raised through the No Bull Rodeo will help expand that work into more schools and community organizations, reaching more individuals facing significant hardships and challenges. Just as importantly, they will help bring these programs to more teachers, staff, administrators and community leaders — people whose own insights and understanding can influence the hundreds of individuals and families they serve.”

The funding will also support the development of additional facilitators, allowing the organization to expand its reach.

“At the heart of this work is the understanding that meaningful change can begin with a single moment of insight,” Rogers said. “When someone sees themselves or their circumstances differently, that shift can influence their relationships, their family, their classroom or their organization.”

From there, she said, the impact can continue to spread throughout an entire community.

“The inaugural No Bull Rodeo demonstrated what can happen when local businesses, organizations, volunteers and families come together around a shared purpose.”

Beyond raising funds, the event established the foundation for a distinctive annual fundraiser that will continue growing, bringing the community together and supporting lasting change. Plans are already underway to expand the No Bull Rodeo to two days next year.

“It’s the beginning of something amazing.”

The results

In the Open Division, Excavator Hole in One, Mike Allen came in first and Scott Lawson second.

In the Skid Loader Obstacle Course, Cameron Cardoza took first and Scott Lawson second.

In Backhoe Manipulation, Paul Dixon was first and Mike Allen second.

Backhoe Baseball had Brandon Wingate in first place and Paul Dixon in second.

And in the Excavator Tire Tennis, Cameron Cardoza won first and Mike Allen second.

In the Novice Division, Ernest “Ernie” Walker placed first in Backhoe Manipulation and Excavator Hole in One.

For more information, visit www.no-bullrodeo.com and www.theperspectivesproject.org