Pendleton Round Up Adventure

Early September we went to the Pendleton Rodeo in Pendleton, Oregon. We spent about 10 days there. We visited the Pendleton Hall of Fame and Museum, several Saddle Makers

and the famous Pendleton Woolen Mills. I always wanted a Pendleton Blanket and I bought the Blanket called “Celebration of the Horse”. It is beautiful and fits right in with our western and Native American décor.

The Pendleton Hall of Fame was great and we spent several hours in there. There was a famous saddle bronc named War Paint who bucked off about 90 percent of his riders. He was a bucking horse for 20 years and he won the title “Bucking Horse of the Year” title in 1956, 1957 and 1958. He was a pinto and was the first horse inducted into the Pendleton Hall of Fame. He was retired and died in 1974 and a taxidermist preserved the body.

The Pendleton Round-Up is a major annual rodeo and it was started in 1910. We watched the athletic and brave cowboys participate in saddle bronc riding, calf roping, steer wrestling, bull riding, wild cow milking, team roping and the breath taking Indian relay races. The cowgirls did their exciting barrel racing.

During Round-Up week, we rode our bikes to Stillman Park, the VFW put on a wonderful and delicious all you can eat pancake breakfast that included eggs and a huge slice of tasty ham, plus coffee, tea and juice.

There were several vendors around the rodeo grounds that we visited and I bought some nice things that were made by Native American’s for Our Rolling Ranch House.

We were told by Oregonian’s that we had to stop by Hamley and Co.  The Hamley family history goes back many generations to Cornwall England, where the trade of saddle and leather craftsmanship had been passed down through the Hamley generation. They built quality handmade harness, saddles, bridles and other gear for working cowboys. They have provided many Trophy saddles for rodeo world champions. 

After deaths and retirements of the last of the Hamley’s, a pair of working cowboys bought the business, trademark and the Hamley name.

They have continued the tradition of fine craftsmanship of handmade saddles, bridles, chaps, spurs, western wear and gear. Museum quality artwork, paintings, sculptures and bronzes can be seen throughout the 2 floors of their huge shop.

In 2007 they opened the Hamley Steakhouse and Saloon next door. The western décor was breathtaking. We started off at the Saloon for happy hour and had the best time with our bartender Randy, he was very personable and you could not have asked for a better bartender. You could tell he loved working there. I love anything hot and spicy so our bartender made me a jalapeno mango margarita. DELICOUS!

After a bit, we headed over to the dining room where we met our waiter Jeff. He was great and this was one of the best steak dinners I’ve ever had.  During our meal, the manager even came over to ask us how everything was. This was by far an impressive place to eat. Only the best quality meat is served here.

Before we headed out, I stopped in the ladies room. Oh was I happy I had my iPhone. There was beautiful artwork throughout the ladies room of tastefully done nude men. I was in there for a while needless to say.

We are happy to share our adventures with family and friends. Happy Trails!