Saddle Up Salinas

Meet your hosts — Mandy & Amanda are bringing you inside the California Rodeo Salinas like never before. 🤠 Saddle Up Salinas is the official podcast of the California Rodeo Salinas — and in Episode 8, it's all about getting to know the women behind the mic and the rodeo they love. From the year-round community impact to the charitable work that makes this event so much more than a rodeo —...

In Episode 7 of Saddle Up Salinas, we sit down with Fernando Sam-Sin — a man whose journey to rodeo is unlike anything you've ever heard. Born and raised in The Hague, Netherlands, Fernando came up as a boxer who nearly made the 1972 Olympics, transitioned into professional bodybuilding, opened two gyms in the Netherlands, and built a friendship with Arnold Schwarzenegger that ultimately led t...

Episode 6 of Saddle Up Salinas is here — and this one is special. We sit down with Benny Jefferson — past President of the California Rodeo Salinas, inventor of the Benny Blaster, the man behind the legendary arena dirt that cowboys compete on every July, and one of the key figures who helped bring professional bullfighters to Salinas. Benny has dedicated decades of his life to making this rodeo w...

In Episode 5 of Saddle Up Salinas, we sit down with the man behind the name — Ed Montana. Ed is a Salinas singer-songwriter whose music and spirit are woven into the very fabric of the California Rodeo Salinas. His song gave this podcast its name, but his story goes far deeper than that. From his cowboy roots to his years performing at one of the greatest rodeos in the country, to serving as the 2...

Join hosts Amanda Gianolini and Mandy Lindquist on Saddle Up Salinas as they welcome two-time California Rodeo Salinas All-Around Champion, J.D Crouse.🤠 From growing up in Nebraska surrounded by horses to becoming a rodeo legend, JD shares the experiences, challenges, and pivotal moments that shaped his incredible journey through the rodeo world. In this episode, JD reflects on:His childhood and...

In Episode 3 of Saddle Up Salinas, we sit down with two of the most respected voices in professional rodeo — Wayne Brooks and Will Rasmussen. Wayne is a 5-time PRCA Announcer of the Year and 9-time National Finals Rodeo announcer. Will has been calling the California Rodeo Salinas since 1999 and is one of the most trusted names behind the microphone in the business. Together, they bring decades of...

In Episode 2 of Saddle Up Salinas, we sit down with John Harrison, a celebrated rodeo clown, to talk about his unforgettable return to the California Rodeo Salinas after 12 years.🎤 Hosts Mandy and Amanda dive into John’s journey—from the thrill of stepping back into the arena to the deep family ties that make California Rodeo Salinas so special. He shares what it takes to keep audiences entertain...

In the debut episode of Saddle Up Salinas, we’re diving into one of the most iconic and adrenaline-filled traditions of the California Rodeo Salinas—freestyle bullfighting. A fan-favorite and the grand finale of every rodeo performance since 1980, this event takes center stage as we explore what makes it so special.🎤 Hosts Mandy & Amanda sit down with Andy Burelle, a former bullfighter turned...