Cowboys Practice for Ramona and Del Mar Rodeos

The gates swing open and — they're off! Jimmy Dardeen and Justin Clifford of Ramona on their horses Moonshine and Lester. The two men are practicing for the Del Mar Western Day Pro Rodeo on Saturday night. Dardeen is also entered in team roping at the Ramona Rodeo on May 21.

They practiced together Thursday at Joyce Battaglia's Mountain Valley Ranch on Magnolia in Ramona. Battaglia, also a team roper, joined the practice. Battaglia's daughter, , is Miss California Rodeo and was First Runner Up in the Miss Rodeo America pageant in 2010. Her brother Marcus competes on the Professional Rodeo Cowboys of America (PRCA) circuit.

Ramona Rodeo barrel racers will compete Saturday May 14. The rest of the rodeo will kick off Friday night May 20 at 7:30 p.m. at . There'll be a parade down Main Street at 10 a.m. Saturday May 21. Team roping, tie-down roping, saddle bronc riding and bull riding will run through Saturday, and Kids Day is Sunday May 22. The theme this year is United We Stand, to honor the military.

To see a full description of all the Ramona Rodeo events and ticket prices, click here.