Discover the untold story of rodeo legend Sid McFarland—55 years of bullfighting, clowning, and cowboy grit in this unforgettable Beyond the Chutes Rodeo podcast episode.
In this heartfelt episode of Beyond the Chutes, host Doug Simcox sits down at the Kickback Ranch in Raymer, Alabama, with legendary rodeo clown and bullfighter Sid McFarland. A city-raised kid turned rodeo lifer, Sid shares his incredible 55-year journey through the world of rodeo—from his first RCA rodeo in 1969 to his emotional final performance at the Cody Night Rodeo in 2024.
Sid opens up about how a chance trip to a local rodeo as a teen sparked a life-defining passion, how mentors like Buddy Martin and Junior Meek shaped his path, and how the rodeo became both his career and his community. From working seven nights a week in Cody, Wyoming, to clowning alongside his son Trent, Sid’s reflections offer wisdom, humor, and heart. He shares the deeper meaning behind his signature clown makeup, stories from the road, and the lessons he passed on to the next generation—including his most important: “It doesn’t matter if there are 10 people or 10,000—give them the full show.”
This episode is a celebration of family, grit, laughter, and the friendships forged in the dirt of rodeo arenas across America.
📍 Recorded on location at the Kickback Ranch and Event Center, Raymer, Alabama
Cody Night Rodeo; https://www.codystampederodeo.com/
Kickback Ranch and Resort: https://kickbackranch.net/
Wandering Gypsy RV Life: https://open.spotify.com/show/746s6L4oLDcSdQPR3AcU1F?si=e729c69f873f4b2c
King Brothers Rodeo Reunion: https://www.facebook.com/KingBrosRodeo
Western Festival de St Tite: https://www.festivalwestern.com/
Mountain Cove Rodeo Reunion: https://www.facebook.com/groups/729424520834071
Here are some resources for Beyond the Chutes:
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100093822821241
Official Website:
Spotify: https://shorturl.at/bvK35
Apple Podcasts: https://shorturl.at/jnGV4
YouTube: https://tinyurl.com/bdcju8nz
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