05/27/2026
“The Coarsegold Rodeo had its beginnings as early as 1920 with Arch Westfall and O.B. Price of Raymond. In 1926, the California Cattlemens Association sponsored the event at the A.H.
McAllister ranch until 1937. In 1951 the Rodeo became a community project, however, in 1971 realtors sold the land on which this yearly event took place. There was no rodeo in 1972.
At that time, Henry Bohna built the corrals, chutes and this arena on his property here in Coarsegold to perpetuate this long time tradition.
Henry and Elizabeth both came from early California pioneering stock. Henry's grandfather is reported to have built the first house in Bakersfield while Elizabeth Kates' ancestors settled in the area of Windy Gap near Grub Gulch.
Henry and Elizabeth were married in 1951 and have resided here at the Coarsegold Ranch since.
HENRY and ELIZABETH BOHNA
They have three children who are involved in ranching and rodeoing.
Tom Bohna, the 1986 Rodeo Committee Chairman, has participated in rodeos all his life. He first rode a horse at the age of 3 and was active in Junior Rodeos, was a rodeo hero in high school and was in the National Intercollegiate Rodeo Finals every year of his college career. Following this experience he participated in professional rodeos internationally
Currently Cindy is the manager of the Bohna Three Bar Ranch. She participated in Junior High School and Intercollegiate Rodeo events. Cindy and her husband Tom O'Berry are responsible for the stock in the calf scramble and boys cow riding which is furnished from the ranch herd.
Diane recently graduated from California State University, Fresno with a degree in Agri-Business.
Diane is presently the business manager for the Bohna Ranch and she is a seasoned packer and ranch manager. Diane went to her first rodeo when she was 3 weeks old, her mother reports. In keeping with this tradition, Diane's daughter, Justina Rose, the newest member of the Bohna clan born February 12, 1986, will attend her first rodeo this year.
Thank you, Henry Bonna and family, for your outstanding contributions to the Coarsegold community and the preservation of the Coarsegold Rodeo tradition.”
