Officials Pull Plug On 2023 Rancho Mission Viejo Rodeo In South OC

RANCHO MISSION VIEJO, CA — Rancho Mission Viejo officials announced Monday that the 2023 Rancho Mission Viejo Rodeo has been canceled as a result of a growing virus affecting horses and other livestock.

According to officials, Vesicular Stomatitis Virus — also known as VSV — is spreading across the state, primarily affecting horses and cattle.

“This is a difficult and heartbreaking decision, but it is also the correct decision given the continued spread of the Vesicular Stomatitus Virus,” Chairman and chief executive officer of Rancho Mission Viejo Tony Moiso said. “The safety of our beloved animals and participants has always been – and always will be – our main concern. We appreciate the strong support we had received for the 2023 Rodeo, and will be refunding all of our sponsors, vendors and general admission ticket holders."

In affected livestock, VSV causes blister-like lesions to form in the mouth and on the dental pad, tongue, lips, nostrils, hooves, and teats, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service. The virus can be passed onto humans, though it is rare.

According to organizers, the two-day Rancho Mission Viejo Rodeo brings more than 10,000 guests to The Ranch and has raised more than $2.8 million for local charities over its 20-year history.

In 2022, the event completely sold out and beneficiaries included CHOC Children's at Mission Hospital and the Boys and Girls Club of Capistrano Valley.

RELATED: More Than $150K For Local Charities Raised At South OC Rodeo Event

“Although canceling this year’s rodeo is disappointing, our planning team will begin working on next year’s event,” Gilbert Aguirre, executive vice president of ranch operations for Rancho Mission Viejo, told Patch. “We hope all of our friends, fans and sponsors will plan to join us in 2024.”

According to officials, all sponsorship and ticket money will be refunded. For information about refunds, visit the rodeo's website.