When Charlie Isaacs was 14-years-old, he earned his name “Wild Horse Charlie” from bareback riding — that’s right, horseback riding without a saddle!
Since Isaacs was a boy, riding broncs with only a hand gripping the reins never fazed him, even after serious ear and bone injuries. His cousins, who hosted local rodeos in Iowa City, encouraged Isaacs’ wild hobby, which would eventually become a full-fledged production company: Wildhorse Productions LLC. Today, we celebrated their recent inauguration into the Chamber of Commerce and delved right into the world of rodeo!
Isaacs and his wife, Ashley, co-founded Wildhorse Productions in 2018, bringing rodeos and fun to fairgrounds and communities across Iowa. In 2024, they brought a show to Grinnell — and the response was electric!
Over 2,000 people — curious newcomers, families, and adventurous spirits — turned out for the inaugural event. The event boasted clothing vendors, beer stands, and various food trucks — including Chamber member Paparoni’s! But at the heart of the event was the arena, decorated with lights and stadium seating for the signature Wildhorse Production show.
“Rodeos are a great way to stay connected with the community,” says Isaacs, who is also committed to keeping a strong family component to the rodeo life. Although adults can participate in a variety of activities — whether bareback bronc riding to barrel racing to bull riding — kids can join in the fun, too! When families come to the rodeo together, their kids can jump right into a free pony ride, or get into mutton busting and junior bull riding.
“We want our rodeos to feel like a family event,” says Isaacs. “All ages are welcome, so come and soak the rodeo in.”
Traditionally, the rodeo brings a hilariously chaotic boot race to the kids — they toss their boots into a muddy pit, scramble to find their match, and leave with an adrenaline rush (and probably a little mud)!
But the rodeo magic doesn’t happen so easily. The Isaacs handle nearly every piece of event production, securing locations, permits, EMTs, security, sponsors, and more. Isaacs’ wife is his behind-the-scenes partner, editing photos for social media, running beer stands, and merch booths. Sandburr Productions, a Wildhorse Productions LLC partner, works to get the cowboys and cowgirls there, as well!
With hopes to return to Grinnell in 2026, Wildhorse Productions LLC are currently searching for a 5-acre site, which would include space for an arena approximately 80–150 square feet, and a space to house trailers, food trucks, horses, and their crowds.
In the meantime, they are encouraging you to join their “Battle for the Valley Rodeo” show on June 21 in Marengo, Iowa, and “The Friday Night Main Event Rodeo” featuring singer Austin Williams on August 8, in Tiffin, Iowa. Don’t miss out on what could be an exciting time at the rodeo — bring your cousins, kids, and friends!
To buy tickets and learn about the next rodeo near you, visit wildhorseproductionsllc.com, and follow the rodeo lifestyle on their Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok!
Chamber Ambassadors from left to right:
Not pictured: Monica St Angelo and Noelle Buehrer — Grinnell Area Arts Council
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