From VHS to AT&T Stadium: How My Childhood Sparked a Passion for Filming the Western Way
Growing up in rural Northern California shaped every frame I capture today. Before I launched The Stampede Digital, before I filmed champion horses at AT&T Stadium in Dallas or caught golden light over the Teton Valley in Wyoming — I was a ranch kid with a pony named Trigger, a VHS camcorder, and a love for Roy Rogers.
A Backyard Farm and a Ranch Upbringing
My roots trace back to a small backyard farm tucked into the rolling hills of Northern California. My days were filled with feeding chickens, moving hay bales, and helping my grandpa on his ranch. It wasn’t just hard work — it was an education in grit, patience, and a deep respect for animals.
My grandfather was the original cowboy in my eyes. He introduced me to the world of Roy Rogers — not just the movies, but the music too. I was hooked. Roy Rogers became my childhood hero, and when my grandpa bought me my first pony, there was only one name I could give him: Trigger.
The First Time I Filmed
My grandfather had a passion for refurbishing old horse-drawn buggies. One summer afternoon, he handed me his bulky VHS camcorder and asked me to “document” his latest project. I had no idea that moment would change the course of my life. I learned how to tell a story without words — through motion, timing, and the authentic beauty of Western tradition.
That dusty footage is long gone, but the spark it lit in me still drives every shoot I take on today.
From Small-Town Ranch to National Arenas
Fast-forward a few decades, and I’ve had the honor of filming elite performance horses at AT&T Stadium in Dallas, Texas — one of the biggest stages in the Western sports world. I’ve filmed horse training sessions under the wide-open skies of Teton Valley, Wyoming, where every sunset feels like a John Ford movie.
Whether it’s filming at a world-class rodeo or capturing quiet moments between a rider and their horse, I always come back to what I learned as a kid: storytelling through authenticity.
Why Western Stories Matter
At The Stampede Digital, we don’t just make videos. We preserve legacies, capture history, and showcase the grit and grace of the Western lifestyle. Every client we work with — from horse trainers to brand sponsors — gets a story that’s personal, powerful, and true to the land we love.
My journey started with a pony named Trigger and a VHS tape. Today, it continues through modern lenses, drones, and pro cameras — but the heart behind every shot is still the same.
Ready to Tell Your Western Story?
If you’re looking for authentic, cinematic video production that honors the Western way of life, The Stampede Digital is ready to ride with you.
👉 Contact Us Today to bring your story to life.