KISSIMMEE, Fla. — During her year as Big Boss of the Silver Spurs Riding Club, Kaye Whaley successfully led one of Florida’s most respected rodeo organizations while reinforcing the Club’s enduring commitment to preserving Western heritage, producing premier professional rodeo events, and giving back to the Osceola County community.
As only the fourth woman to serve as Big Boss in the Club’s 85-year history, Whaley’s leadership reflected the values that have defined the Silver Spurs Riding Club since its founding in 1941—service, volunteerism, family, tradition, and a deep commitment to the community.
Throughout her tenure, Whaley oversaw the continued success of the Club’s signature rodeo events, including the nationally recognized Silver Spurs Rodeo and Boots, Bulls & Barrels Rodeo. These events brought thousands of spectators to the Silver Spurs Arena while showcasing many of the nation’s top Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association athletes and preserving a Western way of life that remains deeply rooted in Osceola County.
For Whaley, however, the Silver Spurs Riding Club has always represented much more than rodeo.
A lifelong member of the Club, longtime Osceola County educator, and member of the Partin family whose legacy is intertwined with the Silver Spurs, Whaley has consistently emphasized that the organization’s greatest strength lies in its people and their willingness to serve others.
That spirit of service was evident throughout her year as Big Boss.
The volunteer-driven organization continued its longstanding support of local students through scholarships awarded in partnership with the Education Foundation of Osceola County while also providing financial support to numerous nonprofit organizations and community initiatives that make a positive impact throughout the county. Hundreds of Silver Spurs volunteers donated countless hours of their time to ensure the Club’s events not only delivered world-class rodeo entertainment but also generated resources that are reinvested back into the community through charitable giving, youth programs, education, and local organizations.
Whaley also continued to champion the traditions that have made the Silver Spurs Riding Club a cornerstone of Osceola County for generations. From the annual rodeo parade and the Silver Spurs Quadrille to youth involvement and educational outreach, she remained committed to ensuring that future generations understand and appreciate the history, heritage, and values that continue to shape the community.
As an educator for more than three decades, Whaley has dedicated her career to investing in young people. That same passion carried into her leadership of the Silver Spurs Riding Club, where preserving Western culture goes hand-in-hand with creating opportunities for future generations through education, leadership, and community involvement.
Those who know Whaley describe her leadership as humble, collaborative, and deeply rooted in service—qualities that have been hallmarks of the Silver Spurs Riding Club for decades.
As Whaley’s successful year as Big Boss comes to a close, the reins of the Silver Spurs Riding Club now pass to Henry Thacker, who begins his term as Big Boss alongside Little Boss Rayelynne Ketchum, who is expected to serve as the Club’s Big Boss the following year. Both are well-known throughout Osceola County for their commitment to community service, volunteerism, and giving back—qualities that have long defined the Silver Spurs Riding Club and its leadership.
Their selection continues the Club’s proud tradition of choosing leaders who not only champion professional rodeo and preserve Western heritage, but who also embrace the organization’s mission of making a lasting, positive impact throughout Osceola County.
The Silver Spurs Riding Club extends its sincere appreciation to Kaye Whaley for her outstanding leadership, unwavering dedication, and countless hours of volunteer service during the past year. Under her guidance, the organization continued to strengthen its reputation as one of the nation’s premier volunteer-run rodeo organizations while remaining true to its mission of preserving Western traditions and serving the community.
Positively Osceola also extends its heartfelt thanks to Kaye Whaley for an exceptional year of leadership and service. We look forward to working alongside Big Boss Henry Thacker and Little Boss Rayelynne Ketchum as they continue the Silver Spurs Riding Club’s proud legacy of producing championship rodeos, preserving Osceola County’s rich Western heritage, and making a meaningful impact through their dedication to serving others.
While the title of Big Boss changes each year, the mission of the Silver Spurs Riding Club remains the same: to honor its Western roots, support its community, and ensure that the traditions of rodeo, volunteerism, and giving back continue to thrive in Osceola County for generations to come.
The excitement continues this fall as the Silver Spurs Riding Club presents its annual Boots, Bulls & Barrels Rodeo on Friday, October 3, at 7:30 p.m. at the Silver Spurs Arena in Osceola Heritage Park. This one-night-only event will feature thrilling Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) action, including bull riding, barrel racing, bronc riding, team roping, steer wrestling, and more. Sponsored by Experience Kissimmee and Kisselback Ford, the rodeo promises an unforgettable evening of family-friendly entertainment while continuing the Silver Spurs Riding Club’s proud tradition of bringing world-class rodeo competition to Osceola County. Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased by visiting SilverSpursRodeo.com.
