On Saturday, October 4, Kaye Whaley will step into the spotlight as the Silver Spurs Riding Club’s 2025–26 Big Boss—a milestone that places the lifelong Spurs member and Harmony High School teacher at the helm of an organization that has preserved Osceola County’s Western heritage for more than eight decades and helped bring to life one of the largest and most impactful professional rodeo traditions east of the Mississippi. Boots, Bulls, and Barrels will hit the dirt at 7:30pm and is brought in part by Experience Kissimmee.
Whaley’s appointment marks only the fourth time a woman has served as Big Boss in the Club’s storied history. It also caps a career of more than 32 years in Osceola County schools, where she has earned multiple Teacher of the Year honors and Disney Teacherrific awards, and now serves students and colleagues on Harmony’s campus.
A Partin family legacy, carried forward
Whaley’s Spurs story is stitched into Osceola County history. Her grandparents, Doc and Petie Partin, were among the Club’s earliest members and helped build its rodeos and community footprint. Her father, Doug Partin, served for years as the Club’s stock contractor; his memory is honored annually through the Doug Partin Spirit Award at the Miss Silver Spurs Pageant.
Kaye grew up working bucking bulls and horses alongside her dad and joined the Silver Spurs Quadrille at age five. Over the years she’s pitched in across the Club—concessions, tickets, souvenirs, posters, stock, and the Silver Spurs Rodeo parade—earning a reputation as a do-the-work leader who understands every corner of the operation.
A Spurs family through and through
Thirty-one years ago Kaye married Steve Whaley, a former junior Quadrille rider who later served as Big Boss in 2009–10. Together they’ve raised stock, ridden Quadrille, and passed the tradition to their children: Marlo, an active volunteer and Quadrille rider, and Derrick, a Spurs member who helps with stock and timed-event pens. The family’s next generation is already in the wings—granddaughter Mallory is poised to keep the legacy galloping.
In addition to teaching, Whaley has spent the last seven years as Silver Spurs Rodeo Parade Chair, helping revive the beloved downtown St. Cloud parade. In 2024, she spearheaded a once-in-a-lifetime trip for 25 Quadrille riders and horses to the Rose Parade in Pasadena, putting Osceola County’s heritage on a national stage.
Her leadership philosophy is grounded in service: family entertainment that strengthens community, and giving back “as much as possible” to local organizations making a difference. She often frames decisions with a simple touchstone—“What would Doug Partin do?”
From its founding in 1941, the Silver Spurs Riding Club has paired arena thrills with community impact, awarding more than $55,000 in scholarships to Osceola County seniors since 2014 in partnership with the Education Foundation of Osceola County.
“As a teacher in the School District of Osceola County, I see firsthand how much of an impact these scholarships can make,” Whaley said. “It’s not just about supporting students financially; it’s about showing them that their community believes in their future. Every ticket purchased helps us open doors for local graduates.”
What’s next
Whaley’s first major outing as Big Boss arrives Saturday, Oct. 4, 2025, as the arena dirt returns for Boots, Bulls & Barrels at Silver Spurs Arena—a one-night showcase of barrel racing, saddle bronc riding, and bull riding that channels the heart of Osceola heritage while helping fuel tomorrow’s opportunities for local students.
Tickets start at $15 and are available at SilverSpursRodeo.com.
With nearly 400 volunteers, the Silver Spurs Club hosts marquee rodeo events, funds scholarships, supports local charities, and teaches the importance of passing on rodeo traditions in Osceola County.
