Portage County Historical Society

Joe Zoppe-Zavata Act

From the Walla Walla Union Bulletin, Aug. 20, 1961

The Zoppe-Zavata equestrian troupe, first introduced to Frontier Days Rodeo spectators two years ago, has been signed for a return engagement this year. Ray Small Jr. Fair Board president and rodeo director announced Saturday.

The seventh-generation family act, long a feature of European circuses, came to this country in 1937 and made its first rodeo appearance at the Western Washington Fair and Rodeo in Puyallup in 1955. Since then they have been in demand as a specialty act at some of the country's top rodeos, including Cheyenne, Phoenix, and Denver.

The troupe consists of four boys and three girls, who offer a lively combination of trick riding and comedy. They will be seen nightly during the rodeo, presenting two separate acts to each performance

This is an interview with Dennis Zoppe by John Daniel Draper at the Great Circus Parade Showgrounds July, 1990.

From Ruthie Engford Clark

"This spectacular film that follows was taken by Frank Clark of Joe Zoppe executing three perfect somersaults on a single horse within only one complete galloping circle of the ring! Example of perfect co-ordination between horse, Neb, and rider, Joe. And lastly, a somersault to another horse. Take a bow Joe!"

Sound! Approximately 1 minute.