Mission Valley Rodeos

High flying action

Mission Valley rodeos pack high energy fun

Nothing says summertime like whoopin’ it up at one of the fast-paced, actionpacked rodeos held each year throughout the Mission Valley.

During a rodeo, cowboy and cowgirl athletes put their skills and speed to the test in traditional ranch-style activities to compete in events such as bareback bronc riding, saddle bronc riding, steer wrestling, calf roping, barrel racing and bull riding.

Believed to be the start of the rodeo tradition, bareback bronc riding is one of the wildest and most physically demanding events in the rodeo. A successful ride includes a spurring cowboy and a bucking bronco. Scores are obtained by combining the score of the rider and the score of the bucking horse.

Saddle bronc riding was truly born in the Old West where ranch hands would test themselves against one another on unbroken horses. Scoring is based on the horse’s bucking action and the cowboy’s control of the horse combined with his spurring action.

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Steer wrestling is another classic rodeo event where the concept seems straight forward enough: jump from a horse, grab a steer by the horns, wrestle it to the ground and stop the clock as quickly as you can. Easily said, not easily done.

Calf roping is another timed rodeo event based on ranch work in which calves are roped for branding, medical treatment or other purposes. A horsemounted rider gives chase to a running calf going down the arena and attempts to rope the calf around the neck with a lariat. After successfully roping the calf, the rider dismounts, runs to the calf, throws it to the ground and ties three feet together.

Barrel Racing is also a timed speed and agility event where horse and rider gallop around a cloverleaf pattern of barrels, making agile turns without knocking the barrels over. After the final barrel, contestants race full-speed back to the finish line.

Perhaps the most exciting event to watch during a rodeo for many is the bull riding. Bull riding is an event where a cowboy tries to ride a fullgrown bull for eight seconds while holding a rope, which

is looped around the bull’s midsection. Scoring is based on a possible perfect score of 100 points.

Spectators can mingle with the locals and enjoy some authentic rodeo action at one of the Mission Valley Rodeos.

Mission Mountain Rodeo Polson, Montana

The Mission Valley rodeo season starts at the Polson Fairgrounds’ Less Baldwin Arena on June 25 – 26th during the Mission Mountain NRA Rodeo. The Mission Mountain Rodeo features two nights of bareback riding, saddle bronc riding, barrel racing and steer wrestling. Bull riding tops off every evening and will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end.

Ronan Pioneer Days Ronan, Montana

Celebrate one of small-town America’s best community celebrations in August. The three-day rodeo scene attracts rodeo professionals from all over who compete in all the rodeo favorites, including a wild buffalo ride.

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2021 INFR Flathead River

Rodeo Polson, Montana

The Flathead River Rodeo returns to the Mission Valley August 26, 27 and 28. The Flathead River Rodeo was voted the “Tour Rodeo of the Year” by the INFR for four years in a row. This outstanding, popular and well attended Indian National Finals Tour Rodeo held in late August, draws contestants from all over the US & Canada to compete for over $50,000 in prize money and awards, and is a qualifying event for the INFR Finals, held in Las Vegas in November. Produced by KwaTaqNuk Resort & Casino and the CSKT Tribes, the event features three days of rodeo action, food and beverage vendors, other vendors, large screen TV in the arena and live music each night after rodeo action.

Story and photos by Rob Zolman, Valley Journal