Sheridan-WYO
Rodeo Cowboys have been coming to Wyoming rodeos to show off their range-riding skills since the late 19th century. One of the oldest, most authentic of these colorful Western traditions takes place in Sheridan in mid-July.
And in a nod to the taming of the frontier
and the unit that started it all, the parade is traditionally led by
a group of local re-enactors dressed out as the 7th Cavalry Drum and
Bugle Corps. |
Long known
as the world's largest working cowboys rodeo, The Sheridan-WYO Rodeo
has drawn hundreds of riders and thousands of spectators annually
since 1931, with a two-year hiatus following Pearl Harbor and the
outbreak of World War II. But local legend has it that the rodeo
can be traced to Custer's Last Stand with his 7th Cavalry in the
1876 Battle of the Little Bighorn some 75 miles north of Sheridan.
Another regiment was camped near present-day Sheridan, and in their
haste to reinforce Custer, the infantry tried to ride pack mules.
Neither mules nor soldiers had experience as a mounted unit, and
the resulting bucking and kicking evolved into the tradition we
know today as rodeo.
Today's
Sheridan-WYO rodeo, sanctioned by the Professional Rodeo Cowboys
Association with events from bronc-riding, calf-roping, team roping,
bulldogging, barrel racing and bull riding, boasts three days of
rodeo-related events. And don't miss the 4th Annual World Champion
Indian Relay races that kick off each rodeo performance. Indians
from different tribes from all over the country compete wearing
war paint and traditional garb. It's really a sight to see. Visit
the Indian Village and listen to members of the Realbird family
as they explain the Crow traditions through song and dance. Young
and old alike, dress in traditional costumes and perform ceremonial
dances. 
