Datebook: October 2025

WHILE MOST RODEOS SHOWCASE professional ropers and riders who compete in events like bronco riding and barrel racing for cash prizes, ranch rodeos spotlight a different kind of cowboy: ranchers. “You get to see a culture that is often forgotten,” says Johnna Bruhn, superintendent of Mosquero Municipal Schools, which operates the indoor equestrian center that hosts the Harding County Ranch Rodeo on October 25. “Most of the ranches out here still do things the way they did 100 years ago.”

The fourth annual event features competitions that represent life on the ranch, including wild cow milking, trailer loading, and bronco riding with a ranch saddle. “These are things ranchers do in their daily work,” Bruhn says. “The arena is competitive, so everyone is rammin’ and jammin’ a little harder than they would otherwise, but it’s an opportunity to secure our culture going forward.” The event also includes live music, a dinner and dance, and local vendors selling tack and handmade jewelry and snacks. And, since it’s so close to Halloween, there’s a costume contest for both kiddos and adults. “It’s a fun way to celebrate Halloween other than just taking your kid and getting a bag full of candy,” she says. “It’s a great family event.”

Teamwork makes the ranch work. Most of the activities in a ranch rodeo require more than one person, so cowboys must rely on and trust their teammates both inside and outside the arena. “We had 20 teams last year, with five people on a team, and some of the competitors are on more than one team,” Bruhn notes. 

Broncos are buckin’. “The riders load buckin’ horses in a chute and put a regular working ranch saddle on them,” Bruhn says. “Just like in normal ranch life, a horse may start bucking when you’re out doing daily tasks, like rounding up cattle.” 

Work up an appetite. “The tradition is that everybody likes to get together over a meal and visit,” Bruhn says. “People have time to gather in friendly fellowship, both the competitors and the attendees.”