Ranching and Rodeo
Showcasing the skills of cowboys and cowgirls.
Ranching is part of the mystique of the American West. It has been a vital part of western economies since the Spanish showed up with domesticated livestock in the 1500s. Goats, sheep, cows, horses, and chickens were a game changer in a historically arid environment, where the food supply fluctuated with the annual rainfall. The Mexican vaqueros working the cattle were the prototype for the American cowboy. Keeping track of the herds was no easy task in the absence of fences. By the 1800s, there were a lot of stray cattle and herds of wild horses.
Go West, Young Man
The era of massive cattle drives, huge ranches, and range cowboys began after the Civil War in response to a plentiful supply of wild cattle and booming demand for beef in the east. The cattle industry flourished, with men like John S. Chisum, Oliver Loving, and Charles Goodnight investing in large operations and establishing well-worn trails. The big skies, wide open spaces, adventure, and independence captured the imagination of many young men looking for work after the war.
Fun on the Frontier
When settlements on the cattle trail hosted social occasions, particularly during 4th of July celebrations, the cowboys from surrounding ranches would descend on the community, challenging one another to various tests of skill, like bronc riding and calf roping. Gambling provided the cash purse in those days. Over the years, local contests became popular annual events.
When the cattle drives were over for the season, some cowboys made money during the off months performing with the wild-west shows. The shows established the mythos of the wild west, showcasing ranching skills in an exciting, entertaining format for audiences worldwide. By the 1890s, rodeo was a popular spectator event, though it wasn’t perceived as a legitimate sport.
An attempt to organize rodeo began in 1929. Several rodeo organizers established the Rodeo Association of America (RAA). They established standardized rules, a point system to determine world champions, fair practice in advertising/awarding prize money, and monitored judges. In the decades that followed, several organizations formed, representing the cowboys, cowgirls, and younger riders. Today, rodeo has evolved into a professional sport and a full-time business. With its multicultural heritage, rodeo characterizes the unique intersection of cultures and skills in the American Southwest.
Red Rock Park and Campground
825 Outlaw Road
Church Rock, New Mexico 87311
(505) 879-6181
Located 7 miles east of Gallup on Route 66, Red Rock Park hosts numerous rodeos throughout the year. Due to Gallup’s proximity to ranching communities on the Navajo Nation, rodeos at Red Rock Park often feature one or more local stars from the professional circuit.
Whether it’s your first rodeo or not add this to your list of fun things to do in Gallup on your next visit. Nothing compares to the thrill of a rodeo for a true American West experience.
Annual Rodeos at Red Rock
Red Rock Classic USTRC Team Roping
MAY 11, 2024 TO MAY 12, 2024
Team roping USTRC Signature Series. Qualifier. Spectator entrance is free to the public.
Gallup Lions Club Youth and Open Show Rodeo
JUNE 13, 2024 TO JUNE 15, 2024
(505) 870-2920
This historic event includes two night open rodeo, one night dedicated to youth rodeo. Includes both rough stock and timed events, as well as wooly and steer riding finals.
Best of the Best Rodeo
Late June 2024
America's top junior high and high school rodeo athletes compete for big cash payouts and prizes. The Best of the Best Timed Event Rodeo offers eight timed events, including barrel racing, pole bending, breakaway roping, tie-down roping, team roping, and steer wrestling. In addition, there will be a special parent-contestant team roping and ribbon roping competition. Spectator entry is free!
Route 66 Showdown NTR Team Roping
JUNE 23, 2024
This team roping event takes place immediately after the Best of the Best annual rodeo. This is a National Team Roping event.
Wildthing Championship Bullriding
JULY 12, 2024 TO JULY 13, 2024
#1 open Bullriding in the southwest!! Held at Red Rock Park every July, with some of the best bucking bulls in the business, huge fireworks and over a $26,000 payout each year. A must see show of the summer!! The Parking and Concession proceeds go to the Manuelito Children's Home making it the largest Fund Raiser of the year for them!!
Turquoise NTR Team Roping Event
AUGUST 17, 2024 TO AUGUST 18, 2024
Don't miss the beauty of the red rocks at the Turquoise Roping at Red Rock Park. Free admission.
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825 Outlaw Road Church Rock, 873011 (505) 722-3839