Pre-Rodeo Events

Arrive early at Ogden Pioneer Stadium to enjoy the pre-rodeo events. Whether there to cheer the mutton busters, Junior Posse riders, Miss Rodeo Utah Freestyle or the Cowboy Mounted Shooters, you’ll be sure to see dust flying and heels kicking as our young cowboys and cowgirls compete. Come enjoy the action!

Pre-Rodeo Entertainment

  • Every Night at 7:00pm—Mutton Busting
    One of our most popular pre-rodeo events, and with good reason. Who doesn’t love watching our young buckaroos hang on and ride it out? Be sure to read the RULES and your child must be present when signing up. Learn More
  • July 19—Weber County JR Posse Coca Cola Barrel Racers and Larue Enterprises Pole Benders
    6:30 p.m.
    (Gates open at 5:30)
    The fastest member from each posse will compete for coveted belt buckles sponsored by Coca Cola. Learn More
  • July 20 and 21—Miniature Bull Riding
    6:30 p.m.
    (Gates open at 5:30)
    Folks, this is the real deal and something every rodeo fan should see. Young rodeo athletes compete on mini bulls to see who can hang on for the required eight seconds, just like the full-sized version. You won’t want to miss this—so, be sure to get here on time and hold on tight for some good ole’ cowboy fun, miniature style!
  • July 22—Miss Rodeo Utah Freestyle Horsemanship Contest
    6:30 p.m.
    (Gates open at 5:30)
    Contestants in the Miss Rodeo Utah pageant competition show off their skills while atop a fast-moving horse. Learn More
  • July 24—Utah’s Mounted Thunder—Cowboy Mounted Shooting
    6:30 p.m.
    (Gates open at 5:30)
    Contestants compete in this fast action timed event on horseback, using two .45 caliber single action revolvers. Learn More

MUTTON BUSTIN’ EVERY NIGHT

Children ages 5 to 8 years old and weighing less than 55 pounds “grab some fluff and show their stuff” to compete in this popular pre-rodeo event. Arrive early at Ogden Pioneer Stadium to watch this fun event every night of Ogden Pioneer Days. For those wanting to participate, registration starts on Tuesday, June 20th, 10am at the Ogden Pioneer Day offices. A signed parent waiver will be required, and the child must be present and be sure to read the RULES.

JUNIOR POSSE JAMBOREE

The Junior Posse Jamboree determines the best young riders in the Ogden area. A tradition that goes back decades, the stadium is usually filled with young cowgirls and cowboys, along with horses of all sizes and colors. This annual competition also brings out hundreds of fans and supporters who fill the stands, including grandparents, aunts, uncles, brothers, sisters, cousins and neighbors. Come join in the fun and catch a glimpse of some future world champions. (The results of each event determine when junior posse groups compete.)

The Coca-Cola Cup Awards, which note the fastest youth barrel races, will be presented during one of the evenings performances.

Cowboys Mounted Shooters

Annie, or Arnold, get your gun! A mounted shooting competition, this event features the some of the best marksmanship and horsemanship in the west. Contestants are riding a horse at high speeds while shooting blank ammunition at targets. Mounted shooting is one of the fastest growing equestrian sports in the nation. Join us on Pioneer Day to cheer the contestants as they wend their way through the rounds. Learn More

MISS RODEO UTAH FREESTYLE HORSEMANSHIP COMPETITION

Fast, flashy horses spinning fast and slide-stopping long can be seen during the Miss Rodeo Utah freestyle horsemanship competition. Contestants in the Miss Rodeo Utah pageant, held exclusively as part of Ogden Pioneer Days, attempt to wow the crowd (and a panel of judges) as they vie for the coveted crown. The event is one of the last judged events of the pageant each year. Come early the night of the event to see the contestants show off what they can do atop a fast-running steed.