Arts & Entertainment
9th Annual Morongo Rodeo Welcomes Professional, Amateur Ropers
Riders will compete for prize money and a chance to qualify for the BFI Team Roping.
MORONGO INDIAN RESERVATION — Amateur and professional ropers and riders will compete for cash prizes at the 9th Annual Open Ranch Rodeo, a free family-friendly event set for Saturday, October 8 at the Morongo Indian Reservation.
For the fourth year, the rodeo will feature a qualifying event for the Bob Feist Invitational (BFI) Team Roping, commonly known as ‘’The Feist,” the largest one-day annual open roping event in the country held in Reno.
“Each year, the Morongo rodeo just keeps getting better and better. It’s always competitive and I enjoy the enthusiasm of the riders and fans who come together for this awesome event,” said Aaron Tsinigine, the 2015 PRCA World Champion Team Roping Header.
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The daylong, free event at Morongo is open to the public as dozens of riders and ropers will compete for thousands of dollars in prize money in numerous events, including open and team roping, Calcutta, ribbon roping, and ranch-style steer stopping, among others. In addition, competitions will be offered for younger riders include mutton busting and youth barrel racing.
“Morongo’s annual rodeo is a great atmosphere for both fans and families, and we welcome ropers of all skills and ages to compete,” said Morongo Tribal Council Member Brian Lugo, the rodeo president. “Morongo has a long history of cattle ranching, and our rodeo offers a chance to honor our tribe’s past and the legacy of Indian ranching.”
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The Open Ranch Rodeo at Morongo kicks off at 8 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 8 at the Morongo Rodeo Grounds at 11555 Cottonwood Road. Events will take place throughout the day. Calcutta starts at 6 p.m., and the BFI Opening Ranch Roping Qualifier starts at 6:30 p.m.
“The Morongo rodeo is always a first-class event and a great chance for fans to see some of the best riders in the country, as well as some up-and-coming riders,” said Erich Rogers, World Champion Team Ropers at the 2017 National Finals Rodeo. “It’s definitely one of my favorite stops and I look forward to it every single year.”
Hosted by the Morongo Band of Mission Indians and the Morongo Cultural Heritage Department, the event sponsors include Southern California Edison and the Barona Resort & Casino.
