The atmosphere crackled with anticipation as spectators of the 89th annual Oakley Rodeo entered the arena while the sun tipped into the western sky. Some searched for the perfect finishing touch to complement their outfit, while others followed their noses toward the smoked meat and popcorn before finding their seats.
Beneath the excitement and dust, a group of cowboys settled onto a weathered wooden platform and saddled their own quiet intensity. The men chatted and stretched, some plastering tape across their limbs to prevent injuries, as they prepared for an evening of grit — and perhaps more than a few seconds of glory.
Among them was bareback rider Orin Larsen, a 33 year old from Inglis, Manitoba, who has been competing in the Oakley Rodeo for almost a decade. The iconic event made its annual return over Independence Day weekend, bringing generations of rodeo attendees to witness a sold-out spectacle.
Most of the cowboys agreed the Oakley Rodeo is among the best. It’s ranked in the top three rodeos coinciding with the Fourth of July, known as Cowboy Christmas as competitors can participate in events across numerous states over just a few days. It’s rated 35 among all rodeos because of the caliber of athletes, two-legged and four.
Kody Lamb, a 30-year-old bareback rider from Sherwood Park, Alberta, said the switch to renowned stock contractor Pete Carr Pro Rodeo in 2023 helped raise the bar, and the purse, at the Oakley Rodeo.
“The livestock come first. They’re not circus animals. They’re more important than us,” said Lamb.
His fellow Canadian cowboy agreed. Larsen said the eastern Summit County event offers some of the best cash for ProRodeo athletes. There was $275,000 available this year, with each event providing $20,000 in prize money.
Half of the points come from the animal, while the other half comes from the rider for a total score of 100.
Larsen has qualified for the finals nine times, and he was hoping for a win over the weekend. He rode Sam Angelo Sam, who scored about 22 based on bucking style, so Larsen had to earn additional points based on technique. Bareback riders are judged according to their control and spurring technique. The score is also based on the rider’s “exposure” to the horse’s strength. Animals are assigned based on a random drawing. Some are notorious among competitors. Some have never been ridden.
A cowboy begins with his feet above the break of the horse’s shoulder, and he must keep them there until the horse completes its first buck out of the chute. He then has to grasp the rigging with one hand for eight seconds. A cowboy is disqualified if he’s bucked off or touches the equipment or animal with his free hand.
Larsen stayed on for all eight seconds, earning a score of 84 and ranking him ninth overall in the event and just outside of the prize money.
Lamb was also able to stay on the entire ride. However, the bucking strap on his horse, Chrome Molly, fell off so he was given another opportunity to compete. He earned 75 points, putting him in 18th place.
Cowboys’ world standings are based on how much money they earn throughout a rodeo season. Cooper Cooke, a 21-year-old from Victor, Idaho, is ranked third in the world among bareback riders, having earned more than $78,110 so far this year.
Every cowboy has a different strategy when they enter the chute. Cooke tries to clear his head when he takes the handhold. The only thought galloping through is “ride good.”
He’s competed in the Oakley Rodeo for the past three years and hundreds of other rodeos. Yet Cooke said he still thinks the crowds in Utah are simply better.
Spectators stayed captivated throughout the three-hour event. It started with bareback riding and an introduction of rodeo clown Matt Meritt before transitioning into steer wrestling, team roping, saddle bronc riding, women’s breakaway roping, tie-down roping, barrel racing and bull riding.
The rodeo queens and the grand marshals, Don and Cha Cha Weller, also made their rounds. A professional bull jumper had fans at the edges of their seats while 2023 Rodeo Announcer of the Year Anthony Lucia honored the heritage of the competition.
The Oakley Rodeo joined the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association in 1938. It has since become one of the largest rodeos in the nation. Oakley’s first rodeo was held in the 1930s as part of the annual Independence Day celebration, though elements of the Western tradition date back much further.
“It’s more than just a rodeo. This has become a destination. When you can bring your entire family, your friends, it doesn’t matter what age you are, there’s going to be something for you,” Lucia said in a statement.
Strumming guitars and catchy melodies were accompanied by roaring applause and departing hooves as the warm summer air started to turn cool. Families and friends bundled into flannel shirts and jean jackets beneath the darkening horizon, not ready to depart.
Then, lights painted the sky with images. The Oakley City steer and mountains flashed. A pair of boots appeared later. A cowboy and lasso followed. Patriotic whirls exploded above; the pinnacle of the revelry.
The stands emptied as spectators raved about another enthralling display of riding and wrangling at the traditional small-town rodeo. Many left already making plans for next year.
