The free celebration of Morongo’s cattle ranching heritage was held on Saturday, Oct. 4, at the Morongo Indian Reservation.
MORONGO INDIAN RESERVATION – Amateur and professional ropers and riders competed for cash prizes at the 20th Annual Morongo Indian Cowboy Ranch Rodeo, a celebration of the tribe’s long history of cattle ranching held Saturday, October 4 at the Morongo Indian Reservation.
“The Morongo Indian Cowboy Ranch Rodeo is always such a special event,” said Aaron Tsinigine, 2015 PRCA Team Roping World Champion. “It’s more than great competition — it’s the energy, the fans, and the way the community comes together that makes it a highlight of my season.”
Now in its 20th year, the free family-friendly ranch rodeo featured a wide-variety of competitions throughout the day, including open roping, team roping, Calcutta, and ribbon roping, and team branding. Youth riders can also join in the fun with competitions like mutton-busting and youth barrel racing.
Morongo Tribal Council Member Ryan Martin, who serves as rodeo president, said the annual event honors the Tribe’s long history of cattle ranching on the reservation — a way of life that began generations ago and continues today.
“The Morongo Indian Cowboy Ranch Rodeo embodies the spirit of Indian ranching that has been a part of our Tribal community for generations,” Martin said. “Our rodeo celebrates our deep connection to horses and riding, while simultaneously reflecting our values of perseverance and self-reliance in the face of obstacles.”
Launched 20 years ago, the Morongo rodeo has grown in popularity over the decades to attract Native and non-native riders from across the country.
The annual rodeo is hosted by the Morongo Band of Mission Indians and the Morongo Cultural Heritage Department.