The annual rodeo was also a qualifying event for the 43rd Annual Bob Feist Invitational Open Team Roping in Reno.
MORONGO INDIAN RESERVATION, CALIF. – Hundreds of spectators cheered on as professional and amateur riders and ropers competed for cash and prizes the 7th Annual Morongo Open Ranch Rodeo, a free event held Saturday, October 5 at the Morongo Indian Reservation.
For the second year, the rodeo also included a qualifying event for the Bob Feist Invitational (BFI) Open Team Roping in Reno. Commonly known as ‘’The Feist,” it is the largest one-day annual open roping event in the country. This year’s qualifiers from the Morongo rodeo included two teams; Brooks Dehozy of Warm Springs, OR and Max Kutler of America Falls, ID; and Jake Barnes of Scottsdale, AZ and Cesar de la Cruz of Casa Grande, AZ.
“Morongo’s annual rodeo is always a great event for the family where they can see riders and ropers of all ages and skill levels compete,” said Morongo Tribal Council Member Brian Lugo, the rodeo president. “As a qualifying event for the BFI Open Team Roping, the excitement around our event continues to grow every year.”
The all-day rodeo at Morongo was open to the public who watched contestants compete for custom buckles and thousands in prize money in ranching events, including team roping, barrel racing, breakaway roping, among others. Younger competitors will also have a chance to compete in the youth barrel racing, mutton busting and steer riding events.
The annual rodeo is sponsored by the Morongo Band of Mission Indians and the Morongo Cultural Heritage Department.
