Morgan Taylor/Reporter
OKMULGEE, Oklahoma – Native cowboys and cowgirls got their boots dirty at the Annual All-Indian Rodeo held at the Claude Cox Omniplex Bob Arrington Rodeo Arena.
According to Claude Cox Omniplex Facility Coordinator Mike Sands, the rodeo attracted around 380 contestants from 39 different tribes. Sands claimed there were contestants all the way from Canada.
“Normally we have over 400 but people are still hesitant to get out,” Sand said.
Due to the pandemic, he said regional rodeos are no longer happening and its strictly tour rodeos.
“The winners are automatically going to the World’s (Indian Nationals Finals Rodeo) in Las Vegas,” Sands said of tour rodeos compared to regional.
Extra prize money was added to the pot to help the contestants from last year’s cancellations. Sands cleared up that contrary to what was announced at the rodeo, the money was not doubled but $1,000 was added to each big event payout.
Events included Bareback Riding, Saddle Bronc Riding, Steer Wrestling, Calf Roping, Ladies’ Breakaway Roping, Team Roping, Ladies’ Barrel Racing, Bull Riding, Jr Bull Riding, Jr Breakaway Roping, Jr Barrel Racing, Sr Breakaway Roping, Sr Team Roping, Pee Wee Barrel Racing, Mutton Bustin’, Pony Express Race, Ring of Fear and Calf Scramble with over $64,000 paid out in prize money.
Sands said there are about three more tour rodeos until the World’s rodeo in Vegas.
All tour rodeo winners will compete against one another at the INFR Oct. 19-23 in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Results from the event can be viewed at https://www.infr.org/tour-results.html.
