MORONGO INDIAN RESERVATION (October 6, 2026) – Amateur and professional ropers and riders competed for cash prizes at the 21st Annual Morongo Indian Cowboy Ranch Rodeo, a celebration of the tribe’s long history of cattle ranching held Saturday, October 3 at Morongo’s completely rebuilt rodeo arena and grounds on the Morongo Indian Reservation.
The free, family-friendly ranch rodeo attracted hundreds of championship riders and competitors from across the country and featured a wide variety of contests throughout the day, including open roping, team roping, Calcutta, ribbon roping, and team branding. Youth riders joined 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 ranching that has been a part of our Tribal community for generations,” Martin said. “Opening our brand-new arena to welcome riders and families is a milestone moment, and a demonstration of our commitment to preserving our history. Our rodeo celebrates our deep connection to our ranching heritage, and reflects our values of perseverance, a strong work ethic and self-reliance.”
The new Morongo Rodeo Grounds features a new arena with new bucking chutes, roping boxes, catch pens, vendor areas, grandstands, announcer’s booth, lighting and PA systems. The arena gave this year’s event a fresh new backdrop for honoring the traditions that have made the rodeo a cornerstone of reservation life.
“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. Competing in this beautiful new arena made it even more unforgettable. This is a highlight of my season every year.”
The annual rodeo is hosted by the Morongo Band of Mission Indians and the Morongo Cultural Heritage Department.