Sheridan Winter Rodeo

It is Winter Rodeo Time again in Sheridan. The winter rodeo was held on Saturday, Feb. 18, at the Sheridan County Fairgrounds. Skijoring is the main event at the rodeo, with cowboys on horses pulling their partners on skis and competing for cash, buckles and other prizes.

This year the planners also added snowboarding behind the horses, with a little modification, as the snowboarder had to hold onto the rope with both hands.

It was a clear, warm day and the grandstand was nearly half full of spectators who came to enjoy the sport and the classic country and classic rock music accompanying the event.

One thing that is different about the winter rodeo is the temperature. The announcer mentioned that in the summer the crowd was looking for the shade, and on Saturday everyone gravitated towards the warmer sun-lit areas.

Chris Sorenson, one of the riders, talked about this year’s event.

There were 14 skijoring teams in the sport event, which is for intermediate skill level contestants, but only five in the professional event with three having qualifying runs.

There were only a few in the junior event, and in the century category, which means that the contestants’ ages have to add up to 100, there was only one team.

A new event was snowboarding behind the horse and there was a fairly full field for that event.

Chris Sorensen, who has done the event for several years, added,

Anne-Marie Octavio was one of the volunteers who helped with the winter rodeo. She talked putting on the event.

There were also some competitors, who did the switch, or switcheroo, where both competitors are skilled horsemen and skiers, and they trade places.

The event drew a large crowd, and there were many cheers for the competitors. There were several vendors in the exhibit hall as well as on the grounds. The morning was chill, so the coffee wagon serving hot drinks was welcome during the morning.

Later in the evening would be the awards presentation.

The many volunteers on the grounds help to make the event a safe and fun day for all those attending.