The Pendleton Round-Up is one of the biggest rodeos of the year, not only because of the money you can win, but also the history of the arena.
Several athletes reflected on what it means to compete at such a historic venue.
No. 1 Bareback Rider and 2023 World Champion Keenan Hayes has competed there once but the experience stuck.
“The atmosphere there, there is no rodeo like it. Going out on the grass and the whole racetrack around it. Shoot, it’s a blast here,” Hayes said of the rodeo.
Last year’s Bull Riding World Champion Ky Hamilton summed it up simply.
“Pendleton is definitely the Wild West. It’s a party.”
For the timed events, it can be a tricky and nerve-filled run, but no matter what the scenario, Tyler Waguespack says guys are having fun.
“Guys are all just so nerve-wracked. If you’re there you’re either on the bubble or you are just having a great time because you already made it. It’s a big party.”
The Pendleton Round-Up is underway on the Cowboy Channel and more than $670,000 is up for grabs.
