The 53rd Annual Buckhorn Rodeo brought excitement, competition, and community spirit to the Britton area this past weekend. With uncertain weather and financial concerns heading into the event, organizers were relieved and grateful when everything ran smoothly. 1,400 people attended the event over the weekend.
“We went into this year with a lot of uncertainty between a fire that forced us to spend a lot of money to questionable weather days before the rodeo—a lot of things could’ve gone wrong,” said Thad Jensen, a third-generation Buckhorn Rodeo Association member and grandson of one of the founders. “Fortunately, everything went off without a hitch.”
In Bareback Riding, 1 – Jeremy Hennen of Richmond, MN, 2 – David Clark of Collins, IA, 3 – JJ Dooyema of Pella, IA.
Barrel Racing featured a large field of competitors with 33 entries. 1 – Heather Bosse of Cogswell, ND, 2 – Bridget Biron of Henderson, MN, 3 – Kelsey Wudtke of Henderson, MN, 4 – Bobbi Fitch of Plymouth, MN, 5 – Addison Salverson of Mound City, SD, 6 – Sierra McGregor of Canistota, SD.
In Bull Riding, 1 – Wesley Pulak of Pierz, MN, 2 – Karter Kuhn of Glen Ullin, ND.
Calf Roping results were: 1 – Jeremiah Peek of Bismarck, ND, 2 – Coy Nelson of Tomah, WI, 3 – Colton Carlson of Sioux Falls, SD, 4 – Jeremy Olson of Shell Lake, WI. Ladies Breakaway saw fast times across the board. 1 – Jenna Hume of Orfordville, WI, 2 – Mackenzee Wheelhouse of Pierre, SD, 3 – Courtney Otto of Marshall, MN, 4 – Megan Marone of Pukwana, SD. In Mixed Team Roping, 1 – Jenna Hume and Coy Nelson with a time of 8.55. Saddle Bronc had one rider: 1 – Mike Berger of Lesueur, MN.
Senior Men’s Breakaway included a strong group of competitors. 1 – Chuck Nelson of Hartford, SD, 2 – Blaine Carey of Huron, SD, 3 – Marty Jandreau of Kennebec, SD, 4 – Ken Hoffman of Highmore, SD, 5 – Dave Marone of Pukwana, SD, 6 – Don Ell of Spearfish, SD. Team Roping teams competed for top honors. 1 – Ryan Carlson of Britton and Luke Ronshaugen of Langford, 2 – Sidney Johnson and Travis Johnson of Sisseton, 3 – Clay Schmalz and Cole Schmalz of Killdeer, SD, 4 – Tater Moody and Trey Moody of Woonsocket, SD.
Junior Bull Riding winners included: Friday – 1 – Eli Jenniges of Glenwood, MN (10–12 age group), 1 – Wyatt Nelson of Webster, SD (16–18). Saturday – 1 – Wesley Pulak of Pierz, MN (13–15), 1 – Coy Laurence of Rosholt, SD and 1 – Cash Gamber of Veblen, SD (both 16–18).
Kids Events brought fun for the younger crowd. Friday’s Stick Horse Race winners were Katie Kraft and Lennon Strege; Sack Race winners were Max Peterson and Riley Carlson. Saturday’s Stick Horse winners were Shelby H. and Brin Carol; Sack Race winners were Memphis Hanson and Elise Patterson.
Raffle winners were also announced: Ladies Raffle – Maria Zastrow; Side Hill Gun – Chris Fagerland; Gun Raffle – Theresa Sippel, Paul Schmit, Bev Fiedler, Max Poppinga, Gavin Waletich, Kervin Olson, and Dan Michlitsch; Fireworks Raffle – Wyatt Hannasch.
As Jensen reflected on the weekend, he expressed his gratitude: “We hope to see everyone again next year.”
