UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN River Falls

Animal and Food Science

UWRF Rodeo Club/Team

The UWRF Rodeo club, started in 1964, is a group of students sharing the common bond of horses and the sport of rodeo. Students do not have to own a horse or rodeo competitively to be a member. Rodeo Club members work together to hold a two day rodeo every fall.

In addition, the club hosts clinics conducted by professional cowboys/cowgirls in barrel racing, goat typing, roping and rough stock events. Beyond the rodeo arena, the club participates in parades, trail rides, bowling skiing and other fun activities. Learn more about the Rodeo Club.

UWRF Rodeo Team

As a club member you have the opportunity to compete on the UWRF Rodeo Team. UWRF does not limit the number of riders who compete and even those who have never competed before are welcome to participate. Practices are held every Thursday and Sunday in the indoor and outdoor arenas with the team's practice stock. Members show a true team spirit, with more experienced members helping the novice riders. Apply to be a team member.

Rodeo FAQs

The Rodeo Team has two gooseneck trailers that can haul up to twelve horses. We also receive a sponsorship from Gold Medal Trailers in the form of a trailer that can fit about six horses. If we have more horses than that, we carpool horses in team members trucks and trailers.

The costs for traveling to each rodeo are as follows:

  • $25 per horse
  • $25 per night for hotel
  • $60/event (approximately), rodeo entrance fee 

Each semester, if you are on the team, and do not pull a trailer to a rodeo with a personal truck, there is a $100 truck fee.

Every year, in order to compete at rodeos, you must be a member of NIRA which is a $250 fee.

Members not competing are welcome to go on the road as well! Money made from our fall rodeo helps pay for gas, hotel and other travel expenses.

There are many boarding facilities within and around the River Falls area. However, team members have the opportunity to keep their horses in the Rodeo Barn at the Campus Farm. To board at the Rodeo Barn you must compete at two-thirds of college rodeos per semester. Students provide their own feed and are responsible for the complete care of their horse.

The UWRF Rodeo Team is a member of the National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association, Great Plains Region, which includes Wisconsin, Minnesota, Iowa, South Dakota, North Dakota and Nebraska. Colleges within these states host ten rodeos throughout the school year. Events at these rodeos include bareback and saddlebronc riding, breakaway roping, steer wrestling, tie-down calf roping, team roping, goat tying, barrel racing and bull riding. And, at the end of the year, NIRA hosts the College National Finals Rodeo in Casper, Wyoming.

A NIRA card is required to compete. This can be acquired in the fall of the year before the first rodeo by submitting an application along with an official transcript(s) from your graduating high school and any colleges attended.

Lacy and Matt Dunsmore - The Dunsmore’s come from an extensive rodeo background. These coaches have the tools, knowledge and skills to help grow you as an individual in your event and with the UWRF Rodeo Team. Find out more about the coaches and to contact them.

Falcon Frontier Days Rodeo Rider vertical

Find out more about the UWRF Falcon Frontier Days Rodeo which is held every September.

Questions?

Questions about the Rodeo Club/Team? Contact UWRF Rodeo Club President Bailey Woehler or Rodeo Club adviser Nathan O'Connor. You can also visit the UWRF Rodeo website.

Want to be on the Team? Apply here.

Contact Us

Animal and Food Science
anfdsci@uwrf.edu
715-425-3704
242 Food Science Addition
590 S. Spruce Street
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