6th Annual Rodeo, BFI Qualifier Galloping Into Morongo

MORONGO INDIAN RESERVATION, CA -- Hundreds of spectators will be on hand as professional and amateur riders and ropers compete for cash and prizes at the 6th Annual Open Ranch Rodeo, set for Saturday, Oct. 13 at the Morongo Indian Reservation.

For the first time, Morongo’s Open Ranch Rodeo will also serve as a qualifying event for the storied Bob Feist Invitational (BFI) Open Team Roping in Reno.

“With more money, more events and the addition of a BFI Qualifier, rodeo fans have even more to love about the year’s Morongo Open Ranch Rodeo as it raises the stakes for this great event,” said Aaron Tsinigine, the 2015 PRCA World Champion Team Roping Header.

The free, daylong event at Morongo is open to the public as dozens of riders and ropers will compete for thousands of dollars in prize money in numerous events, including open and team roping, Calcutta, ribbon roping, and ranch-style steer stopping, among others. There will also be competitions for younger riders include mutton busting and youth barrel racing.

“Morongo’s annual rodeo is always an exciting, family-friendly event that attracts amazingly talented riders and ropers to help celebrate our ranching history,” said Morongo Tribal Council Member Brian Lugo, the rodeo president. “As a qualifying event for the BFI Open Team Roping, the excitement will be greater than ever!”

The Open Ranch Rodeo at Morongo kicks off at 8 AM on Saturday, Oct. 13 at the Morongo Rodeo Grounds at 11555 Cottonwood Road. Events will take place throughout the day. Calcutta starts at 6 PM, and the BFI Opening Ranch Roping Qualifier starts at 6:30 PM.

“The Morongo Open Ranch Rodeo is a great time, and a great opportunity for riders of all ages to compete in a positive atmosphere,” said rodeo star Derrick Begay, a world champion at the Indian National Finals Rodeo and the winner of seven Wrangler National Finals Rodeo qualifications.

Erich Rogers, the World Champion Team Ropers at the 2017 National Finals Rodeo, agreed, saying “The Open Ranch Rodeo at Morongo is a chance to see professional ropers and riders in action, and to see up-and-coming rodeo stars and youth riders. It’s always a lot of fun and always very exciting.”

The rodeo is sponsored by the Morongo Band of Mission Indians and the Morongo Cultural Heritage Department.

— STORY AND PHOTOS SUBMITTED FOR PUBLICATION BY: Morongo Band of Mission Indians