Thursday roundup
Aug 13–18: State Fair rodeo, mounted shooting & a full Colorado weekend
August 13, 2026
What’s Hitchin’ — Colorado & Wyoming
Good Thursday, riders—
Tonight starts on both sides of the line: the Wyoming State Fair opens two nights of PRCA action in Douglas, while Sublette’s barrel club runs its August jackpot in Big Piney. Then the weekend spreads out fast—Colorado rodeos from Craig to Colorado Springs and Parachute, a recognized horse trial at Archer, mounted shooting in Meeteetse, live racing in Rock Springs, and a Sunday barrel doubleheader in Kiowa.
Before you haul: Pack the rain layer and leave room for a lightning delay. Douglas is wet today, with more storm chances Friday and showers likely Saturday. Colorado Springs could see heavy rain Friday and thunderstorms through Sunday. Rock Springs has the better Saturday–Sunday window: mostly sunny to sunny, with highs in the mid-to-upper 70s. Check your stop’s latest National Weather Service forecast before you hook up.
Each pick below is tied to a first-party or governing-association source and received a fresh August 13 source check. That confirms the posted date, place, and active status—not the weather or a last-minute producer change—so the event link is still your final pre-haul check.
Tonight & Friday
Wyoming State Fair PRCA Rodeo — Thu–Fri, Aug 13–14 at 7:00 p.m. — Wyoming State Fairgrounds — Douglas, WY. Legacy Night opens tonight, with Mutton Bustin’ at 6:00 p.m.; Friday’s Miss Rodeo Wyoming pre-show begins at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are listed at $20 for one night or $30 for both.
Sublette Barrel Racing Club Jackpot Race — Thu, Aug 13 — Ag Center, Sublette County Fairgrounds — Big Piney, WY. The county’s current arena calendar confirms tonight’s jackpot date and location; check with the club or fairgrounds for the start time and entry details.
Gold Buckle Dreams Youth Rodeo & Beer Garden — Fri, Aug 14 at 6:00 p.m. — Routt County Fairgrounds Outdoor Arena — Hayden, CO. A Junior NFR Central Region qualifier with barrel racing, bull riding, and roughstock. Entries closed August 3, but it remains a strong spectator stop.
Colorado Rodeo Weekend
Craig JH & HS Rodeo — Fri–Sun, Aug 14–16 — Moffat County Fairgrounds — Craig, CO. CSHSRA currently confirms the weekend and says Friday is reserved for cutting, reined cow horse, and possible shooting, with all events except trap shooting. Its event-detail page still says “information to come,” so confirm Friday’s discipline locations and the final daily schedule directly with the association before traveling.
The Pioneer Rodeo — Fri–Sat, Aug 14–15 at 6:30 p.m. — Norris Penrose Event Center — Colorado Springs, CO. Two CPRA/KPRA/NMRA/WPRA breakaway rodeo performances, Friday-morning slack, buckles to event winners, $11,000 total added, and stalls plus overnight parking listed.
Grand Valley Days — Sat, Aug 15 at 7:00 p.m. — Parachute Rodeo Grounds — Parachute, CO. The CPRA/WPRA card includes mini broncs and a calf scramble, with $7,000 total added. Overnight parking is listed; stalls are not.
Beyond the Rodeo
The Event at Archer — Fri–Sun, Aug 14–16 — Archer Arenas — Cheyenne, WY. A recognized USEA horse trial at Archer Equestrian Park. Confirm the current ride schedule, stabling assignment, and designated horse-trailer gate with the organizer.
Meeteetse Showdown — Sat–Sun, Aug 15–16 — Meeteetse Rodeo Grounds — Meeteetse, WY. CMSA’s current listings confirm a three-stage main match Saturday at 10:00 a.m. and Sunday at 9:00 a.m. Registration closed August 12; confirm long-gun classes and camping or pen availability with the club.
Sweetwater Downs Horse Racing — Sat–Sun, Aug 15–16 at 1:00 p.m. — Sweetwater Events Complex Grandstands — Rock Springs, WY. Admission is $5 and includes the racing program and parking; children under 12 are free.
NBHA Colorado 03 Double Header — Sun, Aug 16 — Messer Arena and Event Center — Kiowa, CO. Exhibitions begin at 11:00 a.m., the first race starts at 1:00 p.m., and race two follows 30 minutes after race one.
One More Run Tuesday
- AVF Ranch Sorting — Tue, Aug 18 — Arkansas Valley Fairgrounds — Rocky Ford, CO. The official 2026 fair program confirms the date. The start time, fees, and registration terms are not published, so check with the fair before hauling.
On the Horizon
Arkansas Valley Fair — Aug 19–22 — Rocky Ford, CO. The current program lists a Friday ranch rodeo and open bronc riding, plus CPRA rodeos Friday night and Saturday afternoon. See the current fair program.
Sweetwater Downs Horse Racing — Fri, Aug 21 at 4:00 p.m.; Sat–Sun, Aug 22–23 at 1:00 p.m. — Rock Springs, WY. See the season schedule.
Sunrise Equine Mini Trial — Sat, Aug 22 — Fort Collins, CO. See the Area IX calendar.
Lainey Ashker Clinic — Sep 5–6 — SpringWaters Equestrian Center — Longmont, CO. See the Area IX calendar.
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See you down the road,
Nick
Event details change. Always confirm with the producer before hauling.