Thursday roundup
This weekend: ranch rodeo finals, barrels & arena time
September 17, 2026
Ranch rodeo finals, barrels & a full September weekend
Hey riders,
If you're looking for a reason to hook up the trailer—or just grab a seat in the grandstands—Colorado and Wyoming have plenty going on this weekend. We've got ranch rodeo finals in Montrose, barrel racing in Loveland and Colorado Springs, youth rodeo in Rawlins and Grand Junction, and a full arena weekend in Rock Springs.
Here are the dates worth having on your radar.
Weekend headliners
GAIG/USDF Region 5 & RMDS Championships & Open Show — Underway through Sunday, September 20, at Colorado Horse Park in Parker, CO. Use the current prize list and show schedule for class times.
2026 Jody Motley Memorial Barrel Race — Friday–Sunday, September 18–20, at The Ranch in Loveland, CO. Friday begins at 6 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday at 9 a.m. The WPRA schedule lists an open 5D with $2,000 added, plus separate Mountain States Divisional Circuit Finals eligibility.
Mountain States Ranch Rodeo Finals — Friday–Saturday, September 18–19, at Montrose County Fairgrounds in Montrose, CO. Friday's performance starts at 5:30 p.m., with gates opening three hours earlier.
Wyoming High School Rodeo — Rawlins — Friday–Sunday, September 18–20, at Carbon County Fairgrounds in Rawlins, WY. One important heads-up: the fairgrounds says outside horse boarding and overnight camping are unavailable September 17–21.
Grand Junction Junior High & High School Rodeo — Friday–Sunday, September 18–20, at Mesa County Fairgrounds in Grand Junction, CO. Friday's cutting and reined cow horse begin at 1 p.m., Saturday's rodeo at 9 a.m., and Sunday's at 8 a.m. Entries are closed, so this is now one for spectators and already-entered contestants.
A few more arena picks
Circle 3 Ranch Barrel Race — September 19 — Saturday at Circle 3 Ranch in Colorado Springs, CO. The ranch confirms the date; contact the organizer for the current start time and entry availability.
Rock Springs arena weekend — Sweetwater Legends Team Roping starts Saturday at 9 a.m., and Sweetwater Downs Horse Racing runs Saturday and Sunday at 1 p.m. at the Sweetwater Events Complex.
Sugar Bars Legacy Sale & Ranch Horse Futurity — Saturday–Sunday, September 19–20, at Sheridan County Fairgrounds in Sheridan, WY. The futurity begins Saturday at 9 a.m.; Sunday's previews start at 10 a.m. and the sale at 1 p.m.
Put next weekend on the calendar
Indian Relay Championship of Champions — September 25–27 at Frontier Park in Cheyenne, WY, with performances at 2 p.m. each day.
CPRA State Finals — September 25–27 at the Montrose County Event Center. Friday and Saturday performances start at 7 p.m. and Sunday at 1 p.m.
Bridle-Bit Foundation & Advancing Horsemanship Clinic — Saturday, September 26, in Fort Collins, CO. The foundation session runs 9 a.m.–noon and the advancing session 1:30–4:30 p.m.
No Excuses Connie Combs Barrel Racing Clinic — September 26–27, 8 a.m.–7 p.m., in the Sweetwater Events Complex Indoor Arena in Rock Springs, WY.
Know someone looking for weekend plans? Send them this roundup.
Hosting something we should know about? Submit your event.
See you down the road,
Nick
Times are local to each event. Schedules, weather, and entry availability can change, so confirm the final details with the producer before hauling.