Established on September 29th, 1910 in Pendleton, Oregon, the Pendleton Round-Up Rodeo has celebrated Western life and diverse cultures for over a century. As a sponsor of the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA), Resistol is thrilled to support this vibrant week of heritage, commemorating the spirit of the Old West.
A Century of Western Heritage and Culture:
The Pendleton Round-Up Rodeo
More Than Just a Rodeo
The Pendleton Round-Up Rodeo isn’t just a rodeo–it’s an entire week of celebration. The schedule is packed to bring the community and visitors together, starting with the Dress Up Parade on the first Saturday morning and wrapping up with a historical play the following Saturday.
One of the highlights of the Pendleton Round-Up is the rich celebration of Native American culture. Over 300 teepees make up a grand tribal village with members from the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation. Native Americans travel across the country to participate in the Happy Canyon Pageant, the American Indian Beauty Contest, and the Junior Indian Beauty Contest.
Visitors can also experience authentic Native American dances during the matinee rodeo performances and the Round-Up Pow Wow dance competition. Rodeo performances include the thrilling Indian Relay, a fast-paced horse race showing the incredible skill and teamwork among Native American riders.
Let ‘er Buck
The Pendleton Round-Up Rodeo is not just famous—it’s legendary. Known for coining the phrase “Let ‘er Buck,” this rodeo is a must-see event for any rodeo enthusiast and a must-enter for any rodeo athlete. Named the 10-time Large Outdoor Rodeo of the Year by the PRCA, it was also inducted into the ProRodeo Hall of Fame in 2008.
Unlike most rodeos, the Pendleton Round-Up takes place in a grass arena—one of the few of its kind. The rodeo's layout, with a surrounding dirt track and minimal fencing, adds an extra level of excitement. Riders face the thrill of near-open conditions, a tribute to the early days of rodeo.
Last year, Resistol athletes, Stetson Wright and Derrick Begay took home buckles from the infamous rodeo. Stetson Wright won the Bull Riding, claiming the All Around Cowboy title. Derrick Begay won the Team Roping as a header.
The History of the Pendleton Round-Up
Community leaders created the original idea of the Pendleton Round-Up as an exhibition of frontier pastimes in 1910. The event was strategically planned for mid-September, when farmers had finished their harvests, and ranchers had completed their late summer brandings.
From the beginning, the Pendleton Round-Up has been a non-profit organization run by dedicated volunteers. In 1951, the infamous turf was introduced, allowing the local school district to host football games. The colorful bucking chutes were added in 1957, the same year the event was first televised. Today, the “Let ‘er Buck” rodeo attracts over 50,000 attendees each year.
Resistol is proud to be the Official Hat of the PRCA and support iconic rodeos like the Pendleton Round-Up in preserving Western heritage.