Small Boots, Big Dreams: Building a Rodeo for the Next Generation

The flag dropped as little boots kicked up dust. Tiny hands shot skyward— a sign they'd snatched that ribbon clean off the goat. Not far off, you could hear the thwap of a rope finding its mark on the roping dummy. Next up: stick horse barrel racing! Little cowboys and cowgirls chased fast times as they ran through the barrel pattern, determined and focused.

For many of these little guys, this was their very first rodeo, and the start of something unforgettable.

What began as a simple idea, a conversation between my husband, Craig Harry, and me, sparked by curiosity, has quickly grown into one of the most anticipated summer events at the Ethete Rodeo Arena in Ethete, Wyoming.

The Ethete Rodeo Arena was once alive with the sound of echoing cheers and stomping hooves. It hosted bull ridings, roping practices, youth rodeos, and Indian National Finals-sanctioned events for the Rocky Mountain Region. For the past seven years it has been empty and quiet with no events taking place. Now, we’re starting a new tradition — one just as powerful: the Ethete Peewee Rodeo. 

Recognizing a gap in opportunities for local Native youth in agriculture and rodeo, especially in my hometown of Ethete where we are raising our two young children, we set out on a bold and meaningful journey to fill that need for our family and community. Fueled by excitement, patience, and learning, in 2024 the vision came to life, and the Ethete Peewee Rodeo was born.

For the past two years, the arena has been buzzing again, this time with the joyful energy of little cowboys and cowgirls, proud families, and a community coming together to champion the next generation. They came from all over the Wind River Reservation and as far out as Ohio, New Mexico, and Nevada to kick off the Ethete Peewee Rodeo, where the next generation of cowboys and cowgirls got their first taste of the arena.

It’s taken a full year of planning, collaboration, and growth, but the Peewee Rodeo has become so much more than a youth event. It’s a celebration — a weekend where cowboy days meet Indian nights, honoring the Western and Native heritage that shape our region. With the Ethete Celebration Powwow happening just across the field, the weekend becomes a full cultural experience, and one that holds the past, present, and future all in one space.

Momentum keeps growing. Every year, more families show up. More little cowboys and cowgirls enter the arena. More memories are made. And as the young competitors show off their grit and spirit, the event continues to reflect the strength, resilience, and heart of our community.