Every summer, Eagle Mountain residents familiarize themselves with the thick scent of dust and leather at the annual Pony Express Days Rodeo.
It’s an aroma that rodeo crowds have come to know and appreciate. The excitement of those same crowds has set the Pony Express Days Rodeo apart, leading to yet another recognition as the Best Small Rodeo in the PRCA’s wilderness Circuit.
“It’s good to get some recognition,” said Jared Gray, head of Pony Express Events, reflecting on the journey the rodeo has taken. “Where we started from was tough, and now to be recognized by the cowboys—the ones making their living out there—means we’re doing something right.”
This marks the third consecutive year that Eagle Mountain’s rodeo has been celebrated for its quality and entertainment value. The PRCA Wilderness Circuit, which includes rodeos in Nevada, Idaho, Utah and parts of Wyoming, is one of 12 PRCA circuits nationwide, each showcasing top cowboy talent.
The Pony Express Days Rodeo, held each summer by Pony Express Events as part of Eagle Mountain’s annual Pony Express Days festival, has rapidly gained traction as a top-tier event on the circuit.
The recognition is determined by the cowboys themselves, who play an integral role in bringing the event to life.
“What we’ve shown this year, being a three-time, award-winning rodeo, is that it’s a hot ticket,” Gray said. “In the past, we didn’t sell out all three nights; this past year, we did. Don’t sit on your hands—this rodeo will sell out early.”
The recipe for a standout rodeo goes beyond the thrills in the arena, Gray explained. Putting on an award-winning rodeo is about entertainment value.
Cowboys want an event where they can excel both with their performance and financially, with strong participation and great animals.
Crowd participation, Gray noted, reached new levels this summer, bolstered by an all-star lineup that included top bullfighter Austin Ashley and new specialty acts. The addition of a new rodeo clown brought fresh humor to the show, enhancing the crowd’s connection to the athletes and animals in the arena.
“After speaking with the president of the committee, he wants to always recognize the hard work by the board members and the committee to make it what it is,” Gray said. “It takes the entire team and the effort from volunteers and board members to make it happen.”
Looking ahead, Gray and the Pony Express Events team are pulling out all the stops to ensure another memorable summer event. Next year’s lineup includes award-winning stock and a special appearance by Gizmo McCracken, widely regarded as one of the best clowns and barrel men in the industry.
Alongside the top-notch entertainment, rodeo fans can expect to see some of the biggest names in the PRCA competing in Eagle Mountain.
Eagle Mountain residents and visitors can look forward to next summer’s Pony Express Days Rodeo, where the event will continue its tradition of bringing talented cowboys and entertainers to town.
