LOTRA
LANDER OLD TIMERS RODEO ASSOCIATION
ANNOUNCEMENTS
SPECIAL SPRING-SUMMER-FALL MEMBERSHIP
Available now through October 31st
Download application below & mail to LOTRA
The Lander Old Timer’s Rodeo Association (LOTRA) announces that it will offer a special Spring-Summer-Fall indoor arena membership for half the annual barn membership price, valid 4/1/25 through 10/31/25. This gives new members a chance to try out our indoor arena before the busy winter season. Membership benefits allow personal use of the indoor arena every day of the week, unless there is a previously scheduled event on our calendar. Events are listed at: https://www.lotra.org/events.
Our arena ground is maintained and groomed at least 5 times per week using a Black Widow groomer. The indoor barn has good lighting for evening use. Barrel racing members gather from 5-8 pm on one evening per week to practice with barrels, using our laser technology for accurate barrel placement. Members are allowed to bring their own cattle to use to practice in the barn on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays if other events are not scheduled. There are special events, such as Obstacle/Trail Practice, where members can, at no additional cost, work with multiple obstacles to help their horses gain confidence on the trail. Membership rules are posted on our website at: https://www.lotra.org/membership.
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The special Spring-Summer-Fall pricing follows
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Individual: $162.50
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Family: $275
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Student: $137.50
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Enrolled 4-H members: $87.50
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All memberships are dependent upon approval by the LOTRA board of directors. Annual 12-month LOTRA memberships run from November 1 through October 31, which includes use of the leased roping cattle at designated roping and cow work practices. Those 12-month memberships can be viewed at: https://www.lotra.org/membership.
PIONEER DAYS ROYALTY CONTEST!
Now Accepting Contestants: 2025 Lander Pioneer Days Royalty & Little Prince/Princess Contests
Application Deadline: April 28, 2025
Be part of a cherished tradition and represent the spirit of the rodeo by entering the 2025 Lander Pioneer Days Royalty Contest. This year's Queen, Jr. Queen & Princess Contest is sponsored by the Pioneer Days Parade & Rodeo, and the Little Prince & Princess Contest is sponsored by the Lander Valley Cattlewomen. Both contests will be held on Thursday, May 1 at 6:00pm at the LOTRA Indoor Arena. Winners will represent the community during Lander Pioneer Days and ride in the July 4 Parade.
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Pick up a contestant application packet at Lander Chamber of Commerce or download it here: Royalty Contestant Packet. Applications are due by Monday, April 28 via email (lotrarodeo@yahoo.com) or in person. With advance notice to Nick Comes, forms may be brought the day of the contest by 5:30pm.
Age Requirements
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Queen: 18–23
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Jr. Queen: 13–17
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Princess: 7–12 (as of Jan 1, 2025)
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Little Prince & Princess: 4–6 (on May 1, 2025)
Questions? Contact:
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Maggie Appleby: 307-349-5666
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Nick Comes: 307-349-6450
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Martha Hellyer (Little Prince/Princess): 307-330-8280​​
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INCREASED PAYOUTS OF $20,000 ADDED TO THE 131st LANDER PIONEER DAYS RODEO
Added money to rough stock, steer wrestling, and new women's ranch bronc event!
Contestant Entry Signup: June 21, 2025
Lander Pioneer Days Rodeo rough stock and steer wrestling contestants can win more
money this year at Lander Wyoming’s 131st Pioneer Days Rodeo held on July 3 and 4.
Over $20,000 will be added for all contestants over the 2-day rodeo. For rodeo rough stock and steer wrestling contestants, $1,000 of added money will be paid out each night.
New this year is a Women’s Ranch Bronc Riding event! Contestants for the Women’s
Roughstock event, along with Men’s Ranch Bronc Riding, Bull Riding, Saddle and Bareback
Bronc Riding, and Steer Wrestling, will be competing for the added money. The Men’s and
Women’s Indian Relay Races also have $1000 added money each night, plus $500 added
for the Youth Indian Relay Race.
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Thanks to this year's rodeo contractors: ​
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Rough Stock: Dam Bucking Horses LLC
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Timed Events: Hoggan and Sutton Rodeo
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Steer Riding & Mini Bulls: Jace Mitchell
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Contestants will sign up on Saturday, June 21 between 12-1:00 by calling: 307-349-8070, 307-349-8108, or 307-349-1981.
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​For more information, contact Julie Freese: 307-349-1981.​​
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LOTRA BARREL RACING PRACTICES
A great opportunity for barrel racers to improve their skills extended through June!
New dates added: Tuesdays starting May 6th through June.
Join barrel racers for this weekly practice Wednesday evenings through April 30th—changing to Tuesday evenings starting May 6th from 5pm - 8pm. Our indoor-barn ground will be worked up by our Black Widow groomer prior to practice. This event is FREE for LOTRA members; non-members pay $30/person per practice.
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Having a designated time for practice allows our LOTRA members who barrel race to have a specific practice time when barrels can be set up and the ground worked deeper for barrel use by our Black Widow. It also prevents disappointment by other barn members who may want to use the entire arena for their own riding.
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Here is the 2025 Barrel Race Practice schedule for the remainder of the year: ​​​
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April 23, April 30
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May 6, May 13, May 20, May 27
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June 3, June 10, June 17, June 24
This event is organized by Nick Comes, Kylie O'Neal, and Brenda Sims. For more information, contact Nick Comes via email @ nmcomes07@gmail.com or call 307-349-6450.​​
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For more information and dates for LOTRA-sponsored events, visit our Events Page Calendar.​
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An annual tradition for 130 years in Lander, Wyoming
Experience the thrill and heritage of Western culture at the Lander Pioneer Days Rodeo July 3rd & 4th.
The Pioneer Days Rodeo is a unique blend of competitive spirit and community celebration, showcasing exceptional talent in thrilling competitions. Join us to witness the tradition of rodeo come alive, where each event is a history lesson in Lander's ranching heritage.
LOTRA MEMBERSHIP
Joining the Lander Old Timers Rodeo Association (LOTRA) offers more than just a barn membership; it's an invitation to be part of a community deeply rooted in the rich traditions of horsemanship and rodeo. As a member, you gain year-round access to our indoor barn, designed to support both your passion and development in horsemanship. Whether you enjoy roping, recreational riding, training, cow horse, reining, or ranch versatility, you will appreciate the membership benefits. Your membership includes a one-year subscription to The WRANGLER Horse and Rodeo News magazine.
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Joining LOTRA
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Click here to download the Membership Application. Please fill out the application, and mail your check to: Lander Old Timers Rodeo Association @ P.O. Box 632, Lander, WY, 82520.
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Click on the JOIN LOTRA TODAY link below to sign up online.
ABOUT LOTRA
The Lander Old Timer's Rodeo Association (LOTRA) is a cornerstone of Lander, Wyoming, providing a year-round indoor arena for rodeo enthusiasts and riders. Dedicated to preserving the traditions of rodeo and fostering a deep sense of community, LOTRA offers educational programs, competitions, and events that celebrate the rich cultural heritage of rodeo and a love for riding. As a hub for both young and seasoned riders, LOTRA continues to cultivate skills, friendships, and a passion for horseback riding in Lander and the surrounding communities.
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LOTRA is a non-profit organization that is run by volunteers and funded by annual membership fees, fundraisers such as the Challenge for Charities run by the Lander Community Foundation, donations, sponsorships, and grants from organizations like the LOR Foundation. Funding allows us to pay for barn maintenance, new equipment, and marketing efforts to expand our reach and impact in the community.
LOTRA MEMBERS
LOTRA members represent a diverse set of equine interests but share a common passion for horses and Western tradition. Founded by ropers, our community has evolved to include a variety of horse enthusiasts, including rodeo riders, performance horse competitors, horse trainers, and recreational riders of all ages. At LOTRA families and friends come to train, compete, learn, and enjoy a community of members who have shared interests and a love of horses.
LOTRA Wins Lander Chamber of Commerce Anchor Award
2025 Anchor Award Winner!
LOTRA is so proud to be the winner of the Anchor Award at the Lander Chamber of Commerce Community Awards Luncheon. The criteria to be an Anchor Award Winner is for the organization or business to "survive the challenges of time." LOTRA has run Lander's iconic Pioneer Days Rodeo for 45 years for the community, and will be putting on the 131st Pioneer Days Rodeo again this July 3 & 4. The organization also owns our 36,000 sq. ft. indoor arena, which is open to members all year. LOTRA supports a full schedule of equine events, including ropings, barrel races, obstacle and cow work practices and more every winter.
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Congratulations to our members and board members and our sponsors, who support us all year round.
Nate Shoutis