LOTRA
LANDER OLD TIMERS RODEO ASSOCIATION
ANNOUNCEMENTS
2026 PIONEER DAYS RODEO RECAP
Commemorating 132 Years at the “World's Oldest Paid Rodeo” in Lander, Wyoming
Pioneer Days 2026 was truly one for the books.
The 2026 Pioneer Days Rodeo was an unforgettable tribute to 132 years of Western tradition, proudly held in the heart of beautiful Lander, Wyoming. With two consecutive sell-out crowds of 4,000+ spectators on July 3rd and 4th, the rodeo showcased the deep-rooted spirit and enduring pride of our community. We extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone who helped make this year’s event such a success—our loyal fans, tireless LOTRA volunteers, generous sponsors, and, of course, the incredible rodeo contestants who brought the arena to life.
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This year’s highlights included over $20,000 in added prize money awarded across 16 adult events and 3 youth events, showcasing the incredible talent and grit of our rodeo athletes. Each night featured thrilling Indian Relay Races with Women’s and Men’s teams, bringing fast-paced excitement to the arena. A full and vibrant Pioneer Days Royalty court added tradition and pageantry to the celebration, while our announcer and clown kept the crowd energized and entertained throughout the weekend.
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2026 - 2027 MEMBERSHIP REGISTRATION
NOW: Online Membership Signup for Upfront Payment & Installment Plans​
​Online Membership Registration Available Now! ​
Individual, Student, and Family memberships available. Join now and enjoy access to the LOTRA arena year round. Your membership will start on November 1, 2026 and end on October 31, 2027.
You can purchase any of our upfront payment memberships on the site year round. Payment plans will be available through October. ​
Membership benefits include:
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Year-round access to our indoor barn facilities.
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Indoor arena groomed 5x - 7x per week for improved footing and dust control.
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Access to leased cattle for weekly breakaway & team roping scheduled practices for 5 months during the winter.
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Use of leased cattle for bi-monthly cow horse scheduled practices for 5 months during the winter.
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LOTRA-sponsored roping events for weekend competitions during winter months.
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Option to bring in own cattle for practice.
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Equipment available to use: barrels, poles, trail and jumping poles, horn wraps.
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Indoor lighting for evening and night use.
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Easy trailer parking.
SPECIAL SPRING-SUMMER-FALL LOTRA MEMBERSHIP
​LOTRA Membership Available Now Through October 31, 2026 ​
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 now through 10/31/26. 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, found here.
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Our arena ground is maintained and groomed during summer 6 times per week using Black Widow groomer. The indoor barn has good lighting for evening use. 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. You can bring a non-member if you collect $30/person/day from them for barn use and put in the drop box by the crow’s nest. Membership rules can be found here.
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Spring-Summer-Fall Membership Pricing
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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
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.
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An annual tradition for 132 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.
THANKS TO OUR 2026 PIONEER DAY RODEO TIER-ONE SPONSORS
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THANKS TO OUR 2026 PIONEER DAY RODEO TIER-TWO SPONSORS
Wyoming.com
State Farm Insurance: Justus Jacobs
Wind River Oilfield Services
Grand Altitude FCU
Heil Electric
Fremont Orthopaedics
Ameri-Tech Equipment Co.
Napa Auto Parts
Classic Air Medical
Fremont County Pioneer Association
THANKS TO OUR 2026 PIONEER DAY SUPPORTERS FOR THEIR CONTRIBUTIONS
Holy Rosary Catholic Church
Sweetwater Aire
Quickspace
Perfect Power Electric
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 the DOWNLOAD MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION button 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 the JOIN LOTRA ONLINE button 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.
COUNTY10 COVERS THE 2026 PIONEER DAYS RODEO
Packed Stands and Perfect Skies for Lander
Pioneer Days Rodeo​​​
The 132nd Lander Pioneer Days Rodeo lit up the Lander rodeo grounds Friday and Saturday night with calm air, brilliant sunsets, and packed grandstands. Youth events — mini bull riding, junior barrels, junior steer riding — opened each night ahead of the Grand Entry, followed by bull riding, saddle bronc, ranch bronc, bareback riding, steer wrestling, barrel racing, breakaway roping, and team roping. The Indian Relay Races were a crowd favorite, with team Starr Weed taking Friday's win and Black Mountain Express (rider Dante Gambler) topping Saturday. LOTRA President Paula McCormick called it "one of the smoothest years yet."
Photos by Carl Cote.
