Compared to most professional rodeos which can be traced back decades or generations, the High Desert Stampede, presented by Pahlisch ProRodeo, is in its infancy. Now in its eighth year since being sanctioned by the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association, the Stampede welcomes world champions from across the country to compete in Redmond this week.

Events kick off Wednesday. For the first time, opening night includes an Xtreme Bull Performance with a $20,000 purse. Women’s breakaway roping will also be featured that evening, with four world champions entered to compete.

The Stampede is part of National Finals Rodeo Playoff Series and has had no trouble attracting talent for the 2024 rodeo.

World-famous saddle bronc riders of the Wright family, Spencer and Ryder, are entered to compete, in addition to 66 steer wrestlers including Jesse Brown and Dalton Massey of Oregon. Brown finished third in the World Standings in 2023 with a career high of $276,444 earnings for the season.

Chairman Denis Fast said there are a whopping 116 competitors entered in barrel racing.

Women in professional rodeo

The High Desert Stampede took a gamble as the first rodeo in the Columbia River Circuit to introduce women’s breakaway roping, Fast said. It’s also committed to paying “even money,” doling out the same payout for women’s events as men’s, and will pay out $12,000 per event, in addition to entry money.

The women’s breakaway event has attracted “two of the biggest names in the breakaway world,” including Jackie Crawford and Lari Dee Guy, Fast said.

Crawford is a 23-time Women’s Professional Rodeo Association World Champion and earned her first title last month at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. Guy is also a multiple world champion and known for instructing women’s breakaway clinics worldwide.

Before breakaway roping was introduced to professional rodeo, women were limited to one event — barrel racing.

Guy said she’s grateful to have the opportunity to rope in a playoff series rodeo that supports breakaway ropers. She attributes the addition of the rodeo event to the Columbia River Circuit to Jennifer Casey’s efforts.

“It’s really important to incorporate women into the rodeo. I think it brings a lot of value,” Guy said. “Getting (breakaway roping) added to Redmond was huge for us ladies.”

Building on tradition

Fast emphasized the quality of the livestock, sourced from stock contractors Bridwell Pro Rodeos, Calgary Stampede and Corey & Lange Rodeo.

Calgary Stampede has the best stock in the world, Fast said.

The Stampede also welcomes a new announcer and sound technician to this year’s event. Garrett Yerigan steps into the sound booth as a two-time PRCA announcer of the year and Brad Narducci brings his talent from Professional Bull Riders events.

Eight professional rodeo events will take place over four days, including bull riding, saddle bronc riding, bareback riding, team roping, tie-down roping, steer wrestling, barrel racing and women’s breakaway roping.

More High Desert Stampede:

High Desert Stampede Rodeo set for Redmond Wednesday through Saturday

As the rodeo grows, it’s been well-received by the community, attracting longstanding rodeo fans and those experiencing the traditions for the first time, Fast said.

“We truly are happy to show Central Oregon the Western way of life,” he said.

“It’s really important to incorporate women into the rodeo. I think it brings a lot of value.”

— Lari Dee Guy

What: High Desert Stampede

When: Wednesday-Saturday

Where: First Interstate Bank Center at Deschutes County Fair & Expo Center, 3800 SW Airport Way, Redmond

Cost: $20 general admission, $30 reserved seating

Contact: highdesertstampede.com, 844-414-2242