Cheyenne Frontier Days™ is now accepting entries for the Wild Horse Race competition for the 130th Annual Celebration.

Entries will open on June 5, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. MST and will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis until the 36-team limit is reached. All entries must be completed online, and no early submissions will be accepted.

The entry fee is $500 per team (credit card only) and is due in full at the time of entry.

Teams must consist of three members, and all contestants must be 18 years of age or older.

• Added purse: $12,000
• Entry fee: $500 per team (Credit Card Only)
• Entry fees are due in full at the time of entry.
• Entries are limited to 36 teams total, with 12 teams competing per day. Competition days are consecutive.
• All competitors must be 18 years of age or older.
• Unless otherwise extended by the Committee, entries will close at the beginning of the first performance.
• Each team will receive an equal number of horses during the first nine days of competition.
• The competition format will consist of three (3) head and a final round.
• The Top 12 teams will advance to the finals.
• In the event of a tie for the 12th qualifying position, the final qualifying team will be determined by random draw.

The payoff distribution for the Wild Horse Race will be allocated as follows:

• 50% of the total purse will be paid toward Day Money
• 40% of the total purse will be paid toward the Average
• 10% of the total purse will be paid toward the Short Go

All payouts for Day Money, Short Go, and Average standings will be distributed according to the following payout structure:

• 1st Place: 40%
• 2nd Place: 30%
• 3rd Place: 20%
• 4th Place: 10%

The Team Captain will be responsible for picking up all team checks from the rodeo office and distributing winnings to team members accordingly.

The winners of the Average will be determined by the contestants with the highest total earnings accumulated throughout the competition.

Three (3) trophy buckles will be awarded to the team winning the Average.

• Each contestant must present a valid photo ID, provide a Social Security number, and complete a W-9 form prior to picking up their back number.

 

• Teams shall consist of three (3) members. Substitutes will be permitted, regardless of whether the substitute has previously competed with another team.

 

• All PRCA rules regarding the humane treatment of animals will apply. The use of hot shots is strictly prohibited. Any use of a hot shot will result in disqualification from the entire rodeo and may result in a fine of up to $500.00.

• An 11-foot overall shank rope will be used. Muggers must keep their hands below the braid until the race begins. If the shank rope is removed from the halter, the Mugger and Shank Man are responsible for returning the shank rope to a judge. If the halter is removed, both the halter and shank rope must be returned to a judge. If the rider takes the shank rope across the finish line, the rider must maintain one hand on the shank rope while crossing. If the rider removes the shank rope or halter on the backtrack, it must be returned to a judge immediately following the race. Teams are solely responsible for the return of all equipment. Violations of this rule may result in disqualification and/or a fine. 
• Teams may not move their horse in anticipation of the direction they believe the race will start. 
• Teams are not permitted to mug their horse past the designated Haze Line. 
• Contestants may not mug or otherwise make contact with the horse until the starting gun sounds. No contestant may touch their horse prior to the start of the race. This rule is intended to ensure fairness for all teams. 
• The following actions are strictly prohibited:
  • choking down
  • blocking airways
  • deliberate tripping
  • placing half hitches around the horse’s neck with the halter shank or rope
  • grabbing the horse’s eyes or mouth
  • biting or grabbing the ears, gouging the eyes, or grabbing the nose. 
• Once a team accepts a horse from the pickup man, that horse becomes the team’s assigned horse. No re-rides will be granted unless approved by the Wild Horse Race Director. 
• Cheyenne Frontier Days reserves the right to require any contestant to release an animal for the safety and welfare of the horse. Depending on the circumstances, teams may or may not be granted a re-ride at the sole discretion of Cheyenne Frontier Days. Any mistreatment or unnecessary roughness toward an animal will result in immediate disqualification from the remainder of the 2026 Cheyenne Frontier Days Wild Horse Race, and each team member may be subject to a $500.00 fine. 
• Horses must be saddled while standing. Once mounted and riding around the track, the rider may not receive assistance from any person, including teammates. 
• The Mugger and Shank Man must immediately clear and remain off the track once the rider is mounted and underway. 
• Riders may not abuse the horse in any manner. Foreign objects including, but not limited to, bats, rattles, plastic bags, or similar items used to coax the horse are prohibited.
• Spurs are permitted; however, locked or sharpened rowels and bull shanks are prohibited. Rowels must move freely. Any rider caught spurring a horse in the head or neck area will result in team disqualification from the remainder of the 2026 Cheyenne Frontier Days and may be subject to a $500.00 fine. 
• Riders must be mounted in the saddle when crossing the finish line.  
• After crossing the finish line, riders must dismount safely and may not ride into the alley.  
• Each race will have a five (5) minute time limit or conclude once all placing teams have crossed the finish line. 
• After two (2) minutes, any unmounted team will be moved away from the red gate by the pickup men. 
• In the event of a tie for overall first place, buckle winners will be determined by a coin flip. If more than two teams are tied, buckle winners will be determined by a draw. 
• All judges’ decisions are final. 
• PRCA dress code will be strictly enforced. 
• No companions or individuals without a contestant number, including children, will be allowed in the Wild Horse Race ready area at any time. 
• Alcohol and drugs are strictly prohibited in the Wild Horse Race ready area at all times. 
• Any contestant determined to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs prior to competing will not be permitted to compete and may be disqualified from the remainder of the 2026 Cheyenne Frontier Days. 
• Teams not competing that day may observe the event from the stands only. 
• Any competitor not scheduled to compete that day who is found watching from the track or photo pit may be disqualified from the remainder of the 2026 Cheyenne Frontier Days. 
• Substitutions due to injury are permitted; however, at least one original team member must compete in all scheduled races. 
• If a team withdraws or fails to appear without notifying Wild Horse Race Director Jeremy Lowe at (307) 631-6971 prior to July 6, 2026, the team will remain responsible for the entry fee. 
• Overnight camping is not permitted on park grounds. Complimentary camping will be available in a designated area. Camping information and directions will be included in the contestant packet. 
• The Contestant Office is reserved for official business only. Please conduct your business promptly and clear the office area to accommodate other contestants.

By clicking the submit button below, you will be directed to the payment page. Payment is required at the time of application.

 

Failure to complete payment will result in team disqualification, and the position may be awarded to the next eligible applicant.

 

To ensure we can contact you in the event of any payment issues, please provide your name and contact information below.