Don King Days: Unique equestrian event brings classic cowboy entertainment to Sheridan
For the past 38 years, Don King Days has brought talented horsemen to the Big Horn Equestrian Center in Sheridan for two days of equestrian competition in an ultra-unique format.
Named after world-renowned Wyoming Saddlemaker Don King, the event was started in 1989 by a group of local cowboys seeking a way to celebrate the classic equestrian events unique to the Sheridan area – polo, steer roping and bronc riding.
Today, Don King Days is an iconic hallmark of Sheridan summers, uniting both locals and out-of-towners every Labor Day Weekend for a true celebration of the horse and old-fashioned Western fun.
Unique format
Vicki Kane and Cecile Pattison have both served on the Don King Days committee almost since the start.
They say the event embodies the authentic spirit and traditions of the American West – a celebration of culture and community all in one.
“There’s no other event like Don King Days in Wyoming,” Vicki says.
Vicki and Cecile explain the unique format and location of Don King Days was inspired by the local Bill Eaton Days and the Pendleton Roundup in Pendleton, Ore.
In 1988, a group of local steer ropers including Dave Bliss, Bill Sims, Glenn Barlow and Alan and Irv Alderson grew tired of competing in dusty, dry arenas and began brainstorming an alternative location to host the Wyoming Steer Roping Association (WSRA) Finals.
Taking inspiration from the Pendleton Roundup where events are held on grass, the men considered the Big Horn Equestrian Center with its expansive fields and scenic mountain backdrop to be an ideal location.
Their conversations grew into an idea for a broader equestrian event, and the beginnings of Don King Days began to take root.
Polo was another natural fit, and the popularity of bronc riding at Bill Eaton Days led organizers to add one more core event to the lineup.
The first Don King Days was held in September 1989 and has since grown into a popular end-of-summer tradition to celebrate the best of Wyoming horsemanship.
Throughout the years, the three core events have remained at the heart of Don King Days, and the Big Horn Equestrian Center has played host to the iconic event since its inception.
Polo and steer roping
Don King Days serves as the backdrop for the Big Horn Polo Club’s largest tournament of the season, as well as the culminating event for the WSRA’s summer run.
Polo has been played in the area since 1898 when the Big Horn Polo Club was first established, making it one of the oldest polo clubs in the country.
The club’s season runs from the first week of June through Labor Day Weekend.
Don King Days draws talented polo players from all over the world to face off in a bracket-style tournament over the course of two days, culminating in the Don King Days Cup played on Monday.
The winning team is awarded coveted Don King Days belt buckles, handcrafted by local Silversmith Charlie Pattison of CAP Silver.
Steer roping has also been around since the late 1800s. The sport developed out of necessity, inspired by cowboys who worked with horses to doctor cattle on the vast open range.
The fields at the Big Horn Equestrian Center span roughly 80 acres of unfenced grass, making roping at Don King Days a smaller-scale but nonetheless comparable experience to riding the wide-open ranges of bygone days.
In the event, roughly 30 cowboys race against the clock to rope, turn and tie a steer in the least amount of time. The prize is a CAP Silver belt buckle and the title of the WSRA Champion Steer Roper.
Bronc riding
Don King Days does bronc riding a little differently than traditional rodeos, resulting in an unforgettable experience for riders and spectators alike.
Like the polo matches and steer roping, bronc riding takes place out on the open grass. Spectators set up lawn chairs around the perimeter for an up-close and personal view of the action.
The invitational match bronc riding brings a total of six cowboys selected from a seven-state region to compete over the course of two days.
To earn a score, cowboys must stay on for 10 seconds rather than the traditional eight. Each rider gets the chance to cover two horses, and bucking stock is supplied by Johnny Forbes of Kaycee.
The rider with the highest cumulative score after two days of competition takes home a custom Don King Days CAP Silver belt buckle.
Fun for all
In addition to showcasing high-caliber equestrian talent, Don King Days is renowned for its community atmosphere and entertainment offerings.
“I call it the last big picnic of the year,” Vicki says. “It’s a place to catch up with old friends and meet new people, and everyone really looks forward to it.”
After the action on the field each day, visitors are invited to cool off at the clubhouse with drinks, food and live music.
Vicki and Cecile estimate Don King Days garners a turnout of roughly 2,000 spectators each day, a mix of locals and visitors who flock to Sheridan for the one-of-a-kind experience every summer.
“Nowadays, it’s more of a destination event rather than people just passing through looking for something to do,” she adds.
The 38th Annual Don King Days celebration is scheduled for Sept. 6-7 at the Big Horn Equestrian Center, with events kicking off at 11 a.m. each day.
Admission for adults is $15 per person per day, while children under 12 and Veterans get in free.
All proceeds go toward putting on the next annual gathering, ensuring the event continues to preserve Wyoming’s Western heritage for years to come.
For more information on Don King Days, visit sheridanwyoming.org/festivals-events/don-king-days/ or follow @DonKingDays on Facebook.
Grace Skavdahl is the editor of the Wyoming Livestock Roundup. Send comments on this article to roundup@wylr.net.
