Behind The Chutes - Midwest Rodeo Stories

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Behind The Chutes - Midwest Rodeo Stories Behind The Chutes - Midwest Rodeo Stories works to preserve the history of rodeos throughout the Midwestern USA. We continue to grow on that basis.

It was once focused on the United Rodeo Association, formed in 1962 and now one of the country's largest rodeo associations. The United Rodeo Association is a non-profit organization established in 1962 that sanctions rodeos primarily in the nine-state area of Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Minnesota, Nebraska, Oklahoma, South Dakota, and Wisconsin. The URA season goes year round, beginning in September or October after the point cut-off for our Finals Rodeo. Our Championship Finals Rodeo is held each fall and features the top 15 contestants in each of nine events. (Bareback Riding, Saddle Bronc Riding, Bull Riding, Women's Barrel Racing, Calf Roping, Forty and Over Calf Roping, Breakaway Roping, Steer Wrestling and Team Roping)


The URA has averaged 800 members each of the past few years and annually approves or co-approves an average of more than 100 rodeos. Our strength is in giving solid support to regional rodeo within our established territory. Our primary goal is to work cooperatively with committees, stock contractors, members and contestants for our mutual success!

So much time after the rodeo is over the guitars come out. Here is an album from Randy Penrys grandson. Give it a listen...
08/30/2026

So much time after the rodeo is over the guitars come out. Here is an album from Randy Penrys grandson. Give it a listen and share your memories of all the guitar jam sessions.

‼️‼️IMPORTANT‼️‼️

Well I have some good news (for you)

Due to an unforseen error with the processing process (say that 5 times fast) my debut Album, Sunflowers, has been released early.

Now, this may ruin my plan to hype it up over the next week, BUT y'all have some awesome new music to stream, so you can help me hype it up.

Still looking forward the the release party this thursday, September 3rd at 785 Dive in Manhattan, KS!

Sunflowers is out now—give it a listen! 🎧 https://release.landr.com/991048958227

McKay rodeo company you all are in our thoughts and prayers.
08/25/2026

McKay rodeo company you all are in our thoughts and prayers.

Iowa cowboy Kenneth Waterhouse was an IRCA, IRA, and URA contestant as well as a supporter and encourager for young cont...
08/25/2026

Iowa cowboy Kenneth Waterhouse was an IRCA, IRA, and URA contestant as well as a supporter and encourager for young contestants. Thoughts and prayers to all his family and friends.

View Kenneth Waterhouse's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

Please share - we all get to share our respects 10/25. Details to come.The rodeo world has lost a gifted photographer, S...
08/02/2026

Please share - we all get to share our respects 10/25. Details to come.

The rodeo world has lost a gifted photographer, Stephanie Batman, whose talent captured not only the action in the arena, but the heart and spirit of our western community. Your photos preserved memories that will be treasured for generations. You will be deeply missed by so many. Sending heartfelt prayers and condolences to your family, friends, and everyone whose lives you touched. Rest in peace. Inspired By Rj

This fairgrounds has hosted many rodeos throughout the years. Corydon, IA was the home of the Sears Rodeo Company. Who w...
07/26/2026

This fairgrounds has hosted many rodeos throughout the years. Corydon, IA was the home of the Sears Rodeo Company. Who wants to share a memory that they have of that iconic rodeo company?

Prayers to the Domer family at this difficult time.
02/20/2026

Prayers to the Domer family at this difficult time.

Our hearts are shattered with the sudden passing of Oaklynn Rae Domer, the 3-year old daughter of 10-time WPRA World Champion Kelsie Domer and husband Ryan. Our thoughts and prayers are with them during this extremely difficult time.

02/09/2026

Todd Alan Holmes passed away February 1, 2026, at the age of 60. He was born on April 4,1965 to parents Paul and Cleo Sikkink Holmes in Sandstone, Minnesota. Todd spent his early years attending Hinckley Schools where he played basketball, ran track, and served as section leader in Choir.

There has been a change in services for David D**e.
02/06/2026

There has been a change in services for David D**e.

Share Memories and Support the Family.

02/02/2026

Thoughts and prayers to the family and friends of Davey D**e. He was quite the bull rider and loved by many in the rodeo world. RIP Davey.

As we head into time spent with family it seemed like a great time to share these old photos and see what memories they ...
11/26/2025

As we head into time spent with family it seemed like a great time to share these old photos and see what memories they bring back for everyone. Please feel free to share memories and Identify these contestants.

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Yates Center, KS

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