2025
Ranch rodeo
Michiana Event Center, Shipshewana, IN
Come join us at the MEC for the largest Ranch Rodeo east of Mississippi! Enjoy family fun and kid-friendly activities with lots of laughs and excitement! Brought to you by Premier Western Sports and Cornwell Bucking Bulls.
Admission
Premier Rows A-E - Ticket Price Online - $39.95 (Blue)
Premier Rows A-E - Ticket Price at the Door - $50.00
Rows F-Q - Ticket Price Online - $29.95 (Orange)
Rows F-Q - Ticket Price at the Door - $40.00
**Children, ages 0-3, may sit on the lap of an accompanying adult at no additional charge. For more information, contact us at 260-768-4990.
**Outside food, drink, and firearms are prohibited.
Schedule
**Doors open at 5:00 pm
April 11th, Friday - 7:00 pm
April 12th, Saturday - 7:00 pm
Events Include
Bronc Bustin’
Calf Roping
Team Trailering
Wild Cow Milking
Pony Express
Mutton Bustin' for Kids (6pm - registration on-site only, registration is 5:00-5:45pm, equipment is provided, additional fees apply)
No age limit, weight limit 50lbs.
**Outside food, drink, and firearms are prohibited.
Vendor Information
Want to be a vendor at the Ranch Rodeo? Contact Ryan or Lori at 330-359-6166 for vendor information and requirements!
What Is a Ranch Rodeo?
A Ranch Rodeo is a thrilling, team-based competition that showcases the real-life skills used every day on working cattle ranches. Unlike traditional rodeos that focus on individual timed or scored events like bull riding or barrel racing, ranch rodeos are all about teamwork, authenticity, and gritty cowboy know-how.
In a Ranch Rodeo, events mirror real ranch scenarios—things like herding wild cattle, branding (mock branding, of course), trailer loading, and wild cow milking. Teams of working cowboys and cowgirls (usually four to six people) compete in timed challenges that demand speed, precision, and communication, just like they’d need out on the range.
Key Ranch Rodeo Events You’ll See in Shipshewana:
Bronc Bustin’ – A crowd favorite! Watch skilled riders attempt to stay atop a bucking bronco, testing their grit and balance.
Team Trailering – Just like on a real ranch, cowboys must sort, load, and trailer cattle as fast as possible.
Calf Roping – A fast-paced event that requires pinpoint accuracy, this classic cowboy skill is both functional and exciting to watch.
Wild Cow Milking – Yes, it’s just as wild as it sounds. Teams must rope and milk a wild cow in the fastest time.
Pony Express Relay – A nod to the Old West, this high-speed relay on horseback is an adrenaline-pumping crowd pleaser.
Mutton Bustin' – For the little buckaroos! Kids get the chance to ride sheep in this adorable, fan-favorite event.
Why It’s Special
Ranch Rodeos aren’t just about flashy performances—they’re about honoring the Western way of life. It’s a celebration of hard work, horsemanship, and the unshakable bond between rider and animal. This kind of rodeo is deeply rooted in cowboy culture and offers a more authentic, down-to-earth experience than your typical pro-rodeo tour.
If you're in the Midwest, the Shipshewana Ranch Rodeo at the Michiana Event Center (MEC) is the largest of its kind east of the Mississippi, making it a must-see event for rodeo lovers, families, and anyone looking for an unforgettable night of Western action.
Yoder’s Meat & Cheese: Event Sponsor
Jess Performance: Event Sponsor
Show Promoter: Premier Western Sports
Show Promoter: Cornwell Bucking Bulls
Blue Gate Restaurant & Theater: Event Sponsor
Bobcat of Michiana: Event Sponsor
