TH: Our rodeo is the same as it has been for almost 100 years. The wooden chutes are a little deeper and taller than most rodeos, and cowboys feel it’s harder to get down into them, and more of a challenge to get out quickly. Also, there is our huge arena with no advertising in it. Sponsors are not announced over the loud speaker, and there are no flags. It is what is called a “clean arena.” Here in Pendleton, animals get about a 60-foot head start in timed events—a bit longer than in arena rodeos. That’s part of the tradition. We’re also the only outdoor rodeo that takes place on grass. It is just the way Pendleton is done.

AC: How did Pendleton get the reputation of being “wild and wooly”?

TH: It all started back in 1910 when cowboys would come to town to celebrate after a long summer of hard work. They would demonstrate their day-to-day techniques—just cowboys doing what comes naturally. Also, with the clean arena, the stock has a better chance than in most arenas, which keeps it wild.

AC: What are some of the traditional events?

TH: We still have the very first event, which was Saddle Bronc riding. Steer roping is a premier event, and we’ve always had Native American races. It is a tremendous honor to win in Pendleton.

AC: Who competes?

TH: You have to have a PRCA card unless you are local. There is an exemption for locals. We have about 600 cowboys annually.

AC: Why is Pendleton such an honor to win?

TH: The huge, clean arena really tests a cowboy’s skill. For another thing, the money is good. Round-Up puts in $25,000 for each event in addition to the entry fees. A saddle is awarded to each event winner, and every champion gets a Resistol felt hat, boots, Pendleton Woolen Mills champion jacket, and a unique Pendleton Round-Up buckle with the three bucking horses on it.

AC: What makes Pendleton a celebration rather than just a huge rodeo?

TH: It’s a week-long event. Parades, a nationally-known entertainer in concert the Saturday night prior to Round-Up week, ProBull Riding, Hall of Fame inductions, Indian Beauty contests, dance competitions, and a Canyon nightly pageant. Not to mention free shows every night on Main Street.

AC: Why do you feel such a drive to participate?

TH: Round-Up is like cholesterol. When you get it in your blood, you can’t get it out!
My dad and uncles and my granddad all took part over the years, and I’ve had a part in it every year since I was a kid. I was a cast member in the Happy Canyon show for 15 or 16 years, which gave me the chance to portray the lifestyle and spirit of the early pioneers. It is a family tradition, and now my son is doing the job I once did. Jobs are handed down. My wife, Jennifer, who is a transplant, has adopted the spirit and has headed the ‘Tough Enough To Wear Pink’ campaign against breast cancer, which Pendleton has supported since 2006.

AC: What are you planning for the 2010 Centennial year?

TH: Our main goal is to entertain the crowds—show them what a traditional rodeo looks like. I want people to say ’Wow, this was something special.’ We want it special for the cowboys, too. The goal is to get the best stock from the best contractors. We hope to run the bucking events a little different, along with some of the prizes the cowboys win. We are going to bring back some traditional events that have taken place in the Pendleton arena over the years so people can see what it was like 100 years ago. We hope to have a Reunion of Past Cowboy and Cowgirl champions in conjunction with the 2010 celebration.

AC: What makes Pendleton World Famous?

TH: Since 1910 the top cowhands have come to compete here. National recognition was quick to follow. In fact, it spread like wildfire. The famed bucking contest between black George Fletcher, Native American Jackson Sundown, and white John Spain in 1911 and the cry of ‘Let ‘er Buck’ were heard around the world. Movie stars—some like Hoot Gibson, Yakima Canutt, Ben Johnson, and Mabel Strickland—actually competed. Past U.S. presidents, politicians from all sectors, authors, and artists have all made a stop here. Reba McEntire performed here before she was a star. (She’d been coming with her family since she was a little kid, daughter of famed steer roper Clark McEntire.) Charlie Daniels, Willie Nelson, Randy Travis, The Oak Ridge Boys, and Alabama, to name a few, have all headlined here. The spirit of Round-Up is kept alive by the hundreds of volunteers from the community each year who make it all happen. Pendleton might be a small town on the map (population 17,000) but its citizens are sophisticated and well-traveled. Their contacts and connections are worldwide.