Draw It Out® Horse Health Care News
Pendleton Round-Up History: Let'er Buck Since 1910
The Pendleton Round-Up grew from a 1909 community celebration into a major Oregon rodeo whose first official show opened on September 29, 1910.
Quick answer: The documented story begins with local leaders organizing an annual frontier exhibition after the 1909 celebration. The nonprofit incorporated in July 1910, Roy Raley became its first president, and roughly 7,000 people attended the first show.
From a 1909 celebration to an annual event
The Round-Up's official history traces the idea to a July 4, 1909 celebration featuring bronc riding, horse races involving Indigenous and non-Indigenous riders, community contests, feasts, dancing, and fireworks. Local leaders saw the potential for an annual event timed after harvest and late-summer livestock work.
The first Round-Up
The Northwestern Frontier Exhibition Association incorporated on July 29, 1910. Roy Raley served as the first president. The opening show on September 29, 1910 drew a reported crowd of about 7,000 and quickly established the event as a regional attraction.
What makes Pendleton different
The broad grass infield, the Let'er Buck identity, strong volunteer culture, and continuing Indigenous participation distinguish Pendleton from a generic arena rodeo. That history should be described with care. Indigenous communities are participants with living cultures, not decorative scenery in somebody else's Western story.
Growth, interruption, and continuity
The Round-Up expanded rapidly, built large grandstands, drew visitors from across the United States and abroad, and returned after two World War II cancellations. Its staying power comes from community ownership and a program that connects rodeo, parades, cultural events, and local tradition.
Read the official record
For dates, founding details, and the organization's own account, visit the official Pendleton Round-Up history. Current schedules and tickets change each year and should be checked on the event's live site.
Frequently asked questions
When was the first Pendleton Round-Up?
September 29, 1910.
Who was the first president?
Roy Raley was elected the first president of the incorporated association.
Where is it held?
Pendleton, Oregon.
What does Let'er Buck mean here?
It is the event's long-standing rallying cry and a central part of the Round-Up identity.
Historical details were checked against the official Pendleton Round-Up history. This article is educational and is not the event's official site.
