BELLE FOURCHE—Started in 1966 by two 4H Clubs coming together to put on a rodeo for their members and growing to what it is today, the Butte County 4H Rodeo has been an annual tradition in the Belle Fourche community for 59 years.
Originally scheduled for May 24, 2025 the Butte County 4H Rodeo had to be postponed due to wet ground conditions. “We got a lot of rain and it was wonderful to get all the rain, but the arena was just so so wet and we decided to postpone it to hopefully get better ground for all the kids,” explained Abby Olson, Board Member. “We want to keep them safe.”
Rescheduled for the morning of July 11, the weather did not feel like playing along. In the middle of July, the day brought cold and rain. But the cold and the rain couldn’t keep over 300 contestants from making the trek to Belle Fourche to compete for their chance to win a spot in the South Dakota 4H Finals Rodeo. It is held in Fort Pierre, SD August 15, 16 and 17. Contestants get to the finals by finishing in the top four in each event for the junior and senior divisions at any qualifying 4H rodeo.
The rodeo date being moved until after the Black Hills Roundup worked to the benefit of the Butte County 4H rodeo, because even with the rain, the ground was good for the contestants and their animals. Olson explained, “They’ve (BHRU Committee) done a lot of work preparing for the Black Hills Roundup, and they do a great job of getting the arena prepped for that. So we get to take advantage of it by having our rodeo right after them, so that is kind of nice!”
The date change didn’t hinder turn out, in fact according to Olson turn out was higher on the second rodeo date.
Shanna Howell announced the rodeo for the main arena and kept things moving along. She made sure to thank sponsors and volunteers throughout the day. Danelle Mutchler was the voice for the roping arena.
New this year was the Hot Shot Award given in memory of John L Skogberg. The award was presented to a rodeo contestant that excels in the arena but also in life. This year the honor was given to Bayzen Curtis, a junior boy from Spearfish, SD.
The Butte County 4H Rodeo gives out two special awards. “We give out two saddle certificates to Triple R and we award it to the high point cowgirl and the high point cowboy for all of the points they accumulate throughout the day,” said Olson. “So that is kind of the big surprise at the end!”
