The Winner

Oil on Antique Metal (The metal sheet was used in the building of the Milwaukee, St. Paul, and Pacific Railroad, probably as a piece of a furnace.)
45″ x 35.75″
$3000
Contact to Purchase

Steffen Ranch
As the flyer proudly heralded, “Some of the most astounding Wild West Features ever seen in the state will be exhibited to the public. They will consist of saddle riding, bareback riding, steer riding, etc. These horses are the wildest and most untamable that ever grew hair. If you don’t believe it come and seem [sic] them – Cow Boy [sic] Running Race, Keg Roping, Potato Race on Horse Back – Big Bowery Dance at Night -Admission 50c … Fred Dreyer, Manager”

On July 25, 1922 over 200 folks swarmed onto Bill Steffen’s Ranch to witness history – the first- ever rodeo in eastern Montana. Participants and riders came from what now is five counties. The prize for the lucky winners was hard, cold cash, no fancy belt buckles back then. Native Americans flocked in, too, for they were eager to try their hands at the wild horse race.

The gentler sex really did not participate, for it was not lady-like to be standing close to the events, and back then there were neither stadiums nor grandstands where they could find a seat. They coyly gathered up on the hill overlooking the site, from which they had a good view while picnicking in the grass with neighbors they rarely saw and watching the little ones frolic.

Fred Dryer, a local homesteader, tried his talent as manager, found he was good, and decided this was for him. He quickly gave up his ranch, moved to California, and rumor has it he made it big, though the old-timers are not quite sure doing what. As to the winner of the bucking horse competition, it was a Prairie County rancher, Don Holt who walked away with the prize..