From the arena to the afterparty, this year’s rodeo brought together generations to honor the history and celebrate the future of Black cowboy and equestrian culture in Michigan.
With record attendance, historic firsts, and statewide impact, this year’s event laid the groundwork for something even bigger in 2026.
tHANK YOU LANSING!
Photos and videos coming soon! Follow us on Instagram and Facebook for updates.
The Michigan Heritage Rodeo, taking place on September 19 & 20, 2025, at the Michigan State University Livestock Pavilion in Lansing, Michigan celebrates the rich rodeo traditions of our community while providing a fun, educational, cultural, and family-friendly experience.
Friday: 1st Place - Drake Buell Saturday: No Qualifiers
Friday: No Score Saturday: No Score
Friday: 1st Place - Jaedyn Bartell Pedraza 2nd Place - Devin Branscomb Saturday: 1st Place - Jaedyn Bartell Pedraza Jadon Mayers
Friday: 1st Place - Leandrea Hill 2nd Place - Ania Hawkins 3rd Place - Staci Russell Saturday: 1st Place - Staci Russell 2nd Place - Ania Hawkins 2nd Place - Ken Carter
Friday: 1st Place - Max Clark Saturday: 1st Place - Max Clark
Friday: 1st Place - Leandrea Hill 2nd Place - Ania Hawkins Saturday: 1st Place - Ania Hawkins
Friday: 1st Place - Devonte, Deontay, Jaedyn 2nd Place - Max, Shanise, Rob 3rd Place - Erron, Billy, Lamar Saturday: 1st Place - Devonte, Deontay, Jaedyn 2nd Place - Ania, Leandrea, Bud 2nd Place - Devonte, Jaedyn, Thirza
Get your tickets to get in on the Official Michigan Heritage Rodeo weekend events in Lansing, MI
Sign-Up To Compete
Think you’ve got what it takes to ride with the best?
Now’s your chance to prove it. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or ready to make your debut, we’re calling all cowboys and cowgirls to compete for cash, glory, and a whole lotta bragging rights.
Proceeds of the event will provide underrepresented and historically marginalized youth greater exposure to equine opportunities through equestrian education, including horsemanship training and introduction to riding; exposure and support of equine academic pursuits and career training; and leadership development.
FCLTC was established in 2015 to provide a positive, safe, and structured equestrian environment for 7th graders to young adults interested in gaining equestrian knowledge. Through participation in positive youth programs, youth may reap a variety of positive developmental outcomes ranging from physical health, psychosocial development, academic achievement, mastery of skills, and reduction of risk-taking behavior. FCLTC takes this belief in youth development programming and adds another advantage, horses.
The Dream Warriors Project was developed by Transformational Victories, Inc. to assist young people in developing the character traits and leadership skills necessary to reach their full potential, create a blueprint to achieve their dreams, and make the best choices when faced with adversity and life’s overwhelming challenges. It stresses the importance of integrity, dedication and the pursuit of excellence in every endeavor.
Produced by the Best
Thyrl Latting, often considered Chicago’s original black cowboy, was the first to introduce Chicago’s inner-city kids to horsemanship. In the early 1950s, Latting competed in rodeos across the country and developed a reputation as a star horseman. He launched the Thyrl Latting Rodeo Spectacular, a black cowboy-centred rodeo, at Chicago’s International Amphitheater in 1964.
– BBC World News (bbc.com)
“The black cowboys of Chicago’s South Side”, September, 20, 2021
Join the MHR TEam
Want to be part of the action behind the scenes?
The Michigan Heritage Rodeo is now accepting volunteer sign-ups for both adults and youth (15-17 year old). Whether you’re helping with setup, greeting guests, or keeping things running smoothly during the event, your support helps bring this incredible community celebration to life.
Sign up today and be a part of the team that makes it all happen!
get the recap
Want to revisit the full experience of the 2025 Michigan Heritage Rodeo? Flip through our beautifully designed official event program featuring community spotlights, historical features, sponsor shoutouts, and the full rodeo overview for the history we made together in Lansing.
📚 Click the button below to open the digital flipbook and explore the legacy.
Our Supporters
Be Part of 2026
Planning for the 2026 Michigan Heritage Rodeo is already underway. Want to be a part of it? Whether you’re a vendor, performer, sponsor, or first-time rider, we want to hear from you.
