This year marks the 41st anniversary of a special event where the grit and skill of Oklahoma cowboys serve a heartfelt cause. Oklahoma Farm Report’s Maci Carter sat down with Lynn Phillips, a long-time announcer and one of the event’s initial planners, to discuss the history and mission of the Oklahoma Cattlemen’s Association (OCA) Ranch Rodeo, now known as “Cowboys Helping Kids.”
“I was actually on the initial planning committee 41 years ago,” Phillips told Carter, recalling how the event was first held in 1985 at the then-new Lazy E Arena, a great place “to have what was called the range Roundup.” Over the decades, its mission has evolved to focus on a powerful partnership.
A Natural Partnership: Cowboys and Children
The event’s core purpose is to raise funds for the Oklahoma Children’s Miracle Network. Through the years, the rodeo has raised nearly $700,000 for medical research in Oklahoma. When Carter asked about the partnership, Phillips explained that it’s a natural fit. “You know, a cowboy, if you think about it, what his real job is, he’s a steward, not only of the land, but of livestock as well. And there’s always a soft spot in his heart for children,” Phillips said.
This commitment is evident in the arena, where ranches actively contribute to the cause, even while competing. “You’ll see one of the ranches, Drummond Ranch, says the challenge. Here’s $100 that they’re putting in. Even though they’re competing, they want to contribute to the cause,” he noted. This year, the event hopes to raise $20,000 through donations, including a “pass the boot” tradition.
A Showcase of Ranching Heritage
The ranch rodeo features events that test skills used every day on a working ranch. Cowboys compete in events like powder branding, sorting, and timed events that require pulling specific cattle out of a herd. The rodeo is also a showcase for some of the best working ranch horses in the world.
Phillips highlighted the rich history of the teams, with some, like the Drummond Ranch, having participated for all 41 years. He also noted the presence of historic ranches, with some, like the Stewart Ranch, dating back to 1865. The event is not just a competition but a celebration of a way of life. “It’s just cool to sit back and watch these horses do and what these guys do every day for a living, when they fill out their tax form at the end of the year and it says occupation cowboy is what they write,” Phillips said.
For those interested in learning more or contributing to the cause, Phillips recommends contacting the Oklahoma Cattlemen’s Association, an organization with 5,000 members and a magazine, The Oklahoma Cowman, that covers the event and the history of the state’s ranching families.
