Sheriff's Posse Stampede

The Sheriff's Posse Stampede is one of Farmington's most beloved summer rodeo events — a grassroots competition hosted by the San Juan County Sheriff's Posse at their arena at 9001 Marseille Blvd on the south side of town. While the Casper Baca Bull Riding and the San Juan County Fair draw the biggest numbers, the Stampede is where you get the truest taste of local cowboy culture — intimate, affordable, and run entirely by volunteers who live and breathe western heritage.

About the Sheriff's Posse Stampede

The Stampede is the marquee event of the San Juan County Sheriff's Posse, a volunteer organization that has been part of the Farmington community for decades. The Posse's roots trace back to a time when mounted volunteers served alongside local law enforcement, patrolling rangeland, assisting with search and rescue, and providing security at community events. Today the organization focuses on preserving western heritage, supporting community causes, and putting on rodeo events that keep the cowboy tradition alive for the next generation.

The Stampede typically takes place on a weekend in June or July, making it a highlight of the summer rodeo season in the Four Corners. The event runs for one or two evenings at the Posse's dedicated outdoor arena, with competitions kicking off in the late afternoon as the desert heat begins to ease and the golden light settles over the arena.

Events & Competition

The Stampede features a full card of classic rodeo events that showcase the skills cowboys and cowgirls use on working ranches across the Four Corners:

• Bull Riding: The headliner event. Local and regional riders take on bucking bulls in the traditional eight-second format. The Posse arena's compact size puts spectators close to the chutes, so you can feel the ground shake when a 1,800-pound bull explodes out of the gate.
• Barrel Racing: Cowgirls and cowboys race their horses in a cloverleaf pattern around three barrels, competing for the fastest time. The speed and precision of top barrel racers is remarkable, and the crowd energy builds with each run.
• Team Roping: A header and a heeler work together on horseback to rope a steer in the fastest time possible. Team roping is one of the most popular events in the Four Corners, and the Stampede draws solid entries from roping partners across the region.
• Bronc Riding: Saddle bronc and bareback riding test a rider's balance, timing, and toughness on bucking horses. These events connect directly to the ranch skills that built the West — breaking and riding unbroken horses was a daily reality for early cowboys.
• Steer Wrestling: Also known as bulldogging, competitors leap from a running horse onto a steer and wrestle it to the ground. It requires speed, strength, and fearlessness in equal measure.
• Youth Events: Mutton busting, junior barrel racing, and other age-appropriate events give young riders a chance to compete. The Posse is committed to bringing up the next generation of rodeo athletes.

Family Activities & Atmosphere

What sets the Stampede apart from larger rodeo productions is its community atmosphere. The Sheriff's Posse Arena at 9001 Marseille Blvd is an outdoor venue with bleacher seating that puts you right on top of the action. You can lean on the arena fence, watch the cowboys warm up behind the chutes, and chat with competitors and stock handlers between events. The concession stand serves burgers, hot dogs, drinks, and snacks at reasonable prices. Local vendors sometimes set up tables with western goods and crafts.

The Posse members themselves run every aspect of the event — from the arena crew that grooms the dirt between events to the announcer calling the action to the gate crew loading bulls into the chutes. There is a pride and authenticity to the Stampede that comes from an organization putting on an event they genuinely care about, not just a commercial production. Kids run around in the dirt, families spread out blankets on the hillside above the bleachers, and the sunset over the mesas provides a backdrop that no indoor arena can match.

Schedule & Logistics

About the San Juan County Sheriff's Posse

The San Juan County Sheriff's Posse is a volunteer organization with a long history in the Farmington area. Originally formed as a mounted auxiliary to assist the county sheriff's office, the Posse has evolved into a community organization dedicated to western heritage, charitable work, and rodeo. Members maintain their own horses and equipment, volunteer hundreds of hours each year, and fund their activities through events like the Stampede and private donations.

The Posse's arena and clubhouse at 9001 Marseille Blvd serve as a year-round gathering place for the western community. Throughout the spring and summer, the arena hosts practice nights for team roping, barrel racing, and other events. Horsemanship clinics and youth riding programs are offered periodically. The Posse also participates in community parades, charity rides, and search-and-rescue support when called upon by county authorities.

If you are interested in learning more about the Sheriff's Posse or attending one of their non-Stampede events, stop by the arena on a practice night — visitors are welcome, and the members are happy to talk about what they do.

Stay at Sundowner Park

Sundowner Mobile Home & RV Park at 219 Airport Dr is approximately 6 miles from the Sheriff's Posse Arena — about a 12-minute drive. Our 34 full-hookup RV sites include 30/50 AMP electric, water, sewer, and free WiFi. At $270 per week, you can enjoy the Stampede and spend the rest of the weekend exploring Farmington's other attractions.

The park is conveniently located near grocery stores, restaurants, gas stations, and San Juan Regional Medical Center. Between events, check out area attractions like Aztec Ruins National Monument (15 miles), Navajo Lake State Park (25 miles), or the Bisti Wilderness (35 miles). For more rodeo action, see the full Farmington rodeo events calendar.

Ready to book? Visit our RV spaces page or call (505) 327-1671 to reserve.