Billings, MT–There's a saying that the most dangerous saying for an operation is 'do it the way it's always been done,' that's not a sentiment that the NILE embraces. Continuously striving to improve and adjust the organization while maintaining core values is a balancing act the staff, board, and volunteers embody.
There are a few changes for the 49th annual stock show and rodeo. First thing is the kick off event! To start the week, the Farstad Oil Ranch Rodeo Finals Saturday night, October 15 at 7 p.m. Historically the ranch rodeo was Wednesday night. To truly highlight this crowd-favorite event it has been moved to the first Saturday of the NILE. To purchase tickets go to metrapark.com
With this change the horse events schedule also adjusted. PRCA and WPRA slack moved from Thursday morning to Wednesday evening at 6 p.m.This then allows the Gold Buckle Select Horse Futurities to begin at 8:30 a.m. Thursday and run all day. Both events are free and open to the public.
A brand new event to the NILE is the Battle on the Yellowstone Timed Events Challenge Sunday, October 16. Twenty contestants will compete in team roping–heading and heeling, tie down roping, and steer wrestling. Each contestant will do all four events, whoever has the fastest total time wins. There will be three rounds and a Calcutta. The first round begins at 9 a.m. followed immediately by the second round. Calcutta 5:30 p.m. followed by the third and final round at 6 p.m.
The AQHA Ranching Heritage Challenge and NRCHA Cow Horse Bash are being combined into one day and time Wednesday, October 19. The classes will be separate and all scoring will be separate. This new change allows for people to enter both shows without having to scramble to get back and forth. It also allows more time in between classes for exhibitors to warm up and cool down horses, switch horses, and provide for a better experience. Moving the NRCHA Cow Horse Bash to the Rimrock Auto arena from the Super Barn provides for more space for spectators and an elevated show experience for the exhibitors.
In an effort to grow the number and dollar amount of scholarships given by the NILE Foundation an Art Show and Sale become an addition to the NILE. Local, western artists will have various pieces on display for the public to view each evening before the rodeos, October 15, 20-22. The art display is hosted in the SkyBox area of the third floor of the RimRock Auto Arena. Bronzes, paintings and other pieces of art can be viewed while enjoying a beverage before the rodeo starts. The artwork may be purchased during these times and the proceeds benefit the NILE Foundation that supports scholarships.
In the cattle barn new breeds join the line up, as well as returning breed shows with additional accreditation. Simmental Breed Show is Monday, October 17 at 9 a.m. The Lowline Cattle breed also joins with their show Saturday, October 22 at 8 a.m. The Charolais show is now an ROE show Tuesday, October 18 at 8 a.m. Short Horn Show is not Short Horn Plus and added a junior division Sunday, October 16 at 8 a.m.
Dr. Ron Gill from Texas A & M teaches about low stress cattle handling practices Wednesday, October 19 in the ExpoCenter Arena from 2-5 p.m. This event is presented by BQA and NCBA and is free and open to the public.
Come check out the NILE to see the changes in person! Check out the full schedule at www.thenile.org or call (406) 256-2495.
