What is The Cowboy Roundup?

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Photos in Article by Michael Magill Photography and Ellee Hageman

By Ellee Hageman for The Cowboy Roundup

SHAWNEE, Wyoming (Nov. 9th, 2022) — Picture this: you are in the stands of your favorite outdoor rodeo. It’s warm but not too hot, there’s enough of a breeze that as the announcer asks you to stand for the national anthem you can see Old Glory in all of her beauty. With your hand over your heart, listening proudly, you hear the sound of the bucking horses impatiently kicking the chute waiting for their turn at your attention. The announcer comes across the speaker asking you to bow your head, you pray for a safe and exciting performance. As the pickup men enter the arena and the prayer closes you realize this is rodeo, it’s the only sport that truly thrives in its love of God, Liberty, & Country. The Cowboy Roundup was created to protect this moment for generations to come.

The Cowboy Roundup is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization in place to safeguard youth in rodeo through cowboy gatherings with rodeo, family, and friends sharing and fellowship to conserve the western lifestyle across the US. Our organization brings experience and knowledge to the youth that want to see Rodeo continue and to protect the traditions that have shaped the sport.

Jr. Championship Roughstock Rodeo Gillette WY – Photo by Michael Magill Photography

The Cowboy Roundup currently awards 9 scholarships to youth 7-24 years old to attend rodeo clinics and further their skills and education. The scholarship is up to $1,500 and can be used toward the cost of the clinic, transportation, lodging, and safety equipment. With huge hopes for growth every year.

In order to accomplish all of this we need your help. This week from November 9th – November 11th we are holding a virtual silent auction with great items including, hand painted stemware, one of 3 Crooked Nose posters in circulation, a 60th-anniversary NFR Contestants Jacket, and many more. You can visit the link here; https://app.galabid.com/tcrsilentauction/register.

You can also find out more information and make direct donations on our website found here; https://www.thecowboyroundup.com/get-involved.

Thank you from all of us at The Cowboy Roundup.

Danny O'Donnell

Danny co-founded Cowboy Lifestyle Network (CLN), now a western media powerhouse with over 4 million fans. CLN’s success reflects his deep understanding of the western community—not just its spirit, but its economic heartbeat—connecting businesses, events, and enthusiasts in a thriving industry. With this massive reach, Danny has become a trusted voice on rodeo culture, horse care, and Western traditions, covering events from the Houston Livestock Show to the Super Bowl Party Trophy Bar. His journey to building this platform began in Arizona, where he spent eight years in Pinal County’s 4-H program, learning ranching by caring for lambs and getting to know the land like an old friend. At Arizona State University, Danny shone as a two-time "All American" diver and team captain, graduating with a business degree that sparked his entrepreneurial drive. After a decade in corporate management sharpening his leadership skills, he launched CLN. "Giving back has always mattered to me," Danny shares. His support for Horses Help, Harris Brothers Charity Foundation, and a 25-year CLN Christmas Toy Drive proves it, building community trust through action.