Do you play a musical instrument? Do you miss the camaraderie of playing in a band? Like to ride horses? Would you like to be part of one of the world’s most unique musical groups? Then the Pendleton Round-Up Mounted Band is the answer to your needs.
The Pendleton Round-Up Mounted Band is one of the most unique and celebrated traditions of the world-famous rodeo. Founded in 1911 by R.W. Fletcher, the Cowboy Round-Up Mounted Band has been an iconic ambassador of the Round-Up, performing during the event and traveling across the Northwest and even to the Calgary Stampede. A Spokane newspaper in 1912 noted the band's fame, saying, “27 bands will perform including the famous mounted band from Pendleton, Oregon.” A mural marking the band’s 1913 appearance at the Calgary Stampede still graces a wall in Calgary.
As far as anyone can tell, the band remains the only mounted band in the United States, with musicians performing Sousa-style marches and upbeat tunes entirely on horseback. After a hiatus, Judge Richard Courson, a much-admired World War II Marine combat veteran, revived the mounted band in 1985 with the help of Pendleton High School Band Director Bob Herbig. Courson was inspired by one of his earliest memories—watching the band in the Westward Ho Parade when he was just four years old. His efforts ensured future generations could share in the exhilaration he felt as a child. Thanks to Courson and his successors, Pendleton has America’s only mounted band.
Despite the long association with the Pendleton Round-Up, the mounted band officially became part of the Round-Up family in 2018. As Round-Up President Dave O’Neill said, “We are pleased to formally welcome the mounted band into the Round-Up family. The Pendleton Mounted Band has long been a great ambassador for the Round-Up, and our fans love watching them perform. As the only mounted band in America, they are another example of what makes the Round-Up such a historic and unique experience.” Becoming an official part of the Round-Up has allowed the band to receive better support and promotion for their activities.
The mounted band performs at the Round-Up stadium, serenading delighted spectators, and makes a star turn during the Westward Ho Parade. Surveys indicate that the mounted band is one of the Round-Up’s most popular features. They are frequently invited to perform at parades across the Northwest and recently traveled as far as the Reno Rodeo.
The band currently includes 35 members, with about 15 musicians who perform while navigating their horses through parades and arena appearances. Members come from all over Oregon, as well as from Texas and Washington. They rely on outriders and ground crew to assist with horses and ensure safety. New members are always welcome, and the band is seeking adventurous individuals with musical talent who are willing to learn horseback riding. A mentoring program teaches horsemanship, matches new members with seasoned, music-experienced horses, and schedules practices throughout the spring and summer. Performances ramp up with local parades and events leading into the much-anticipated Round-Up performances in September.
Joining the Pendleton Mounted Band offers the chance to be part of a storied tradition and experience the unmatched camaraderie of performing on horseback. Whether you're a seasoned rider or a musician looking for a new challenge, the Pendleton Mounted Band offers an unforgettable partnership between music, horses, and community.
Please contact Emmett Moore at 541-379-4762 for information on how you can get involved and become a member of this one-of-a-kind, historic group You can also visit their Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1000699528...