Scroll Down For Entry Forms – No Cost To Enter

HORSES! HORSES! HORSES!
and MORE FUN!

Saturday, October 5

The Cowboy Parade is the largest and most spectacular event in the Durango Cowboy Gathering. Historic wagons and carriages, fashionable ladies and gents dressed in period costumes, buckaroos on stick horses, dancers, walkers and lots of horses, mules and burros make this parade a family favorite. 2024 will be an even greater with the addition of the first “Horseback Social.”

Six blocks of historic downtown Main Avenue (from College Drive to 12th Street) will be parade-barricaded* so that hundreds of horseback riders can hang out, socialize, and ride with friends.

Spectators can meet real cowboys, cowgirls, and horses up close. As special area will be set up to give free horseback rides to kids age 12 and younger under the supervision of their parent(s) and professional wranglers.

There will be LOTS of street activities and events along Main Avenue to showcase our western culture and the agricultural heritage of our community. From saddle making, to horseshoeing, to a petting coral, there’s something for all ages and interests. Everything is kid and family friendly.

Downtown merchants and restaurants will be open and eagerly await your visit!

• 7:30AM – 11:00AM: Chuckwagon Breakfast (8th Street & Main Ave.)
• 8:00AM – 10:00AM: Horseback Social (Main Avenue from College Drive to 12th Street)
• 10:30AM: Cowboy Parade

*Parade barricades will be set up the full length of the riding area to keep spectators separated from the horseback riders. With the rider’s permission, spectators may reach across the barrier to pet horses and take photos.

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ENTRY DEADLINE – Entries for Cowboy Parade and Horseback Social must be received by Thursday, Oct 3. 6:00 PM

• Cowboy Parade online entry form (one per parade entry in addition to “participation forms” below)
• Cowboy Parade entry form (downloadable PDF)

Every person participating in the Cowboy Parade and / or Horseback Social must complete a “Participation and Release Form” below. The forms are valid for both events – No need to fill out twice.

The Participation and Release Forms serve as entry into the Horseback Social. There is not a separate entry form for the Horseback Social.

• Adult participation and release form (both Parade and Horseback Social)
• Adult participation and release form (both Parade and Horseback Social) – (downloadable PDF)

• Child participation and release form (both Parade and Horseback Social)
• Child participation and release form (both Parade and Horseback Social) – (downloadable PDF)

• Horsemanship Requirements (downloadable PDF)

Wristbands

All participants in the 2024 Cowboy Parade and Horseback Social will receive a commemorative wristband for entering (the yellow one, silver not included). This will also serve as proof that liability release is signed. Pick up at check-in on Saturday Morning. View Wristbands here.

Street Events and Exhibits

Individuals, organizations, and businesses are encouraged to host a compatible Street Event or Exhibit during the Cowboy Parade and Horseback Social. For example, we will have street exhibits for blacksmithing, saddle making, 4-H youth programs, Colorado Mustang Rescue, Farm Bureau, Horse Doctor (veterinarian).

Application Form (downloadable PDF)

2024 Cowboy Parade – Grand Marshals
Lindy and Eldon Simmons

Lindy and Eldon Simmons are ranchers in the Mancos Valley where they raise lowline Angus cattle. They are perpetual volunteers and often host chuckwagon dinners that benefit various groups in the Mancos area.

Lindy Simmons has been a member of the Durango Cowboy Gathering Board of Directors for more than twenty years and served as its President for two years.

Lindy is a well-known cowboy poet and winner of the 2021 International Western Music Association Poetry Contest. She has been cited as a visionary for her annual Cowboy Theater production known as a “Variety Show With a Twist.” The program has played for 16 years during the annual Durango Cowboy Gathering. Lindy was also a professor at Fort Lewis College for more than 40 years and now dedicates much of her time to the Mancos Valley Historical Society.

Eldon Simmons is a former rodeo cowboy and Monfort pen rider. He worked as a Forest Service range biologist and long-term Mancos Rural Water manager while running his own cattle operation. He also owns River Traders Saddlery which specializes in custom saddles and leather repair.

For many years, Eldon has been deeply involved in western youth activities. He serves as a 4-H livestock, rodeo, and FFA leader. He was also a County Fair, Habitat Partnership, and Natural Resources board member.