2026 Mutton Bustin’ 

Calling all aspiring cowboys and cowgirls-in-the-making — the chance to ride into the sunset on the back of a trusty sheep is almost here. Starting Feb. 1, Reno Rodeo will be accepting applications for mutton bustin’, the wildly popular event where future cowboys and cowgirls mount their sheep, hold on tight and ride across the grand arena for as long as they can hold on.

Applications for 2026 Reno Rodeo mutton bustin’ will be open from Feb. 1 at 10 a.m. through Feb. 9 at 10 a.m. On Feb. 9 at 10:30 a.m. a computerized random selection will determine the lucky applicants who will receive notifications about their successful entry. Successful applicants must submit a $100 entry fee to secure their spot. Those not selected will be notified and added to a waitlist. Applications for 2026 are now closed.

They may be small, but they are not faint of heart! Eligible contestants must be no less than five years of age, no more than seven years of age and may not weigh more than 65 pounds as of June 18, 2026.

Mamas, if you don’t want your babies to grow up to be cowboys, you best keep them away from Mutton Bustin’. Sure, it looks innocent enough, but does anybody really know how many cowboys got their first real taste of rodeo riding from a sheep? Young cowboys and cowgirls wanna be’s will get their chance in the arena each evening as they mount their trusty sheep and head for the thrill of their young lives!