The Association Team Sorting event at the Reno Rodeo showcases skill, teamwork and precision, bringing together horse and rider in a fast-paced cattle sorting competition.

Held inside two opposing round pens connected by a 16-foot opening, teams work to sort numbered cattle as efficiently as possible. The event requires careful coordination, as competitors move cattle from one pen to the other in a specific order while racing against the clock.

Preparation begins the day before the event, when committee members set up the competition pens and alleyways used to rotate multiple herds of cattle. Once the cattle arrive, they are cared for overnight with proper feed and water. On the morning of the event, experienced committee members prepare the cattle by numbering them for competition.

Throughout the day, volunteers and committee members take on a variety of roles to ensure the event runs smoothly—from announcing and timing to flagging runs and managing gates for competitors entering and exiting the arena. To keep the competition fair and the cattle fresh, herds are rotated regularly during the event.

Following the competition, participants and committee members gather to celebrate the day’s accomplishments. Awards are presented to the team with the fastest time and the individual who sorts the most cattle.

At the conclusion of the event, the committee works together to break down the setup, care for the cattle and restore the grounds. The day ends with a well-earned moment to reflect on the event and the camaraderie that makes the Association Team Sorting committee a valued part of the Reno Rodeo.