Honoring Wyoming’s Ranching Roots
The University of Wyoming Ranch Horse Team hosted its annual 3-Man Branding fundraiser on Saturday, drawing students, alumni, and local ranchers for a day of competition, teamwork and community support.
Held on Saturday, October 25, the event featured teams of three competing in timed branding runs, showcasing traditional ranching skills while raising critical funds for the student-run organization. The fundraiser, now in its third year, has become an important part of the team’s outreach efforts, helping cover travel costs, cattle expenses and show supplies for regional competitions.
The 3-man branding format mimics real-world ranch scenarios: one roper catches the calf’s head, another ropes the hind legs, and the third sets the calf and applies the brand. Each team races against the clock, judged on speed, technique and livestock handling. This year’s event drew 24 teams from across Wyoming and neighboring states, with participants ranging from seasoned ranch hands to UW students eager to test their skills.
“We love how our event encourages us to develop connections throughout the state of Wyoming with producers who come to compete,” said Erin Smith, UW Ranch Horse team president.
Spectators were able to watch the event, cheering on competitors and enjoying a donation-based breakfast and dinner meal provided by girls from the UW Sigma Alpha sorority. They provided donuts, pulled pork sandwiches, slaw, chips and desserts for competitors and all those who attended the event to enjoy.
Founded to enhance student horsemanship and promote the ranch horse industry, the UW Ranch Horse Team competes in events across the region. Members train in disciplines such as ranch trail, reining, pleasure, and working cow horse, blending athleticism with practical ranch skills.
The team controlled the whole event on Saturday. Providing and working cattle, helping in the arena, running the office, and announcing the ranch horse team members were important parts of keeping the day going smoothly and staying efficient.
“This event is so important to us and helps us cover costs for our shows and rental fees of the cattle we use during the 3 Man Branding and our practices,” said Smith.
UW Ranch Horse team member, Morgan Wyyialowski, competed in the event for the first time.
The fundraiser also serves as a bridge between UW’s campus and Wyoming’s ranching community. Many participants are alumni or local ranchers with ties to the university, eager to support the next generation of horsemen and women.
“I really enjoyed my experience at the three-man branding,” said UW student Morgan Wywialowski. “It was an amazing first experience for my young horse and I cannot wait to compete again.”
That sentiment was echoed by attendees who praised the team’s commitment to tradition and education. Several ranchers offered mentorship opportunities and invited students to visit their operations, reinforcing the event’s role as a networking hub.
Among the day’s standout performances was the team of DJ Tidyman, James Graves and Cutter Dehart with a three-minute 31-second composite time. Their precision and teamwork earned them first place and a nice paycheck to end the day. In a close second place was the team of James Graces, DJ Tidyman and Boyd Supan with a four-minute 43-second composite time.
The event tied well into Wyoming tradition and left all who attended feeling a sense of community. The cowboy and their job of branding cattle will never fade in western culture. The 3 Man Branding is just another way to keep the spirit alive.
With the fall competition season coming to an end, the Ranch Horse Team is gearing up for one last show in Sterling, Colorado. The funds raised at the branding will help cover travel and lodging, ensuring the team can compete at full strength.
The team also plans to host more clinics and outreach events in the spring, continuing its mission to promote horsemanship and connect students with the ranching world.
