Safety Upgrades Protect Growing Number of Lander Rodeo Arena Users

In Lander, hundreds of residents use the Lander Old Timer’s Rodeo Association (LOTRA) barn and indoor arena weekly through various community organizations, but increased use has created serious safety hazards. Heavy traffic packs the arena soil rock-hard, creating dangerous landing surfaces for riders, while rusted, broken cattle chutes scrape users, risking infection and injury. When the volunteer president of LOTRA recognized these acute safety issues, she reached out to LOR with a plan to address the most critical hazards. After consulting with a soil expert, LOTRA will install a water tank and sprayer system plus increase grooming from six to seven days per week, keeping soil soft and extending its lifespan from eight years to 12. New livestock gates and panels will replace the deteriorating chutes that pose rust and injury risks. These improvements support the barn’s revitalization under new leadership—transforming it into a thriving community asset used free of charge by groups like 4-H, Popo Agie Conservation District, and youth rodeo programs. LOR’s funding will help purchase watering equipment, plumbing supplies, livestock panels, and safety signage.