Cinch World’s Toughest Rodeo, a registered trademark and innovative producer of western lifestyle events, was established in 1979 with a traditional rodeo format.  All of its events were held at indoor sports facilities in major cities and it underwrote and produced its own events in very untraditional markets. Within three years it became the largest privately held rodeo company in the US.  From 1981-1996 all of its events were sanctioned by the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association.  In 1996 the “Bulls and Broncs” format was developed. This was purely a business decision to be a better client for large NBA and NHL Arenas. The format was also designed to be more fan friendly to the non-traditional spectator. Sponsors and audience fell in love with “rodeo” because they become a part of the event.

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  This original Bulls and Broncs format is the most copied format in rodeo today.  The event features Bareback Riding, Saddle Bronc Riding, Bull Riding and Barrel Racing as well as the “Main Event”, Showdown Round with a head to head match up of the top two in each event.  It is unique combination of family entertainment and fast-paced professional rodeo action and a winner is crowned each performance… the ultimate fan experience.

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While owned by Steve Gander (founder) CWTR was in 28 states and Canada. Many of the events have been host cities for more than 25 years.  Cinch World’s Toughest Rodeo was featured at the famed Madison Square Garden in New York City 5 times. In 1993 WTR produced the command performance for Pres. Ronald Reagan and 11,000 guests in Washington, DC. CWTR also produced the original PRCA Pro Tour Finals. It is believed to be the first rodeo to put dirt on ice without having to remove the ice after the event. In the 80’s, 90’s and early 2000's, CWTR trail blazed more innovation in the sport and took the western lifestyle experience to cities where rodeo had never travelled.

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 Cinch World’s Toughest Rodeo continues to evolve while maintaining our mission of providing the ultimate western lifestyle experience to our fans.  Over the past 10 years, a free preshow was incorporated into the events.  Featuring interactive fun for adults and kids of all ages, Cinch World’s Toughest Rodeo was the first to add this personal experience to a rodeo event.  Fans are invited into the arena for one hour to meet and greet with both contestants and specialty entertainers for autographs and photographs.  Educational opportunities are presented as “behind the chutes tours."  They are hosted by CWTR staff and fans get to meet our animal superstars.  Free pony rides, interactive games or the opportunity to get your picture sitting on “Midnight”, CWTR’s favorite bull in the chutes… are just some of the activities where memories are made at the Cinch World’s Toughest Rodeo.