What the South Dakota Timed Event Championship Rodeo Is
The South Dakota Timed Event Championship, often shortened to SDTEC, is a youth rodeo that crowns an all-around champion over two days at the South Dakota State Fair. The fair describes it as the stage for the area's elite youth rodeo contestants. It has been an annual fixture for more than a decade: organizers counted the 2020 edition as the 10th, 2021 as the 11th and 2023 as the 13th. Contestants have come from South Dakota, North Dakota, Wyoming, Iowa and Minnesota.
The Six Events
- Tie-down calf roping
- Breakaway roping
- Team roping
- Goat tying
- Barrel racing
- Steer wrestling
The overall title goes to the contestant who does best across the timed events, while individual event winners are recognized too. A Horse of the Championship award is also given, which in past years has gone to the same contestant who won the title.
Who Can Enter
The rodeo is open to youth ages 14 to 19, and any rodeo youth from across the country is eligible. Entries are limited, so do not wait for the deadline. Health papers are required for horses: a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection that lists individual animal identification and was issued within 30 days of arrival at the fairgrounds, handed in with the stall number at check-in. Papers for horses from outside South Dakota must meet that state's import rules, and the consignee must be listed as South Dakota State Fair, 1060 3rd St. SW, Huron, SD 57350.
Key Dates and Deadlines (2026 Edition)
| Item | Date |
|---|---|
| Entries due | August 15, 2026 |
| Round one | Saturday, September 5, 2026, 10 a.m., North Arena |
| Round two | Sunday, September 6, 2026, 10 a.m., North Arena |
The fair's horse department schedule also lists goat tying, breakaway roping and tie-down roping in the North Arena on Monday, September 7, as part of the horse program. The 2026 sponsors were Double D Western, Panhandle Slim, MackSteel Farm and Ranch Equipment and Glacial Lakes Energy. The next edition has not been posted yet; the State Fair itself is set for September 1 to 6, 2027.
Prizes: What You Get
The overall winner receives the title of South Dakota Timed Event Champion plus what the fair calls a sizable cash payout. Event winners receive trophy saddles. Recent champions include Linkyn Petersek of Colome in 2021, who also took Horse of the Championship, and Seth Gaikowski of Waubay in 2023, with Tierney Breen of Woonsocket as reserve all-around. In 2023 the event winners were Aubrey Moody (goat tying), Paden Belkham (calf roping), Tyler Esser (breakaway roping), Keylee Zancanella (barrel racing), Tristan Spencer (steer wrestling), and the team of Hannah Schubert and Jace Tekrony (team roping).
Stalling, Gate and Getting There
- The rodeo is held in the North Arena at the South Dakota State Fairgrounds, 1060 3rd St. SW, Huron, SD 57350.
- Horses for the timed event rodeo enter the fairgrounds through Gate 5. Other horses use Gate 4.
- Stalls were $30 per stall per night when bought online in advance and $35 per night on the day, with one bag of woodchips included.
- An overnight trailer parking permit is required for any trailer left on the grounds, and it must come with a valid entry and stall purchase.
- Everyone on the fairgrounds needs a gate admission wristband or pass.
Questions
Is this only for South Dakota kids?
No. Any rodeo youth from across the country, ages 14 to 19, is eligible, as long as an entry spot is available.
Can I enter by showing up that morning?
No. Entries were due August 15 in 2026 and the field is limited.
Do I need health papers?
Yes. The flyer states health papers are required, and a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection must be dated within 30 days of arrival.
Who do I call?
The State Fair office: 605-353-7340.
Official Links
- South Dakota Timed Event Championship Rodeo: State Fair event page
- 2026 flyer: dates, deadline and health papers notice
- 2026 horse exhibitor and participant book: stalls, gates and health rules
- 2023 champions
- 2021 champions
- 2020 champions
Major South Dakota Stock Shows and Rodeos: The Essentials
South Dakota's three marquee events are the State Fair in Huron, the Black Hills Stock Show and Rodeo in Rapid City, and the Days of '76 Rodeo in Deadwood.
State Fair
Held in Huron over Labor Day weekend: September 2-7 in 2026 and September 1-6 listed for 2027. 4-H and FFA members show beef, sheep, swine, goats, dairy, rabbits and poultry. 4-H deadlines are firm: enrollment May 31, ID and DNA June 1, YLL July 1, FairEntry August 1.
Black Hills Stock Show
Established in 1959 in Rapid City, listed for January 29 to February 6, 2027, with about 120 livestock, horse and rodeo events. Youth Day on February 6, 2027 offers judging, Skillathon, Hippology and a Beef Cook-Off.
Days of '76
A PRCA rodeo in Deadwood in late July, with free parades on Main Street Friday and Saturday.
Read the full guide: Major South Dakota Stock Shows and Rodeos
Other Upcoming Events Nearby
- South Dakota Farmers Union State Convention
Held each year; the most recent dates were Dec. 10-11, 2025, the 110th convention. Family farmers and ranchers gather in Huron for policy sessions that guide the organization.
Huron, SD | Organizer: South Dakota Farmers Union Official event details - South Dakota 4-H State Horse Show
Held each year; the most recent dates were July 13-15, 2026. Youth compete in showmanship, equitation, reining, barrel racing and pole bending, plus hippology and horse judging contests.
- Beadle County 4-H Achievement Days
Huron hosted Beadle County 4-H Achievement Days July 27-29, 2026, where clubs such as the Wolsey Cardinal Clovers earned awards for project and livestock exhibits.
Huron, SD | Organizer: SDSU Extension Beadle County 4-H Official event details - South Dakota State Fair
South Dakota State Fair in Huron ran September 2 to 7, 2026, with livestock shows, 4-H state competitions, ranch rodeo and timed event rodeo. Held each year around Labor Day.
- South Dakota State Fair FFA Livestock Shows
Held each year; the most recent dates were Sept. 5-7, 2026. FFA members exhibit breeding and market sheep, meat goats, rabbits, swine, dairy cattle and dairy goats in the State Fair barns at Huron.
All South Dakota events by date
Listing checked Nov. 11, 2026 against this source. Details can change; confirm with the organizer.