Long before he claimed a national title, Sage Allen was already proving himself in Cambridge, Idaho.
In 2023, the Blackfoot bareback rider swept both of Cambridge’s premier events—winning bareback riding at Hells Canyon Days’ Bulls N Broncs and again at the August Cambridge Rodeo. Those victories marked more than just a strong weekend; they were early signs of a competitor ready for the next level.
Just two seasons later, Allen’s career reached a major milestone when he earned the 2025 Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) Bareback Riding Rookie of the Year title. Over the course of the 2025 season, he won $97,369.61 and finished 25th in the world standings, firmly establishing himself among rodeo’s rising stars.
Reflecting on his time in Cambridge, Allen credits events like these for shaping his path.
“Rodeos like Cambridge are the perfect stepping stones for up-and-coming rodeo athletes,” Allen said. “The amount of added money and the caliber of bucking stock are outstanding. I loved going every year.”
Allen’s success story underscores the role the Cambridge Rodeo Association (CRA) has played for decades—providing a competitive, well-run stage where young athletes can test themselves against quality stock and seasoned competitors.
Formally organized in 1955, the Cambridge Rodeo Association continues a tradition that stretches back even further, when rodeo was already part of the town’s summer celebrations. The rodeo grounds, located on City of Cambridge property, are maintained and improved through ticket sales and sponsor support. Those efforts make possible two major annual events: the Cambridge Rodeo held during Washington County Fair week and the Hells Canyon Days Bulls N Broncs rough stock event.
CRA President Justin Mink describes the board as “a small but mighty crew” dedicated to preserving western heritage and keeping ranching traditions alive in the community. Each year, the Saturday night performance has become the unofficial “Come Home to Cambridge” event, drawing families, former residents, and visitors back to town.
According to CRA Director of Administration Kim Royer, Sage Allen’s journey illustrates exactly why Cambridge continues to sanction its rodeo with the Idaho Cowboy Association (ICA).
“Cambridge may be a small, remote community, but ICA sanctioning allows us to consistently produce a high-quality event—even on one of the busiest rodeo weekends of the summer,” Royer said.
ICA sanctioning brings accountability, professional judges and timers, and modern entry systems like High Call, giving contestants experience that closely mirrors PRCA standards. For many athletes, ICA rodeos provide a critical bridge between high school and college rodeo and the professional ranks of the PRCA or Women’s Professional Rodeo Association.
In 2025, Cambridge hosted 174 ICA contestants alongside more than 150 local competitors, a testament to the rodeo’s continued popularity. With attendance growing, the Rodeo Board is already looking ahead. Plans are underway to begin a formal fundraising campaign in 2026 for an additional grandstand to better serve fans and the community.
For competitors like Sage Allen, Cambridge wasn’t just another stop—it was part of the trail that led to professional success. And for the town, his story is a reminder that big dreams often take root in small arenas.
The Cambridge Rodeo returns the first weekend of August 2026. Follow Cambridge Rodeo and Bulls N Broncs on Facebook for updates and event information.
