Past historic brick storefronts and down Grand Avenue, pickup trucks pull decorated floats and high school marching bands stride in step. Among the other parade participants, an unassuming wagon of waving people is escorted by horseback riders. This is the Marland Roundup Club, and while many Ponca City residents may not recognize the Club’s name, they have probably seen the horses and their riders in countless parades over the years.
The Marland Roundup Club is a nonprofit organization located in nearby Marland, Oklahoma. It was founded in 1962 and has been active in the surrounding area since its inception. Its mission—preserve Western heritage by building a supportive community around equestrian sports.
“The Club helps horsemen, especially younger riders, further their knowledge of, and love for, horses through activities they can do with their horses,” said Walter Evans, president of the Marland Roundup Club.
The Club operates and maintains a small arena where it regularly hosts its events and activities, including horsemanship clinics, play days (also called free days or open arena) and shodeos.
“The events create a safe environment for riders to practice their skills,” said Casey Leiding, the Club’s vice president. “It helps build confidence for the people and the horses.”
Beyond supporting emerging horsemen by providing space and occasions for them to practice their horsemanship, the Club also helps connect younger riders with more experienced mentors, like Club member Emily Delbeck.
“I’m glad I can be there to offer advice to someone having issues with their horse, whether that’s training, feeding or other care,” Delbeck said. “Good horsemanship isn’t just about riding; it’s about understanding your horse’s behavior and health.”
Both the opportunities to practice and mentorship that the Club provides are invaluable for younger riders, and for the future of equestrian sports. Historically, many rodeo competitors have started out competing at their local roundup club events.
“Rodeo is growing and getting more popular,” Evans said. “There’s more advertising for it on TV and radio.” Roundup, rodeo and riding clubs like the Marland Roundup Club, which help teach foundational skills, are instrumental in preserving the Western heritage skills of rodeo entertainment.
“We had a drill team for a couple of years,” said Leiding, referencing the Marland Roundup Club Rustic Roses Equestrian Drill Team. “They performed at rodeos all over the state.” Members of the Rustic Roses went on to compete at the American Paint Horse Association World Championship show in 2023 and Miss Rodeo America in 2025.
In addition to helping develop skilled equestrians, the Club also provides low-cost entertainment and a social activity for its community when it holds shodeos.
“A shodeo is like a rodeo, but without the rough stock like bull riding,” explained Evans. “We have competitive barrel racing, poles and flags.” The events are pay-to-enter, with a cash payout to the winner. Nonmembers are welcome to participate. Spectators are also invited to attend shodeos with a $5 gate fee; concessions are available.
“Shodeos are a good way to get people together, just having a good time,” said Leiding. “In this day and age, there’s a lot of addictive technology. This gets people out, socializing. It’s more relaxing.”
Evans agrees that the Club’s activities are a good way to relax. “Life is so busy right now,” he said. “When you get out there and saddle up a horse, it’s just you and the animal underneath you. You don’t have a care in the world.”
Leiding believes that participation in the club imparts more than horsemanship and that attending shodeos offers more than entertainment. “It’s a lifestyle in general” he said. “Preserving equestrian skills, Western skills, is important because they used to be used every day. It was a part of life. It’s important to remember our roots. If we don’t preserve it, who will?”
The Club is growing—gaining new sponsors and participating more on social media. It has plans to build pens onto the arena to hold steers and calves, which will give it the ability to hold roping and livestock events. The club has also recently begun hosting horsemanship clinics led by guest instructors and has had positive feedback with multiple requests for more clinics.
Ponca City residents who attend the upcoming 101 Wild West Rodeo Parade on June 13 may be able to spot the Marland Roundup Club among the other horseback riders and floats. Those interested in participating in, or attending, one of the Club’s events should visit its Facebook page for more details and may contact it through Facebook Messenger.