Orval Epler’s journey with Cheyenne Frontier Days™ began long before he became a fixture in its volunteer ranks. Born with a love of horses and the Western way of life, Orval’s connection to CFD was deeply rooted in his upbringing and his unwavering passion for rodeo.
Born into a world where the rhythm of hooves and the dust of the arena were as familiar as the air he breathed; Orval’s childhood was intertwined with the events of Cheyenne Frontier Days™. Raised in a community where ranching and rodeo were a way of life, he witnessed firsthand the dedication of his father and local ranchers and farmers as they proudly paraded their teams through the town’s streets during the annual festivities. As a wide-eyed youngster in the late 1920s, Orval and his brothers would eagerly ride their horses into town to get a front-row seat to the thrilling rodeo action as they watched from horseback, a memory that would fuel his lifelong love of the sport.
As he grew older, Orval’s involvement with CFD only deepened. In his high school years, his neighbor, Bob Williams of Divide, Wyoming, took him and his brother to proudly serve as outriders in the parades, their youthful enthusiasm adding to the pageantry of the event. But it was in the 1960s that Orval truly left his mark on Cheyenne Frontier Days™, taking on the role of Pony Rodeo Contractor from 1963 to 1978. This innovative event, designed for kids aged 8 to 14, showcased Orval’s ingenuity and his unwavering commitment to nurturing the next generation of rodeo stars. He built portable bucking chutes to fit the ponies and had special bareback riggings made by Andy Hysong. With his small Mexican Galacino and Shetland horses carefully prepared for the young riders, Orval ensured their safety while providing them with an unforgettable taste of the rodeo life. Each Day, eight young riders would ride for the chance to win a belt buckle. Joe Alexander, a famous Wyoming bareback bronc rider from Cora, Wyoming, was one of several professional cowboys who helped judge the kid’s portion of the rodeo. Under Orval’s guidance and that of several CFD rodeo contestants, many of these aspiring cowboys and cowgirls went on to compete at the highest levels of the sport, proudly boasting of their early bronc-riding experiences at “The Daddy of ‘Em All.”
Orval’s impact, however, extended far beyond the arena. For over five decades, from the time Bob Williams introduced him to outriding when he was a teenager until his last year driving in 2003, Orval was a constant presence at CFD, tirelessly volunteering his time and expertise to ensure the smooth operation of the event. Whether furnishing and driving teams for the parades, furnishing horses to the outriders for the chuckwagon races, participating in the Dinner Bell race, or the trail ride of the roping stock, Orval’s dedication was unwavering. The only time Orval was unable to volunteer at CFD was during his four years of Military service in the United States Army.
His love for Cheyenne Frontier Days™ was evident in every task he tackled. Orval also involved his wife, children, and grandchildren by having them drive the teams in the parades.
Even during his tenure as Foreman for the City of Cheyenne Street and Alley Department from 1974 to 1986, Orval’s connection to CFD remained strong. Collaborating closely with the CFD Grounds Superintendent, he played a vital role in numerous projects aimed at improving the infrastructure of the event, from resurfacing the arena and racetrack to paving parking lots and roads. His behind-the-scenes efforts ensured that Cheyenne Frontier Days™ continued to thrive, providing countless memories for generations to come.
Orval Epler’s legacy is etched into the very fabric of Cheyenne Frontier Days™, a testament to his unwavering dedication, boundless enthusiasm, and tireless commitment to preserving the spirit of the American West.