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A Cowboy’s Heart, A Quiet Legacy
He never needed the spotlight. Don showed up every day with quiet strength, deep humility, and an unwavering commitment to the rodeo world he loved. His presence shaped Cheyenne Frontier Days™ from the ground up, year after year.
From Jockey to Rodeo Man
Horses brought Don Kensinger to Cheyenne. The love of them kept him there. Originally from Nebraska, Don was a flat-track jockey when he first came to Cheyenne to race. But it wasn’t long before he was swept into rodeo life and never looked back. He rode broncs, bulls, and roped, but his true talent was working behind the scenes to make sure that the Cheyenne Frontier Days™ Rodeo went smoothly.
He credited Verne Elliott, a legendary rodeo producer, as a mentor and father figure. Under Elliott’s guidance, Don learned every part of rodeo production: flank man, chute boss, livestock handler, and beyond.
Verne Elliott was like a father to me. I was just a punk kid when we first met, but he was a great teacher. He was Mr. Rodeo.” – Don Kensinger
Don became a fixture at Cheyenne Frontier Days™ for over 65 years. He served as chute boss, livestock superintendent, and eventually as rodeo advisor to the Frontier Committee. He and his 87-member volunteer crew managed over 800 head of livestock and helped over 1,100 contestants compete each year.
“He was everywhere. Whenever there was something to do with the rodeo, Don was already there.” – Gene Bryan
A Lifetime with Frontier Days
Don became a trusted leader at Cheyenne Frontier Days™ through decades of hard work and unmatched knowledge of livestock. He helped manage hundreds of animals and thousands of contestants with precision and care.
Leadership Without a Mic
Don wasn’t loud. He wasn’t flashy. But he was a leader. He mentored younger cowboys, supported Arlene’s vision for the Dandies, and pulled trailers to serve as dressing rooms for performers. When something needed fixing, he fixed it. When someone needed help, he helped.
He loved Arlene deeply and stood beside her as a partner in life, in rodeo, and legacy.
Recognition and Legacy
In 1990, the Frontier Committee dedicated the official CFD souvenir program to Don, recognizing his decades of service.
In 2002, he and Arlene were inducted into the Cheyenne Frontier Days™ Hall of Fame, honored together for their unmatched impact on the event and the community.
Don passed away in 1997, but his legacy lives on in every bucking chute, every well-run rodeo, and every person who worked beside him.