Bringing it Back to the Bohnsack: Bulls, Barrels, and Boxing at the Historic Bohnsack Ranch

Nearly 100 years ago, Miss Freida Bohnsack took on a 2,000 acre ranch near Sheldon, North Dakota after earning a degree from North Dakota Agricultural College (now North Dakota State University). As a single mother, she not only ran the ranch but also put on rodeos and horse shows for men and women alike, while promoting youth activities as well. 

The original Bohnsack Ranch Rodeos also featured boxing matches, as well as a greased pig catching contest, and other extreme shows. After many years of not hosting rodeos at the ranch, the family that now leases the ranch decided to bring them back in 2021 and chose to stay true to Frieda’s productions. This year the Oland family expanded Bulls, Barrels, and Boxing at the Historic Bohnsack Ranchto to feature wrestling matches and dirt bike races.   

“Back when Frieda and her adopted daughter, Bonita, put on the original rodeos, they really put on a classy show. It was the party everyone wanted to attend, and for many reasons with all of the events. We really want to emphasize the roots of our rodeo on the Bohnsack Ranch, like its founders intended,” said Garrett Oland.  

[Photo: Cody Noble Photography]

Previously only a one-day event, the two-day event on September 8 and 9 allowed the Bohnsack Ranch to feature Ranch Bronc Riding for a first time this year as well. The traditional event has been making a comeback at rodeos across the country, with some associations adding it to their finals. Dakota Hostetler traveled all the way from Brooksville, Oklahoma to enter both the ranch broncs and bull riding, which paid off after he claimed first and third places in the ranch broncs.  

“I obviously went for the bull riding, but I like the ranch broncs because they’ve always been pretty easy for me. I think it was a good idea for the Bohnsack to add them, because everybody likes watching bucking horses. So why shouldn’t I enter it too and try to make some extra money while I’m there! All it really takes is keeping the forked end down,” said Hostetler.  

Dakota Hostetler [Photo: Cody Noble Photography]

While Freida Bohnsack always promoted women on the ranch, the cowgirls showed up in the barrel racing and in the pole bending the first time poles were offered at the annual event. Friday and Saturday both offered a 4D open and youth jackpots with sidepots offered for seniors and derby eligible horses. Taking the top 10 back to the short round during the main event in the evening allowed the entire 1D and the top few in the 2D of the barrels to come back for a chance at another bigger check. Callie Enander, former Miss Rodeo North Dakota, won the long round of the barrel racing Saturday afternoon.  

“Personally, the cherry on top of the previous years has been making the top 10 in the long round to qualify for the short round in the evening performances. While this year was no different, it was a bit more special when my mare “Mission” and I won the long round, qualifying us for the performance in the top spot,” said Enander. “I’m excited to see the growth in the production in the years to follow. If you’re looking for a family friendly, high energy environment, I highly recommend coming out to the Bohnsack Ranch!” 

Callie Enander [Photo: Cody Noble Photography]

While the bulls and barrels could be anticipated, the other new events were what the crowd really seemed intrigued with. As soon as the last horse bucked Friday night, the Bohnsack crew rolled out the wrestling mats for the four matches between many state champions. Saturday evening showcased four boxing matches between members of a local boxing club.  

In true homage to their North Dakota heritage, the event once again bucked out some buffalo for the audience’s amusement. One cowboy dared to get on the snorting bison in just his boxers, proving again how tough and daring our North Dakota cowboys can be.  

[Photo: Cody Noble Photography]

Both nights ended the arena action with a dirt bike barrel race, with more than a dozen racers entered for the winner-takes-all race. There were minimal broken patterns and some impressive times, though no dirt bike beat any of the horses’ times from earlier in the day.  

There was a concert each night to conclude the many events on the ranch. Friday Night Ronnie and the Redwoods played their original songs coming all the way from the Texas music scene. Saturday night, Uptown, a local band from Fargo, played into the night while attendees two stepped and swing danced.  

When asked what we can expect at the Bulls, Barrels, and Boxing at the Historic Bohnsack Ranch for next year, the Oland family alluded to their plans. “We have some new ideas up our sleeves. It definitely won’t be like anything anyone has seen before. You can always count on us for a surprise,” said Oland.  

[Photo: Cody Noble Photography]