Oklahoma Rodeo Acts Bring Unique Comedy and Trick Roping to Steamboat

Steamboat Springs —What does it mean for the Steamboat Springs Pro Rodeo Series this weekend that two acts from Oklahoma are taking over the arena?

It means locals will see a mix of high-speed roping, trick riding, and a horse that acts more like a dog than a bucking bronco.

John Harrison from Soper, Oklahoma, and the husband-and-wife team of Rider and Bethany Kiesner from Jennings, Oklahoma, are bringing their unique performances to Steamboat.

Harrison is no stranger to the circuit. He describes himself as one of the "living legends" of rodeo clowning, citing 10 National Finals Rodeo barrelman titles, seven Coors Man in the Can awards, and nine Comedy Act of the Year honors. But his current act isn't just about him. It’s about Snoopy, his painted horse.

Snoopy doesn’t buck. He chases.

“His temperament was better suited for other things,” Harrison said, explaining that the horse originally resisted being broken for riding. Instead, Snoopy developed a personality suited for comedy. He darts out of the chutes, chases Harrison around the arena, and then shifts into a puppy-like state.

“When I lay down, Snoopy will do the same,” Harrison said. “He’ll even throw his leg over like he’s cuddling.”

Harrison noted that Snoopy didn’t need specific training for this behavior; it’s just who he is. Since starting their comedy act in 2023, the duo has traveled from Florida to Pro Rodeo Cowboy Association events. Harrison can now ride Snoopy, though he admitted, “He’s not a fun ride.”

Then there are the Kiesners.

Rider and Bethany are combining trick roping and trick riding for this weekend’s halftime show. They’ve been performing together for eight years, a timeline that doubled as their courtship.

“We’ve been performing together for eight years,” Rider Kiesner said. “We then started to like each other, then started dating and the rest is history.”

They view their performance as a living archive of the Old West. Bethany explained that many of their tricks are modern versions of those performed 150 years ago.

“Things that we’re doing, are the same things Roy Rogers was doing,” Rider said. “A lot of history is passed down, and we’re just trying to keep the Old West alive.”

Both have recently performed at major events, including the 2024 National Finals Steer Roping and the 2025 National Finals Rodeo. For the Steamboat crowd, it’s a chance to see acts that are constantly evolving rather than static displays.

“We are both students of our crafts,” Bethany said. “We’re also always working on our timing and fluidity with one another.”

Harrison summed up the appeal for fans who might not see these specific combinations elsewhere. “It’s such a unique act,” he said. “It’s one of a kind.”