High speed, precision horsemanship in a dazzling array of costumes. Rope tricks. Flaming batons. Historical battle reenactments. Astonishing trick riding. The Westernaires Horsecapades is a fall tradition that is bound to entertain all ages. The event, scheduled for Saturday & Sunday, October 17 & 18, 2026, at the National Western Events Center is a showcase of the hard-won skills of hundreds of the most tenacious young people in America.
Wsternaires Horsecapades / Pam Charbonneau photo
Horsecapades is a professional performance of the largest precision drill riding group in the world. The show is all performed by young people aged 9 to 19.
While others take up more common sports and activities, the youth of Westernaires work year round at honing skills that represent the best traditions of the American West.
Audiences will see the world-famous Varsity Big Red Team, the highly skilled Freedom Riders trick riding team, specialty acts including charioteers, precision drill teams, and a variety of equestrian performances rarely assembled together in a single program.
The Firelight Finale combines the Varsity Big Red Team’s precision riding with LED-lit costumes and dramatic lighting effects, creating one of the weekend’s signature moments.
Shows are Saturday, October 17 at 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. and Sunday, October 18 at 2 p.m.
A Pre-Show begins 30-minutes prior to the stated show time.
Tickets are $15 per person. You may buy tickets here.
Ticket sales help support the work of generations of Westernaires volunteers endeavoring to equip the leaders of tomorrow.
While character, teamwork and self discipline are an even bigger part of Westernaires than horsemanship, the horses’ feed, farrier and veterinary care come at a cost.
Horsecapades is a major part of raising the funds that have kept the organization running for 73 years and counting.
4700 Humboldt St. Denver.
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