Howard Bubel

Rodeo Arena

Inducted 2026

Howard Bubel grew up with a deep connection to the land and livestock on the family farm located northwest of Center, North Dakota, in Oliver County. From a young age, he learned the values of hard work, integrity, and community that would guide him throughout his life. Howard attended a local country school before graduating from Center Public School, where his strong sense of responsibility and perseverance began to take shape.

It was on the family farm that Howard and his brother, John Bubel, first turned their shared passion for rodeo into something tangible. The brothers built an arena on the farm, and soon their friends and neighbors were gathering there to rope, ride rough stock, and practice steer wrestling. What began as a pastime among friends quickly became a cherished local tradition. These early rodeos reflected Howard’s lifelong dedication to the sport and the community that surrounded it.

Howard’s love for rodeo naturally extended to his family. His son, JD, and daughter, Jodi, quite literally grew up in the saddle. From an early age, they learned not just how to compete, but also the value of preparation and care for the animals that made the sport possible. To support his children’s practice needs, Howard began acquiring calves and steers so they could hone their skills in the arena at home.
What started as a father’s way of supporting his children’s rodeo ambitions soon evolved into something much larger. One day, family friend and fellow rodeo enthusiast Jim Mosbrucker approached Howard with a request: could he lease some of his cattle to use at upcoming rodeos? That simple question marked the beginning of a new chapter for the Bubel family – one that would eventually lead to the creation of Bubel Timed Event.

When JD and Jodi left for college, there was a brief pause in the cattle operation. But in the year 2000, Howard revived and expanded the business. With his characteristic determination and vision, he officially established Bubel Timed Event, providing high-quality timed event stock to rodeos across the region. What began modestly with a couple of pickups and stock trailers soon grew into a well-respected and professional operation.

By 2008, the business had expanded to include a semi-truck and ground load trailer, and by 2010, Howard had added a second semi and cattle trailer. With each passing year, Bubel Timed Event earned a reputation for excellence, reliability, and fairness. Howard’s stock became a fixture at rodeos throughout the Midwest, supplying cattle for the North Dakota Rodeo Association, North Dakota High School & Junior High School Rodeo Association, South Dakota Rodeo Association, Minnesota High School Rodeo Association, Rough Rider Rodeo Association, and the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA).

Howard’s cattle were featured at numerous finals rodeos across North Dakota and neighboring states, and contestants knew that when Bubel Timed Event provided the stock, they could expect a fair and consistent competition. Howard was deeply committed to ensuring that every cowboy and cowgirl had a genuine chance to win on any given animal. He believed that fairness was the foundation of a good rodeo, and he took great pride in the quality of his livestock and the integrity of the events he supported.

Behind the scenes, Howard’s work ethic was unmatched. He and his son JD spent countless hours throughout the week sorting and preparing cattle for weekend rodeos. Each animal was carefully evaluated and selected to ensure the pen was well-balanced, competitive, and suitable for the contestants. His attention to detail and pride in his work earned him widespread respect among rodeo committees, stock contractors, and competitors alike.

More than just a businessman, Howard was a mentor and a friend to many within the rodeo community. He had a calm, humble way of sharing his knowledge – whether it was offering advice to a young roper or lending a hand to a fellow stock contractor. His integrity, dependability, and quiet leadership style reflected the values he learned growing up on the farm.

Howard’s contributions to the sport of rodeo extend far beyond the cattle he provided. He helped create opportunities for hundreds of young athletes to compete, learn, and grow. Through Bubel Timed Event, he played a vital role in sustaining the traditions of the rodeo world – where hard work, sportsmanship, and respect for animals remain at the heart of the sport.

Today, the legacy of Howard Bubel continues to inspire others. His commitment to fairness, quality, and community has left an enduring mark on the rodeo associations and contestants who had the privilege of working with him. From the family farm where it all began to the arenas across the Midwest that his cattle helped fill, Howard’s influence can be felt in every run, every ride, and every handshake that celebrates the spirit of rodeo.