On a balmy day at the Los Angeles Equestrian Center on the edge of the sprawling expanse of Griffith Park, a new kind of rodeo comes to life. Twentysomethings in oversize black denim and Lucchese boots mingle with seasoned riders. The legendary Compton Cowboys sit astride their horses, sharing space with influencers snapping selfies in vintage Stetsons. Rodeo Queen Brandi Cyrus rides out on a black stallion. This is IRON, an event that’s equal parts fashion show, day club, and social gathering, proving rodeo has a place not just on the ranch, but in the city, too.
Tess Prata
Ryane Nicole
Founded last year and now with 10 gatherings under its ornately tooled, turquoise and silver-buckled belt, IRON has become a must-attend event for a diverse mix of equestrians, artists, designers, and dreamers, all drawn together by a love for the horse. This particular gathering is dedicated to ranch relief in the wake of the L.A. fires. First responders are honored along with Kalyna Fedorowycz, the 16-year-old rider who went viral guiding her horse for about 14 miles through the fires. Funds are raised for riders and ranchers impacted by the fires. Over two days, attendees witness roping and riding demonstrations, sip whiskey between panel discussions on the future of cowboy culture, and shop handcrafted gear from a curated lineup of Western wear artisans and hatmakers.
Ryane Nicole
Brodie Sweeney
A hallmark of IRON’s rise has been its smartly curated panels, which explore the intersection of horsemanship, style, and sustainability. This event’s conversations included Johnetta Boone, the costume designer behind Yellowstone, actor and rancher Jon Huertas, and the cast of Kevin Costner’s Horizon. The brainchild of horse-crazy Italian fashion entrepreneur Stefan Siegel, IRON bridges the gap between the old and the new, the professional and the amateur, town and country—and we’re thrilled to watch it ride again.
