Weekend Part II - The Rodeo

There it is -- the "best show on dirt!" And that is was! I've never been to a rodeo before but had some idea of what to expect - however, what I did not expect was that it was an actual competition, like with actual competitors who had numbers pinned on the back of their shirts. These people were serious cowboys, serious and professional in their craft -- this was a big deal for them - they practice, and get judged and win things like...cash money and maybe ribbons and trophies (although there was no awards ceremony).

side note: must research rodeos more to see how this really works - interest has been peaked

An case you've never been, I'll break it down (going off of my rookie knowledge and experience last night). Basically there is an emcee who takes you through the whole show, there is advertising, in the form of cowgirls bearing various sponsor flags on horses, galloping around the ring between events, and then the actual events.
They had bareback riding (aka bucking broncos)
Steer wrestling (where they tried to lasso a calf), team roping (wild - two cowboys gallop out on their horses following a calf, and one cowboy has to rope the front of the calf and the other has to rope the back legs), saddle bronc riding (same as bareback only w/ a saddle - equally dangerous), tie down roping (one cowboy gallops out following a calf, he has to lasso the calf, then get OFF the horse, and tie the calf up somehow), and bull riding (bucking bulls).
It.was.wild!
Dangerous, and I was totally in awe of these cowboys and cowgirls who were brave enough to put their lives on the line (in my opinion) for their sport.

We had a great time enjoying a new experience together!

side note: there were 2 videos in this post but they didn't work for some reason - will have to revisit that...