Arizona Rodeo

While in Arizona last week we attended a local rodeo event. Miles and cultures away from Vermont, it was a glimpse into the local cowboy and cowgirl culture – and a peek into the ranching roots of the area. A competitive sport that tests the skills of riders – with origins in the working practices of cattle herding. Ceremony and pageantry – a blend of both performance and contest. Controversial, lucrative and male-dominated at the professional level, this small-scale collegiate rodeo event was family oriented and seemed to take care with animals, riders and spectators. For me, the entertainment included the crowd, colors bright against the hot, dusty day – the sage and brown hills a beautiful backdrop in a sunny outdoor arena.