Photo Gallery: A Day At The Rodeo

Jul. 9, 2012

Saddle Bronc Riding

This bronc's breathtaking grace and beauty were matched only by its power and speed.
Saddle Bronc Riding

Horses and riders (pictured: Lon Danley, NM) showed off some acrobatic moves in the Saddle Bronc Riding event.
Barrel Racing

The high-speed twists and turns of the Barrel Racing event had the crowd cheering up a storm.
Tim "Wild Thang" Shepherd & Team Ghostriders

Next up, Tim "Wild Thang" Shepherd and Team Ghostriders, expertly trained Border Collies and Capuchin monkeys, provided a fun and enchanting intermission.
Who Needs A Dog & Pony Act?

Tiny but mighty, these plucky riders and their trusty "steeds" got right to work. To the delight of the fans, the two dog-monkey teams quickly and efficiently herded goats into an enclosure.
Words of Wisdom From Tim "Wild Thang" Shepherd

"The hardest thing a person can do in life is to teach a monkey how to ride a dog."
Bull Riding; Rider Down

Bull Riding was the next event. Fans sprang to their feet, holding their collective breath, as this rider was thrown by his bull.
Rodeo Clowns To The Rescue

Courageous rodeo clowns rushed in, doing their best to protect the rider.
Rodeo Clowns Block Bull's Charge

Heedless of their own safety, the clowns distracted the bucking bull so the injured rider could be helped from the ring.
Clown Faces Down Bull

While one clown helped the rider, the enraged bull turned all its fury on the remaining clown.
Clowns Beat A Hasty Retreat

Both clowns, thankfully, made safe – and speedy – getaways. Then it was right back into the arena for the next rider.
Rodeo Clowns Stay On Their Toes

Rodeo clowns must be vigilant, because at any moment, they're all that stands between an angry bull and a rider in jeopardy.
Always Watching Out For The Rider

Working in tandem, one clown distracts this bull while the other pushes the rider behind him to safety. All in a day's work for these brave fellas!
Kids' Stick Horse Races

Ronald McDonald played goalpost in the Kids' Stick Horse Races.
Kids' Calf Scramble

Older kids gave these calves a run for their money in the Kids' Calf Scramble. The first youngster to grab a tag from one of the calves' tails won the prize.