Photo Gallery: Rodeo Day – The Fuel Behind The Fun

Jul. 10, 2012

What Goes Into Making A Great Rodeo?
Welcome, Rodeo Fans!

Knowing that thousands of eager fans will be arriving soon and expecting a big show, rodeo participants have flags flying early.
What Exactly Is The Breakfast Of Champions?

According to David Bailey of David Bailey Rodeo Company, who is a stock contractor providing bulls and horses to the Hamel Rodeo, a good rodeo feed consists of oats, corn, barley and possibly some protein pellets.
3...2...1...Blast off!

That's the kind of breakfast, Bailey says, that gives stock the energy and stamina they need to really put on a good, exciting show.
Ropin' And Ridin'

Including roping calves!
Post-Show Snack Time!

But hay is also essential to the diet; livestock finish off the day with hay – usually a bromegrass- or orchardgrass-alfalfa mix.
Puttin' On The Feed Bag

Horses need to refuel with good forages, as well.
Rarin' To Go!

Just look at the power and energy fueling this bronc!
Where's The Hay?

Some rodeos, Bailey says, provide hay for participants; at other rodeos, they provide their own. For Hamel participants, it was BYOH.
You Get What You Give

The bottom line is, if you're going to ask animals to do this ...
Feed 'Em Right!

... you have to provide them the right fuel!

As fun and exciting as rodeos are, it takes a lot of logistical maneuvering for them to happen – and keep livestock healthy and happy. Hay & Forage Grower took a peek behind the scenes at the Hamel Rodeo on July 7 in Hamel, MN, to get an idea of just what it takes to keep those amazing animals happy, healthy, and rarin' to go.

Photos: Julia Tagliere