Bright and early on Wednesday morning we made the long trek to Cheyenne, a town about an hour from Laramie, Wyoming. We were about to embark on a fascinating adventure filled with cowboys, horses, bulls, and applause. We were heading to the rodeo at Cheyenne’s Frontier Day, one of the most anticipated activities we would have the chance to experience. The overall day was filled with local shopping, carnival activities, rodeo antics, and cowboy boot shopping. 

Entrance at the rodeo, with local vendors and food

Riding on the typical yellow school bus to the fair grounds, I was unaware about the “culture shock” I was about to experience during the rodeo that day. I have of course watched western based movies, and heard about daring feats cowboys would do in a part of the United States I had never visited before. Being able to see it on a screen is entirely different from witnessing it in the stands of an arena. The first event was the “classic” bareback bronc riding, where the participant attempts to ride the horse one handed with no saddle, as the horse tries to throw the person off. When seeing this event I was in absolute awe and shock. I was shocked at not only the risk of injury from being thrown off of the bucking animal, but also the fact that some did not wear any helmets when riding! Where I am from (outside Philadelphia), we don’t typically see horses, let alone someone attempting to ride one. However, taking a step back from my initial shock and confusion, the event itself was very exciting. I found myself thoroughly enjoying the event the more I watched and understood the importance of the rodeo. Although I came in with preconceived expectations, through being open-minded I was able to connect deeper to the traditions, values, and history of the rodeo then I would have otherwise. The community all came together to support their athletes, businesses, and lives through this rodeo. It was incredible to witness!

View of the rodeo events from our seats in the stadium

One of my favorite aspects of the rodeo was the announcers, and the difference in their rhetoric compared to ones I have heard before. Even though some cowboys were almost immediately thrown off their steed or bull, there was no ridicule or booing, rather they supported the effort the participant gave and the courage to even attempt the feat. I truly loved hearing the support from each audience member as they cheered for all of the men and women who competed. I was very surprised by this overall positive attitude, as it challenged my ideas about competitive events, like rodeos, being only about winning. Instead, it celebrated courage, community, and perseverance 

I absolutely enjoyed the opportunity to attend the Cheyenne Rodeo, where although initially shocked about the traditions and actions at the event, absolutely loved the sense of community, competition, and camaraderie present.