Rodeo Capitol of the World

17 June, 2011 0 comments Leave a comment

It's Friday night in Cody, Wyoming and our new friends Jay and Carol are keen to see a rodeo. The campground staff let us know about the Cody Cattle Company, which is a dinner theatre a few blocks away, right next to the Cody Nite Rodeo. The four of us bought tickets for the whole shebang.

The evening started off with a scrumptious chuck wagon style buffet dinner (baked chicken, slow roasted beef brisket, potatoes, coleslaw, baked beans, applesauce, cornbread, salad, brownies and lemonade). We sat on long benches at trestle tables. Then the entertainment came on - three world class guitar musicians playing a selection of bluegrass, rock'n'roll and western songs. Man, could they play!

"Foot-Stompin', Hand-Clappin', Live Western Music Show starring award-winning Ryan Martin and the Everywhere West Band!"

After the concert we donned our coats and moved to the outdoor rodeo arena, where rodeos are held every night in June, July and August. First on the roster was bronc busting (trying to stay on a bucking horse longer than anyone else). Not for the faint of heart I can assure you!

Did you know Cody is the Rodeo Capitol of the World? Who's gonna argue?

Some cowboys showed good form...

Most just held on for all they were worth...

But sooner or later they all fell off.

And lost their cowboy hats too!

Then came calf-roping.

Cowboys have to tie together three of the calf's legs to complete the competition. Note the horse is trained to keep tension on the lassoo rope around the calf's neck.