Philippe asked... "is it a sport by the way?"
In the Western half of the USA & Canada, rodeo is a big-time sport, with a
number of professional cowboy associations, to look after the riders.
It has been classed as one of the world's most dangerous sports. (See:
https://tinyurl.com/yd3kuu5u ;) Far more dangerous than car racing, football or
equestrian sports... all considered dangerous.
Most rodeo sports (Tie-down roping, team roping, bronc-riding, etc)., come out
traditional ranch work. Roping, so the cattle can be branded, bronc-riding to
break horses for work purposes, and so forth. There is a long tradition of
cowboys getting together and comparing their skill levels ... best man wins.
Over the years, it became formalized into rodeos.
On the other hand, Steer & Bull riding, along with Bull-doggin' (steer
wrestling) come more from the tradition of "Oh Yeah? Of course I can ... here,
hold my beer."
Within a two hour drive of us, there are 8 to 10 rodeos, every summer. I try
to get to as many as I can, though it is not always possible. :-(
BTW: In all my years of going to rodeos, I've only seen on animal injured.
They are very well taken care of. OTOH, I see 2 or three cowboys injured,
every rodeo. Last weekend, one was taken to hospital, by ambulance, after his
ride. A not uncommon event.
Of course, Cowboys are a proud lot, and they'll walk off the rodeo arena (with
help) only to collapse once out of sight of the crowd.
Last point ... Studyies have shown that an 8 second ride on a bronc or bull is
the equivalent of a hard, 45 minute workout at the gym. And I've seen cowboys
do two rides, less than 5 minutes apart! Ya gotta be in good shape, to Rodeo.
Does that answer your question?
David.
I like this one a lot David.
Not for his shirt, the shot might work even better in BW, but for the
sweetest bokeh you have given us to see in these activities, is it a
sport by the way?
Maybe you also shot longer? Or could get closer to the target. Anyway,
LOVE IT!
Amities
Philippe
