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Range Days Rodeo

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Mandan Lynn
Mandan Lynn
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5 out of 5
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Range Days Rodeo

  • August 26, 2007
  • Rated 5 of 5 by Mandan Lynn from Smithwick, South Dakota
Range Days Rodeo

The Range Days Rodeo takes place every year during the Central States Fair in August in Rapid City. For anyone who loves a rodeo -- this is one not to miss.

I had the pleasure of taking my Dutch friends along with me -- it was their very first rodeo.

We went on Thursday night, and it happened to be military appreciation night. As we honored the troops, I felt even prouder having my Dutch friends beside me, and they were glad to be part of the event, as well. A B1 bomber flew overhead (from Ellsworth Air Force Base just outside of Rapid) -- the Dutch visitors loved that, as well.

The rodeo started with the bareback bronc riders. One poor guy had a poor bucking horse, so he was offered a re-ride (the rides are judged, so when a horse doesn't buck well, the cowboy doesn't have a chance at a good score, so sometimes the judges decide to give him another chance). During his re-ride, his horse fell down for most of the eight seconds, so he was offered a third ride.

Next we had steer wrestling, also known as bulldogging. This is where the cowboy jumps off his horse and wrestles the steer to the ground. The event was followed by calf roping, saddle bronc riding, barrel races, team roping, and everyone's favorite -- bullriding.

There was not a single rider who could stay on the full eight seconds. "Quite a pen of bulls," the announcer said, continuing that you couldn't fault the cowboys, many of whom are world class -- it was just a tough bunch of bulls to ride. The first guy was thrown and the bull stepped on his face. Luckily, he got up and walked out -- but certainly hurting. The second guy was thrown and stepped on, and he didn't get off the ground for a while. A few guys came in to check him out, and after a few minutes he was able to get up and walk out of the arena.

One bull, after throwing his rider, wouldn't leave the arena! The pickup men roped him, but he just lied down by the fence.

Between events, one rodeo clown came out and did a little comedy routine.

I loved having the Dutch boys there! They asked so many questions about things we ("we" being people who have been to rodeos) take for granted: "Why are those other men in the arena?" "Why does he get another chance to ride the horse?" "He caught the calf, so why doesn't it count?" It was a joy to answer the questions and watch the guys as they learned about the sport of rodeo.

If you've never seen a rodeo -- you'd better do it if you get a chance! It's a unique American tradition you'd be sorry to miss. There are lots of rodeos in the area all summer long, but Range Days at $15 is a good one.

From journal My Black Hills

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