Wild West Yellowstone Rodeo, West Yellowstone Montana

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Wild West Yellowstone Rodeo

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Overview: From the Grand Entry to the closing event, there is plenty of entertainment as cowboys and cowgirls, novice and experts, test their skills.  Typical events include bareback riding, team roping, saddle bronc riding, breakaway roping, bull riding and even a special “calf scramble” for the kids. 

When: The rodeo takes place every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday in June, July and August.  Born in the past, originating from the daily activities of the ranch hands, today’s rodeos are thrilling and entertaining.

Where: The rodeo fairgrounds are fairly easy to find.  It is just 4 miles west of West Yellowstone & the Park entrance on Targhee Pass Highway (Hwy 20).

Fees: The fees vary by age and by event. Tickets can be purchased for grand stand seating and for general admission.

Details: Beginning in 1999, the Wild West Yellowstone Rodeo has grown over the last few years.  Once put on in a small arena in town, the event now takes place at a larger rodeo arena located just four miles west of West Yellowstone just off Highway 20.  The rodeo performances begin at 8:00 pm each night and continue until all scheduled events have been completed. 

Rodeo is one of the true meaning remnants of the Old West.  This sport emerged from the daily routine of cowboys who worked at low paying jobs, but in close consort with the animals that they rode or tended to. The recreation that the cowhands created involved the same animals that they spent their entire day with.  Cowboying is a way of life not a job.   

Riding broncs and roping calves are the events that were born on Western ranches.  Being able to rope a calf or steer on the open range was a necessary skill if an animal required attention. Riding a wild kind of horse was part of the territory, as many horses were green broke at best. The contests of riding and roping require only two things of the horses and cattle... either to buck or to run, actions that are natural.

Rodeo contests can be divided into two categories: 

 

• The rough stock events of bareback bronc riding, saddle bronc riding, and bull riding; which are scored by judges and
• Cowgirls barrel racing, steer wrestling, and the roping contests, which are all timed events.

Cowboys and Cowgirls, especially those that compete in rodeos, are an interesting bunch and so are their beliefs and superstitions. The deep history and rich traditions of rodeo help to keep alive these unique and interesting rodeo superstitions.

 

1. Saddle Bronc riders always put their right foot in the stirrup first.
2. Never kick a paper cup thrown down at a rodeo.  
3. Cowgirls often wear different color socks for good luck.  
4. If you compete with change in your pocket that is all you, win.  
5. If you put your hat on a bed, you may be seriously injured or killed.  
6. Eating a hotdog before a competition brings good luck.  
7. Never read your horoscope the day of competition.  
8. Never eat peanuts or popcorn in the arena.  
9. Always shave before a competition.  
10. Wearing yellow in the arena will bring bad luck.  

Attend the Wild West Yellowstone Rodeo and enjoy the competition.  Also, take the time to look around and see if you can spot any of the cowboys and cowgirls adhering to their superstitions!

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