I officially photographed my first rodeo in 1994—the Big Valley rodeo, while working for the Stettler Independent Newspaper. Since then, well, I’ve lost count of the number of these fast action events I’ve witnessed through the lens. I presume one could find a rodeo of some sort in every province, but the western provinces, Alberta in-particular, are unquestionably the champs for hosting these exciting, nail-biting affairs. After-all, this is cattle country and the rodeo is a celebration of a cowboy’s life in days gone by.
There are basically two types of rodeo’s, amateur and professional. Most rodeos are held outdoors, rain or shine--for a photographer, having an umbrella in my kit is a must for both weather situations. I have also attended some indoor events--the Canadian Finals Rodeo (CFR) is held inside the Enmax Centrium in Red Deer. Because it is the CFR, it is a great event but I enjoy the outdoor rodeo most. The dust, the wind, the smells, the weather, in my opinion make for an authentic western experience.
Most rodeos are multi-day events, typically weekends. On any given summer weekend in Alberta, one could attend numerous rodeos. Rodeo participants, namely the pros, frequently do attend multiple rodeos in one weekend, many vying for an invitation to the big show, the Calgary Stampede. To get to the CRF, participants need to compete in a certain number of pro rodeo events over the season as well as accumulate enough points to qualify for a spot in this main event.
The premier event at all rodeos is bull riding, typically the last event of the performance. My favorite is the saddle bronc, but that’s besides the point. The bulls are big, ugly, violent and ready to gore any rider, rodeo clown (bull-fighter) and anyone else foolish enough to be in the arena, that gets in its way. It is the bull-fighters job to step into harms way to protect the rider. These crazy guys even have their own events/competitions where-by they intentionally entice a bull to give chase—the object of the game is to stay in the arena with the bull longer than the other guy.
Obviously, because rodeos are primarily exclusive to the western provinces, most Canadians have never experienced one and may never have that opportunity. However, if you are planning a trip to the west, and you should, find a rodeo and join in the excitement.
There are basically two types of rodeo’s, amateur and professional. Most rodeos are held outdoors, rain or shine--for a photographer, having an umbrella in my kit is a must for both weather situations. I have also attended some indoor events--the Canadian Finals Rodeo (CFR) is held inside the Enmax Centrium in Red Deer. Because it is the CFR, it is a great event but I enjoy the outdoor rodeo most. The dust, the wind, the smells, the weather, in my opinion make for an authentic western experience.
Most rodeos are multi-day events, typically weekends. On any given summer weekend in Alberta, one could attend numerous rodeos. Rodeo participants, namely the pros, frequently do attend multiple rodeos in one weekend, many vying for an invitation to the big show, the Calgary Stampede. To get to the CRF, participants need to compete in a certain number of pro rodeo events over the season as well as accumulate enough points to qualify for a spot in this main event.
The premier event at all rodeos is bull riding, typically the last event of the performance. My favorite is the saddle bronc, but that’s besides the point. The bulls are big, ugly, violent and ready to gore any rider, rodeo clown (bull-fighter) and anyone else foolish enough to be in the arena, that gets in its way. It is the bull-fighters job to step into harms way to protect the rider. These crazy guys even have their own events/competitions where-by they intentionally entice a bull to give chase—the object of the game is to stay in the arena with the bull longer than the other guy.
Obviously, because rodeos are primarily exclusive to the western provinces, most Canadians have never experienced one and may never have that opportunity. However, if you are planning a trip to the west, and you should, find a rodeo and join in the excitement.
