So You Wanna Be A Cowgirl
Seems there's a resurgence of interest in all things Western, probably because of the popularity of Brokeback Mountain. The West is unimaginably beautiful - God's Country they call it out here in Colorado. Last year I quit my job, sold everything and moved here to work outside. I'd hardly call myself a cowgirl, but it sure is fun playing at one. There's nothing comparable to waking up to the Sangre de Cristo mountains turning purple, pink, then white in the morning sun.
The Calgary Stampede and Exhibition
The Calgary Stampede and Exhibition is rich in tradition and it is also known for the cowboy atmosphere that takes over the city, everybody gets out the cowboy boots and Stetsons for the 10-11 days of good fun. This year (2006) it starts with the Calgary Stampede Parade on July 7th. Calgary's dedicated volunteers and community supporters present the world's largest western parade as the "Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth" kick-off to the over 350, 000 on-route spectators and a global television audience.
Colorado State Fair and Rodeos
In Pueblo, Colorado there is a State Fair that is filled with Cowboys, and Cowgirls and celebrates Mexican culture in Rodeos and an Annual Fiesta Day. This fair is held every year from late August to early September. Visitors to the fair come to check out the food, and the music and the broncin' bucks. This is a Rodeo Fair with both the PRCA and the Charreada Rodeo. At the PRCA you'll sit on the edge of your seats watching rope tricks, target shooting from a racing horse and the grittiest rodeo riders around.
Wyoming State Fair and Rodeo in Douglas
It's amazing that the small community of Douglas, Wyoming hosts the State Fair each year in mid August. This town usually contains only 5, 000 people, but when fairtime rolls around that number swells. An interesting feature is the North Platte River which happens to run through the town and provides a great place for visitors to picnic or simply get out the fishing pole. Visitors to the fair can find free parking south of the grounds on Brownfield Road.
Rodeo; The Most Dangerous Sport for the Toughest Men
You know I have just about heard enough about all these tough football stars who are paid millions of dollars to wear lots of protection pads and bump into each other on the field for 15-seconds at a time? Why? Well, I will tell you why, because the real men ride the rodeo and 15-seconds, hell 8 seconds is a literal eternity on a 6, 000 to 8, 000 pound bull of pure muscle that wants you the hell off of there.
Saving Horses
Saving a Horse There are many equestrians around the United States and in foreign countries. Some compete with their animals and some just ride for fun. However, most probably do not know about the cruelty that is happening throughout the equine industry. A nurse mare foal, is a foal who was born so that its mother might come into milk. The milk that the nurse mare is producing is used to nourish the foal of another mare, a more "expensive" foal.
Bandera, Texas: Cowboy Capital of the World
Wanna be a cowboy? That's an easy order to fill in Bandera, Texas, nicknamed "The Cowboy Capital of the World." In this community, located 50 miles northwest of San Antonio on TX 16, you can't toss a horseshoe without hitting a dude ranch, rodeo ground, western wear store, or dance hall. Bandera's Western heritage is a big draw to today's travelers but its roots date back to the founding days of Texas.
So You Wanna Be A Cowgirl
Seems there's a resurgence of interest in all things Western, probably because of the popularity of Brokeback Mountain. The West is unimaginably beautiful - God's Country they call it out here in Colorado. Last year I quit my job, sold everything and moved here to work outside. I'd hardly call myself a cowgirl, but it sure is fun playing at one. There's nothing comparable to waking up to the Sangre de Cristo mountains turning purple, pink, then white in the morning sun.
The Calgary Stampede and Exhibition
The Calgary Stampede and Exhibition is rich in tradition and it is also known for the cowboy atmosphere that takes over the city, everybody gets out the cowboy boots and Stetsons for the 10-11 days of good fun. This year (2006) it starts with the Calgary Stampede Parade on July 7th. Calgary's dedicated volunteers and community supporters present the world's largest western parade as the "Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth" kick-off to the over 350, 000 on-route spectators and a global television audience.
Colorado State Fair and Rodeos
In Pueblo, Colorado there is a State Fair that is filled with Cowboys, and Cowgirls and celebrates Mexican culture in Rodeos and an Annual Fiesta Day. This fair is held every year from late August to early September. Visitors to the fair come to check out the food, and the music and the broncin' bucks. This is a Rodeo Fair with both the PRCA and the Charreada Rodeo. At the PRCA you'll sit on the edge of your seats watching rope tricks, target shooting from a racing horse and the grittiest rodeo riders around.