Rodeo

I recently attended a pro-rodeo with a Japanese exchange student we hosted. While she enjoyed herself and the rodeo show, I was again struck by the pointlessness of the whole deal.

I appreciate that 200 years ago rodeo skills were a life skill necessary for employment in the vast ranching country of the United States. Today, however, there are less working cowboys but the popularity of the rodeo is on the rise.


Many of the modern rodeo cowboys are working cowboys but some are professional rodeo riders. That is, they ride and train simply for the rodeo. These people may be bankers, lawyers or construction workers that hold a regular day job and use their off time to train and attend rodeos.


I guess a rodeo is somewhat exciting. After all, you have the wild cows and bulls and bucking horses being rode by the brave (or foolish) cowboy. The roping events and barrel racing I personally find extremely boring.


As far as I'm concerned, modern rodeo is simply another sport not unlike football, soccer or hockey. It has a fan base of people who participate in the sport and others who just enjoy watching - like any other sport. Like any other sport, rodeo has its origins based in necessary survival skills that have since been deemed unnecessary.

While rodeo will never be my sport of choice I still appreciate the skill of the cowboys. As a sport, North America can proudly claim rodeo as part of their cultural heritage.

If you are interested in a short history of rodeo and its roll in today's society check out this article :  Does A Rodeo Have A Purpose?