WESTERN WONdERS BEST OF THE WEST: CAN’T-MISS ROdEOS Celebrate our enduring traditions and cowboy spirit at these summertime events that bring out some of Wyoming’s finest athletes. Exhilarating bareback-bronc-riding, barrel-racing, bull-riding, calf-roping, goat-tying and steer-wrestling competitions are some highlights to look forward to. MAY Jackson Hole Rodeo The Teton Range and Gros Ventre Wilderness make for a dramatic backdrop to this annual bash that’s among the earliest and longest running of the state’s rodeo season (most Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays, from May through September). “People in our line of work love what they do and love sharing it with people who come with an open heart and mind looking for an experience that is more than just a lot of activities crammed into a vacation. Less is more when it comes to a horseback adventure vacation or retreat. Let yourself disconnect from the day-to-day so you can reconnect with what is important.” — Bobbi Wade Co-Owner, Blue Sky Sage Horseback Riding Retreats in Pinedale JuNE Cody Nite Rodeo The longest-running nightly rodeo in the country is the family-oriented Cody Nite Rodeo series, held from June through August in the enclave known as the “Rodeo Capital of the World.” Friday Night Rodeos in dubois Evanston Rodeo Series See champion cowboys and cowgirls show off their best skills at this action-packed rodeo series in June and July. A wide range of events to watch include barrel racing, team roping and junior steer riding. MEET WYOMING ROdEO ATHLETES. Here are just a few of the skilled rodeo contenders hailing from the Cowboy State who compete at rodeos through-out Wyoming and North America. The upper Wind River Valley town of Dubois is home to dude ranches, square dances and the summer Friday Night Rodeo series. Rodeos run from mid-June through mid-August. College National Finals Rodeo JuLY Cheyenne Frontier days More than 400 cowboys and cowgirls from more than 100 universities and colleges in the National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association battle in Casper each year to be crowned champions in saddle bronc, bareback, bull riding and more. Established in 1897, Cheyenne Frontier Days has evolved into the largest out-door rodeo and Western celebration in the world! The “Daddy of ’Em All” delivers 10 days of wild Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association compe-titions, big-name concerts, tasty treats and more. dusty Tuckness, Bullfighter Known for his speed, skill and grace, the Meeteetse native brings nearly 20 years of experience to the sport and is setting the standard for the next generation of bullfighters. Brody Cress, Saddle Bronc Rider Hailing from Cheyenne , Brody has competed in rodeos all over North America but loves com-peting at Cheyenne Frontier days the most. Nate Jestes, Bullfighter discover a different sporting tradition. WYOMING OFFICE OF TOURISM/JASON LINDSEY. Nate is a lifelong athlete from Douglas who learned the art of bullfighting in college and is admired for his traditional and freestyle skills. Polo matches have been played at the base of the Bighorn Mountains since the 1890s. Two area clubs (Big Horn Polo Club and Flying H Polo Club) make it easy for spectators to pack a picnic, lay down a blanket and enjoy this fascinating horseback game on weekends throughout the summer. Matches are free and open to the public. 71
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