When I decided to go to Fort Worth, I was quite sure that I really wanted to go to a Rodeo, since we do not have anything similar in Germany.
Well, my host family made this dream come true and we went to the Stockyards Championship which is the only one year round rodeo in the world. The rodeo takes place every Friday and Saturday at 8:00pm at the historic Cowtown Coliseum.
If you are interested in the „Cowboy Life“, you will love the historic district in Fort Worth, as well as the Rodeo. Maybe you have watched this movie where a girl fell in love with a cowboy who had an accident and blablabla he wins the champoinship etc. etc. etc. endless love etc. – I had the impression, that Rodeos are exactly like that! I really loved it, especially because my host dad told me lost of things about it. I even wore real cowgirl boots and Levi’s shorts and a huge belt, I felt really texan.
Nevertheless, it is very controversial, if some rodeos treat their animals inappropriately. I have to admit that I am not really informed about animal rights concerning rodeos, some people say animals are tortured in order to become really aggressive during the show, other people say these prejudices are completely unrealistic. I came to the point that I think that buckling is a natural instinct, after the horse or the bull has bucked off the cowboy, they are brought back into the stable and get food and water. Consequently, one can argue that the buckling is conditioned and the animal associates buckling with food.
Personally, I am of the opinion that the Stockyards rodeo cannot afford criticism concerning animal cruelty, since the rodeo in Fort Worth is very popular.
To be honest, I don’t know, but I know that I enjoyed these two hours of my life because I enjoyed this „Texas feeling“.
What do you think about rodeos? Do you know anything about rodeos and would you go to the Stockyards Championship?
Have a nice day,
Sophie
Pin it and don’t forget it!
Aperture & Wanderlust 
beautiful capture Sophie…..
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Thank you so much!!
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Don’t particularly agree with these competitions but I’m glad you had the experience and you definitely got amazing shots. Just found your blog and I’m so glad I did because you have some interesting stuff here to share!! Followed – and can’t wait to see more posts from you
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I totally understand what you mean, thank you anyway :)!
Oh this made my day, I’m so happy to hear that!!
Thank you so much, I wish you an amazing day!
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My whole life has been rodeo. I currently am a mom of 2 girls who participate at the high school level of rodeo. We travel all over our state and beyond with our horses to compete in several different events at a rodeo. There is no torturous act going on behind the chutes prior to the start of a rodeo or after for that matter. These animals are bred to buck and they do! They are treated with respect! They are taken care of better than most animals. Feed and water is in front of the constantly as well as nice pens with shade. They are athletes and athletes they are!
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This is amazing! Thank you for assuring that there is nothing bad about how the animals are treated at a rodeo, as I already said, I don’t know much about rodeos, it was just a really nice experience for me 🙂
Where do you live? Good luck for the upcoming competitions!
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