Prized rodeo bulls are generally agile, moderately framed and weigh approximately 2,000 pounds (907 kilograms). Two cowboys embrace the popular phrase, “hang on for dear life,” as they attempt to handle a prized bull during the rodeo’s riding competition.

Rodeo venues have cowboy dressing rooms where participants network and prepare for pending events. Competitors carry ample gear for each event since they are on the road for much of the year going from one competition to the next.

Indian Relay Races are staples at tribal rodeos and allow participants to acknowledge and revere their cultural history of horsemanship and bravery. A young Native American boy concentrates on his balloon as others participate in the Relay Races at the reservation’s annual powwow and rodeo.

Most rodeo venues have Director’s Rooms, VIP Rooms and sponsorship tents. These are areas for participants and influential people to congregate.

Cowboys congregate away from the main rodeo action. This metallic maze of fences and stalls, located beneath the rodeo arena’s grandstand, is utilized for staging animals that partake in roping events (breakaway, calf, team) and steer wrestling.

Rodeo brings together a tight-knit community of cowboys from around the world to participate in America’s biggest events. Competitors even come from ranches throughout New Zealand and Australia with an aim to capture a portion of prize money.

Rodeo dates back to the early 1800s when cowboys would informally test their work skills against one another. Present day, rodeos are formal events that bring together tradition, camaraderie and company sponsorship.

A young cowboy goes airborne during saddle bronc riding, an event whereby two judges each give one score for the cowboy (1-25) and one score for the horse (1-25). A good score is typically in the high 80s. Horses used for this event are usually geldings (castrated male horses) and are bred specifically for rodeo use.

With huge competition and big money payouts surrounding rodeos, even young cowboys feel the pressure to excel. This young Native American cowboy did not perform well in the competitions during the annual events.

Left: Rodeo competitions span several days at each venue and daily events last for six to seven hours. Therefore, spectators pack into seats but have easy access to refreshments and alcohol throughout the day. Right: In America, rodeo is the official state sport of Wyoming, South Dakota and Texas. Bucking chutes are used to stage the livestock and prepare the riders in the following events: saddle bronc riding, bareback bronc riding and bull riding.

A young Native American cowboy prepares to ride a steer at Crow Agency’s annual powwow and rodeo. Young rodeo participants use steers at an early age in preparation for riding prized bulls in the future.

A cowboy tightens the leather lacing that affixes the spurs to his boot. The standard five-point rowel, donned during riding competitions, digs into the livestocks’ torso and encourages the animal to buck. This action results in a “wilder” ride, thus adding to the overall event scoring.

Most rodeo events are designed for individual participants. Therefore, with the goal of winning prize money, a cowboy may spend the majority of the year on the road traveling to numerous competitions. One competitor takes a solitary moment of prayer before a rough stock event.

Bull riding, sometimes called “the most dangerous eight seconds in sports,” is a rodeo event whereby a cowboy attempts to ride a bull without being bucked off. A ride only qualifies if the cowboy remains mounted for 8 seconds.

Rodeos are usually held over several days, allowing multiple rounds of event competition to crown the respective winners. Each day, a professional rodeo may see attendance of approximately 100,000 people.

Bulls attack because of trained response, agitation and movement of others around them. During the bull-riding event, rodeo clowns, as well as professional photographers like this man, may attract the bull’s attention.

The Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association organizes over 100 rodeos throughout the year that take place all across America. Each event brings together cowboys from many areas to participate in the competition.