The National Western Stock Show is a big deal here around Denver. We went years ago, but hadn’t been in a while, so we decided to go.

We headed to the stock show after lunch to fart around and bum around the expo. SO much stuff. Farm equipment, cattle fencing, cowboy hats… If it has to do with country and ranch living, you can find it here. 

It’s cool, really. It’s a whole other way of life that I know very little about. Short of spending some time riding horses at my local show barn when I was a kid, and Matt riding a horse or two at Boy Scout camp growing up, neither of us have any experience in the ranching lifestyle. It’s always been fascinating to me, and immersing myself into it for a few hours is always fun. 

After wandering around for a while, we headed back home for lunch and a nap. 

After having dinner, we went back to the stock show grounds. We went to find the mutton bustin’ first. Holy crap, it’s hilarious! All these little kids holding on to sheep for deer life. I kept thinking, “Future bull riders of America. They have no fear!”  Except the one kid. He said no, and no amount of coaxing got him on that sheep…

Then, it was PBR time. I don’t know if you all know this about me, but I love rodeo. LOVE it. There’s a whole song written about it (thanks, Garth Brooks!), and every word is true. 

There were very few rides that counted. Those bulls were not having it. Of the 45 cowboys that competed, there were maybe seven that actually scored. It was nuts. 

Those dudes are so tough, too. They get launched off the backs of bulls and stomped on… I’m pretty sure bull riding is one of the most physically demanding sports out there. It’s always sad when a wonderful evening comes to an end, but we had SO much fun!!

Here’s a little video about it: