The Beginning of Rodeo in Wyoming As Laramie grew and the town spread out, businesses and attitudes were changing as the century was coming to a close. Many business people closed up shop and tried ranching and dry-farming. Along with the Cattle boom in the 1880’s, came many settlers and ranchers. The population was growing … Continue reading The Beginning of Rodeo
» READ MOREThe Other Roughriders; Col. Torrey and Wyoming’s Volunteer Cavalry By Phil Roberts The Rough Riders are usually associated with Theodore Roosevelt, but his were not the only “rough riders” organized to fight in the Spanish-American War of 1898. Wyoming had its rough riders, too, but due to a train mishap and the shortness of the … Continue reading The Other Roughriders: Col. Torrey and Wyoming’s Volunteer Cavalry
» READ MORE“Powder River, Let ‘er Buck” By Phil Roberts Professor of History, University of Wyoming Former UW football coach Joe Glenn (2003-08) often repeated the familiar mantra “Powder River, Let ‘er Buck,” as an expression indicating resolve—“we’re going to go out and do this task successfully, whatever the obstacles.” The derivation of the expression was … Continue reading “Powder River, Let ‘er Buck”
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Women have long participated in the rodeo. “Prairie Rose” Henderson debuted at the Cheyenne Frontier Days rodeo in 1901, and by 1920, women were competing in rough stock events, relay races and trick riding. However, after two serious rodeo accidents involving women, the newly created Rodeo Association of America (R.A.A.) became opposed to female involvement … Continue reading Women in Rodeo
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Morris “Dutch” Corthell was a Laramie resident who played football at the University of Wyoming. Corthell also loved horses! In 1910, having never ridden a bronc before, he got his chance to ride on the legendary Steamboat at Cheyenne Frontier Days — and stayed on throughout the entire ride!. Dutch completed his education at the … Continue reading Dutch Corthell Riding Steamboat
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Calf roping is a rodeo event featuring a calf and horse rider. The goal of this timed event is for the rider to catch the calf by throwing a loop of rope from a lariat around its neck. Then, the rider dismounts from the horse, runs to the calf, and restrains it by tying three of … Continue reading Rodeo Riders and Roping the Calf
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Trick riding refers to the act of performing stunts while riding a horse, such as the rider standing upright on a galloping horse. Other stunts might include hanging upside down from the side of the horse while remaining attached to a strap, or jumping on and off a galloping horse. Learn more about the history … Continue reading Trick Riding
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A common practice at a rodeo is bowing to the judges. This photo was taken at a 4th of July Rodeo Celebration in Laramie in the early 1900s. Learn more about Laramie Jubilee Days. Resources
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“Trick” riding refers to the act of performing stunts while riding a horse, such as the rider standing upright on a galloping horse. “Roman” riding refers to a method of horseback riding in which a person stands astride a pair of horses. Other stunts might include hanging upside down off of the side of the horse … Continue reading Roman Riding
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Few could ride Steamboat without being thrown. Jake Maring, a Laramie native and championship cowboy rode Steamboat to a standstill in 1905 at the old Albany County Fairgrounds. Steamboat the horse is arguably the most famous bucking bronco of all time. His iconic image — whether in truth or legend — represents the Cowboy State … Continue reading Steamboat & Jake Maring
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