Rodeo Glory

Some years ago, I literally stumbled upon the world of Rodeo while driving into Palm Springs. Fascinated by this all-American phenomenon that I had only been superficially exposed to in still images and on television, I decided to delve deeper into this larger-than-life experience and the culture of Rodeo.  This city girl’s curiosity was piqued and I was able, through friends, to get all-access to California Rodeo Salinas, the largest Rodeo in California and one of the top ten Rodeos in the U.S. I attended Rodeo in Salinas for three years. Although I attended other Rodeos in California, the Salinas event, which began in 1911 and is an inductee to the Pro Rodeo Hall of fame, had my undivided attention. American Rodeo tradition has changed very little from its roots as a ranch hand job interview.  Ranching, Country, and God are its focus. Ropes, hats, saddles, boots, and animals have mostly avoided modern technology, imbuing this centuries-old subculture with a rare combination of comfort and thrill.