Jaunted - Tag: Rodeos

Channel Your Inner Cowboy At Rodeo School

kjb — 2009-02-12T12:11:03-05:00

As we slowly creep towards spring, you might be thinking of getting more in touch with nature and maybe some wildlife. If that’s the case, then you’ll be the perfect candidate for a weekend at rodeo school.

Sankey Rodeo Schools offers classes across the country to get you more familiar with bull riding, bareback riding, and even being a rodeo clown. All the equipment, gear, and critters are provided, so just bring yourself—and a Xanax.

There’s no mechanical bulls here, only the real things full of horns and fur. The school caters to both the casual thrill seeker as well as those looking to make it a career, so you’ll get the full experience. Most classes offer a weekend adventure where you’ll be paired with a critter that’s in your league, and the instructors promise they are there for you to learn. If you’re looking for a last minute Valentine’s Day idea there’s even a class taking place in Summerville, Georgia this weekend. The bull riding classes here will set you back $410.

The school maintains high safety ratings and has been chosen to do the safety demonstrations for rodeo associations across the country, but that really doesn’t make us feel any more secure. There’s a definite risk here, and it’s a far cry from your dad’s dream vacation at the dude ranch. Best of all, if you really get into, the school offers more advanced classes that can make your cowboy dreams come true.

Related Stories:
·Sankey Rodeo Schools and Equipment [Official Site]
·Spain's Running of the Bulls Launches Feminist Debate [Jaunted]
·Rodeos coverage [Jaunted]

[Photo: Paul J Everett]

St. Paul: Fourth of July Travel: St. Paul Rodeo

kjb — 2008-06-18T14:00:01-05:00

If you're looking for something a little different than fireworks this Independence Day, then look no further than Oregon. The 73rd annual St. Paul Rodeo is riding into town July 2. In addition to the usual rodeo festivities, there's a Western showcase featuring artisans selling jewelry, paintings, home goods and clothing.

If you come hungry, or are just a great backyard chef, July 5 offers a BBQ cook-off. The judges are looking for creativity, a fun team name and, of course, melt-in-your-mouth ribs. Prizes up for grabs are tickets to the rodeo, trophies, bragging rights and a trip around the rodeo ring as champion.

The cheap seats start at $12 each night. And, yes, even though they aren't the main attraction, there will be fireworks every night.

Related Stories:
· St. Paul Rodeo [Official Site]
· Fourth of July coverage [Jaunted]

[Photo: ReneS]

Angola: Rodeo Travel: Cowboys in the Bayou

pbb — 2008-04-17T09:00:30-05:00

This weekend marks the first Angola Prison Rodeo of 2008. And this isn't your average bull and bronco show: All the cowboys are inmates.

The Louisiana State Penitentiary sits 55 miles northwest of Baton Rouge, and it hosts the rodeo twice a year. It gives prisoners--many serving life--a chance to break the monotony of their sentences. The first rodeo was held back in 1965, and now the event draws close to 10,000 people.

The rodeo's even inspired a documentary called "Six Seconds of Freedom." The trailer is after the jump.