Silver City’s Wild, Wild West Rodeo: Day 1

Photos and article by T.A. Niles

They say, “a picture is worth a thousand words,” and while I often ponder the truth of that saying, in this instance I hope it will suffice. Here are a few images from Day 1 of the Renegade Rodeo tour stop hosted by the Southwest Horseman’s Association and presented by Casper Baca Rodeo Company.

You've heard people say, "This ain't my first rodeo," right? Well, the Wild, Wild West Rodeo in Silver City is, in fact, my first rodeo, but it's not likely to be my last.

Say "rodeo" and bodacious bulls and bucking broncs come to mind immediately for a rodeo initiate like me, but there's so much more to see, to hear, to appreciate. The crowded stands on opening night is ample testament to the longstanding western rodeo tradition. And speaking of crowded, this newbie was blown away by the multitude of business banners ringing the rodeo arena.

Opening night (Thursday) was a bull fest to be sure, with 25 riders holding on for dear life as the bulls defied gravity, jackknifed in midair, and jarred the turf with flashing hooves in the fading sunlight. An adrenaline spurting spectacle to be sure! Tonight, I’m looking forward to San Lorenzo’s Biebelle sisters, Clair and Amy, as they display their State Championship and Nationals qualifying skills in Barrell Racing.

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