Bull and bronc riding on its own is pretty intense and scary but imagine being over the age of 40 and getting on one of those bucking critters. True Western Roundup hosted the Legends Roughstock Challenge where there were over 30 guys entered up to compete for the top spot in their circuit and age division. It was unlike any normal rodeo. These gentleman were full of grit and determination and maybe a little bit of crazy on the side.
The Legends Roughstock Challenge travels across the country to many different towns with riders from far and wide entered up to put their skills to the test. Many of these legend riders have been to the NFR, in the PBR, PRCA and so much more. There are more champion buckles in this crew than there are anywhere else.
There are three different age groups they compete in; 40’s, 50’s and 60’s. There are men who compete in bareback, saddle bronc and bull riding. There are many who do all three. It is incredible to watch the strength and pure grit these guys are made of. They may get up a little slower than they used to but they aren’t afraid to tough it out.
This week we had two performances, one at noon and the main show at 6:30 pm that evening. The afternoon performance was hot. The horses, bulls and cowboys were moving a bit slower but it made for a great day full of roughstock action.
It was great to see some local cowboys competing and holding the top spot in their sport and age division such as Joaquin Tucson of Pagosa Springs winning the bareback riding and the all around. Their next stop will be in Wickenburg, Az before their big finals that take place in Las Vegas, Nevada in December.
Another fun feature was getting to see the Legends of True Western Roundup Royalty. It was so special to me as I got to photograph most of these beautiful ladies through the years of rodeo and now seeing them out being successful is so heart warming.
Check out these fun photos from the day.
