A rider kicks up his cowboy boots as he attempts to ride this bucking bronco. Each rider and horse are judged on a 100 point scoring system.
The cowboys best friend — the rodeo clown — takes a much deserved break. It is the rodeo clowns job to protect fallen riders, sometimes by stepping in front of a charging bull.
An IPRA judge watches a barrel racing competitor knock over a barrel while attempting to race around the obstacle.
Above: As a safety measure bull and bronco riders wear flack jackets to protect themselves against horse hoofs and bull horns.
Below: A rodeo clown taunts a raging bull as the animal attempts to dislodge the cowboy on his back. Riders must hold on for at least eight seconds to earn a score with the judges.
Above: While he successfully caught his quarry, this calf roping competitor fails to complete the event after his horse became entangled in the rope.
Below: Michelle Latting, 11, of Illinois sits atop her horse Speedy as the pair wait to carry the Stars and Stripes into the rodeo arena as part of opening ceremonies Sunday. Rodeo-Fest 2001 featured two pro rodeo performances and three amateur speed shows. The annual event in Interlochen is Michigan’s largest IPRA sanctioned rodeo.
