Black Hills Stock Show more than just the riding events

RAPID CITY, S.D – For many at the Black Hills Stock Show on Sunday, riding roots run deep.

“I grew up–my family ran show cattle so I’ve come out here for, gosh, my entire life,” one competitor said.

“My family’s rodeoed for years. We got a bunch of world champions all through the family,” another recalled.

“For years, you know, I brought the whole family. Now they’re grown and gone but I’m still showing up,” one person said.

Contestants spent the day competing against each other in different roping events. Young and old alike were in the arena racing to put up the best times and performances that they could.

However, the events aren’t the only thing that draw people back to the Black Hills Stock Show year after year. Besides shows doubling as a modified vacation of sorts, they also provide a strong sense of community and family for all.

Both the blood kind and the family that you choose.

“It’s great to have all the kids come out. Get to see the animals, meet the contestants,” a competitor said.

“We just all have a lot of common interests and common values,” one spectator said.

“I raised three kids and they came to me through the horse shows getting to know these people also. It was a huge confidence booster and a great experience for them and they’ve gone on doing the same thing,” another recalled.

“I grew up in the eastern side of the state, so there’s always friends from high school, college that come out and come to the ropings, the rodeos, all different types of stuff,” a third said. “It’s always just fun to get together with everyone, see people you don’t see very often.”

To see a full schedule of all of the upcoming events, click here.