Ranch Rodeo cowboys sharpening everyday practices through competition

RAPID CITY, S.D. — You could say they’re part of a different breed.

Life for ranch rodeo cowboys doesn’t end when they’re done with a day on the ranch. Some could say they’re just getting started.

So, what’s the difference between a ranch rodeo and conventional rodeo?

“You’re doing events every day that you’re doing on the ranch,” said Dustin Bowling, who is part of the Kelly Trucking Ranch Rodeo team. “It’s not just a competition, it’s our lifestyle.”

In other words, ranch rodeo cowboys do what they do everyday, but in a more competitive arena.

Ranch rodeo cowboys at the Black Hills Stock Show and Rodeo, were looking to qualify for the finals. This carries great meaning to them, especially when they step foot in the arena.

“There’s more pride than a conventional rodeo, because this is the best and most humane way to handle livestock, so to show your skills and compete against your fellow competitors and friends, ya it’s perfect,” Bowling said.

You’d think that doing what they do everyday might be an advantage when it comes time to compete but, that’s not always the case when the lights shine the brightest.

“It doesn’t matter if you do it everyday for 50 years,” Bowling said. “Once you put a clock to it and other competitors, there’s always that aspect of doing good or not doing good.”

A job that’s also a competitive way of life.

For events and rules on Ranch Rodeo, click the PDF link below.

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