We took two trips to San Antonio in February to see the Rodeo and Stock Show. On the first trip we checked out all the vendors (700+) and watched some of the cowboy competitions. The San Antonio Rodeo and Stock Show has been voted the best indoor rodeo in the U.S. the last 5 years by the cowboys themselves. This years rodeo was from Feb. 4 to Feb. 21.
We were able to watch the "Versitility Ranch Horse Competition" the day we attended. This cowboy and his horse are looking through the herd for a particular calf that he has to "cut" out of the herd. The horse must remain very quiet so as not to scatter the herd.
Once the calf is cut out of the herd it is all up to the horse to keep him from rejoining the herd. These horses have to be very agile as you can see from the way he is turning to keep between the calf and the herd.
Bill found "Bill's Tractor" exhibit in the commercial area.
The second trip to San Antonio was to view the rodeo and the Alan Jackson concert. Here is part of the opening ceremony.
You can see the cowboy coming off his horse in order to throw this steer to the ground. Some of the cowboys can do this in less than 3 seconds.
Heading and heeling-one cowboy ropes the steer by the horns, then the second cowboy ropes the two hind legs.
Saddle bronc riding is always exciting. Anyone that says these animals are mistreated are mistaken. They are well fed, fat, and only work 8 seconds a night and only a few days a week.
The cowgirls like the barrel racing. They can go around 3 barrels in about 17 seconds.
Of course the highlight of the Rodeo is the bull riding. These animals, too, are healthy and fat!
The real highlight of the evening was a one hour concert by Alan Jackson! He put on a great show.
We were able to watch the "Versitility Ranch Horse Competition" the day we attended. This cowboy and his horse are looking through the herd for a particular calf that he has to "cut" out of the herd. The horse must remain very quiet so as not to scatter the herd. 
Once the calf is cut out of the herd it is all up to the horse to keep him from rejoining the herd. These horses have to be very agile as you can see from the way he is turning to keep between the calf and the herd.
Bill found "Bill's Tractor" exhibit in the commercial area.
2009 total attendance was 1,313,785.
Last year over $8.1 million was committed to youth and education.
There are activities going on every day from 8 am until the concert is over at around 11 pm.
The second trip to San Antonio was to view the rodeo and the Alan Jackson concert. Here is part of the opening ceremony.
Over 5,000 volunteers serving on 37 committees help put on this annual event.
You can see the cowboy coming off his horse in order to throw this steer to the ground. Some of the cowboys can do this in less than 3 seconds.
Heading and heeling-one cowboy ropes the steer by the horns, then the second cowboy ropes the two hind legs.
Saddle bronc riding is always exciting. Anyone that says these animals are mistreated are mistaken. They are well fed, fat, and only work 8 seconds a night and only a few days a week.
The cowgirls like the barrel racing. They can go around 3 barrels in about 17 seconds.
Of course the highlight of the Rodeo is the bull riding. These animals, too, are healthy and fat!
The real highlight of the evening was a one hour concert by Alan Jackson! He put on a great show.
