It’s Rodeo Season In Texas! Giddy Up Ya’ll!

Bull Wrestling

By Billy Bob Dante

“Rodeo ain’t no ordinary life but a cowboy ain’t no ordinary man.”

                                                              ———Tracy Byrd

In the next few months, all across Texas, you will be able to witness the excitement of the competition, the display of skills and the honor of the traditions of the American West.

Rodeo originated in the sixteenth century when the Spanish and Mexican settlers introduced the breeding of horses and cattle in the Southwest part of the country. Driven by practical skills required by cattle ranchers and cowboys, rodeo has evolved into the competitive contest that it’s known for today.

You may have noticed that during the last several years since the “Yellowstone” TV series opened its corral, it seems like every drug store cowboy and cowgirl, from New York City to Seattle has gone western. Just when you thought the international western craze was going to die down, it hasn’t!

Sales on western boots, jeans and hats are still hot with record purchases, especially by TEXANS!

So don’t put your boots up yet. You might have to think about   upgrading to a custom, handmade leather boot or an exotic skin. It’s about time you had a couple of pairs of boots and one outstanding pair for those rodeo days and nights! I recently spoke to longtime western wear expert, Greg White, of Billy’s Western Wear, and asked him about

that very subject. He said, “A lot of people don’t realize that there are many, many options to choose from in exotic skins.”  Among them are lizard, python, rattlesnake, elephant, hippo, giraffe, kangaroo, shark, stingray, piraracu, alligator, crocodile and caiman.

One other thing , make sure your hat fits your head and face. It sits on the top of your head, right up there, for all to see!

Doesn’t have be expensive. But there is a person in every good western store that shapes the hats. So ask them and look your best. Don’t depend on your best friend to say that looks great because they probably don’t know.

The right jeans combined with the right boots and hat will have all eyeballs looking at you when you attend that next rodeo, dance or TEXAN gala.

No matter where you live there are some great stores to shop, from Fort Worth to Brownsville.

Remember, there are boots and western wear to fit your budget.

Now that it’s rodeo time in Texas and has been in the blood of all Texans starting back in 1883, get ready to ride!

LETS RODEO!

FORT WORTH STOCK SHOW AND RODEO

JANUARY 17- FEBRUARY 8, 2025

This is the first large rodeo that kicks off the new year. Also, this time of year it can be colder in the Dallas Fort Worth area so bundle up.

There are many champion cowboys and cowgirls from north Texas and the competition is hot and fast. These major 2025 rodeo stars are looking to win some of that (over one million dollars) prize money and also take home some coveted, shiny, championship buckles.

There will be twenty-three days of rodeo fun from barrel racing, bulls and broncs and of course the fairgrounds for family fun.

This includes many major, live music entertainment acts, such as Chris Janson, member of Grand Ole Opry, who will perform some his best tunes like “Good Vibes” and “Buy Me A Boat.”

SAN ANTONIO STOCK SHOW AND RODEO

FEBRUARY 6th-FEBRUARY 23rd

Great rodeo, combined with lots to do around the Alamo city. The Riverwalk deserves an evening stroll, go by the Buckhorn Saloon on Houston Street which houses the only “Texas Rangers Museum” in south Texas. And it’s right around the corner from The Alamo! Never been to The Alamo? And you call yourself a Texan!

This is one of the largest rodeos and 2025 has some of the best live entertainment. Write this down, Keith Urban, LeAnn Rimes, Bellamy Brothers, Sammy Hager and of course Dwight Yoakam just to name a few.

93rd HOUSTON LIVESTOCK SHOW AND RODEO

MARCH 4th-MARCH 23rd

Prior to the official start of the rodeo, commonly known as the HSLR,  check out, from February 27th-March 1st the WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP BAR-B-QUE contest. The location for the Houston BBQ cookoff will be in the NRG parking lots.

Tickets are available to the public. For more information look up rodeohouston.com

One of the largest and most popular major family events, also ahead of the rodeo official start, is the downtown western rodeo parade. It’s all about tradition for TEXANS with the parade being on Saturday, March 1st.

Many large, colorful floats combined with a few thousand horses and riders make for a tremendous western celebration. This is a great way to start off the rodeo season with Houstonians lining the

streets as the floats, steers, horses and marching bands make for an exciting day for friends, visitors and family members of all ages.

When it comes to rodeo competition only the best of the best qualify to compete. This year a record purse of  $2,533,500 will be available for the taking. This is an increase from last years take by  $355,500. There will be a lot of happy and hard working cowboys and cowgirls.

Keep in mind that rodeo in Texas is also all about scholarships for the kids.

The HSLR  2025 educational commitment will award $14.7 million in scholarships, more than $9.7 million to junior show exhibitors, more than $3 million in educational program grants and more than $481,000 to graduate programs across Texas.

Besides the competition there is the star studded live shows every night from country, rock, Tejano and much more.

The fairgrounds are one of the best wats to spend numerous days watching, eating and enjoying the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo.