- Title: SPAIN: Bull riding not bull fighting in Spain's most eminent bull ring
- Date: 23rd September 2009
- Summary: MADRID, SPAIN (SEPTEMBER 18, 2009) (REUTERS) EXTERIOR OF "LAS VENTAS" BULL RING WITH PEOPLE WAITING IN LINE FANS OUTSIDE "LAS VENTAS" BULL RING
- Embargoed: 8th October 2009 13:00
- Keywords:
- Location: Spain
- Country: Spain
- Topics: Light / Amusing / Unusual / Quirky,Sports
- Reuters ID: LVAD6RKKQF7ZXPPB7HHHZU2UDKGD
- Story Text: America's top cowboys began their 'Rodeo Europe Tour' in Madrid's "Las Ventas" bull ring on Friday (September 18), treating Spanish fans to an authentic rodeo experience in a location that's regarded as the world's foremost stage for bull-fighting.
The show brought the full Midwest Rodeo experience to the Spanish capital, including team roping, steer wrestling, saddle and bareback bronc riding and bull riding.
50 cowboys are on the tour, hoping to bring a dose of U.S. bull-riding culture to Spanish aficionados.
"To me it's awesome, it's a lot of fun, it's my life," said lasso expert Shank Stevenson. "In the United States that's all we do, four days a week, ride bareback horses and rope and living the American dream, you know what I mean?"
Although many animal rights groups also oppose the rodeo because of the way animals are transported and sometimes prodded to perform, the rodeo is full of risk for the human performers too.
"You know you have to focus a lot in any kind of rodeo," explained saddle bronc rider Kyle Carrell, who acknowledges that the rodeo is one of the most dangerous sports there is. "You have to have it in your head 100%. It's a lot of mental, you know? So focus is a big, big part of the sport. Just get ready behind the chute and just get everything clear in your head, figure out what you have to do out there, and do it. Do what you do."
Even if spectators here are more used to the risks of bull fighting, America's oldest sport kept the Spanish audience on the edge of their seats.
"We always watch it on television," said Spanish rodeo fan Alberto Garcia, who bought cowboy hats for his whole family before coming to watch the rodeo.
"We're taking advantage of the fact that it's here to watch it in person," he added.
"My favourite part is the bronc riding," added his son Josua. Asked what he thought of the rodeo, he said "It's very spectacular!"
Originally based on the skills required by cowboys during their daily duties with the herd, the rodeo has now become an event designed to test the abilities and speed of the participating cowboys and cowgirls.
The rain and cold kept audience numbers down on the first night, but Spanish rodeo fans still have nine more opportunities to watch the bronc and bull riders as the Rodeo Europe Tour moves on to the neighbouring province of Guadalajara on Wednesday (September 23).
The Rodeo Tour will continue throughout Spain until the 17th of October. - Copyright Holder: REUTERS
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