Hold on to your cowboy hats as we set off on a galloping journey back to the wild West - the birthplace of the rodeo. We're venturing back to the mid-1800s, where it all began with Spanish missionaries, Vecarro culture, and the early cowboys whose fierce rivalry sparked the creation of what we now know as professional rodeo. Discover how their roping and riding contests for bragging rights transformed into a recognized sport, with a nod to pioneers like William F. Cody and his entertainment shows, and William Pickett's innovative bull-wrestling technique, bulldogging.We'll also steer you through the various events that have become hallmarks of the professional rodeo - from the rough and tumble of saddle bronc riding and bull riding to the heart-pounding excitement of team roping and barrel racing. Listen as we dissect each event, revealing how their roots lie deep in traditional ranching practices. As we hit the 20th century, join us for a rewind of the first annual Dodge City Rodeo in 1939, and a salute to influential women like Annie Oakley and Mabel Strickland Woodward, who paved the way for women in the sport. Get ready for a wild ride, partners! Purchase Cattle Drives: The Days That Tried Men's SoulsSupport the showCattle Drives WebsiteLegends of Dodge City WebsiteOrder Books