Rodeos are part of the Montana ethos, a living tradition that represents the state’s western heritage and true grit. The spirited competitions, such as saddle bronc riding, steer wrestling and barrel racing, require courage under fire and skill; reckless abandon at high consequence. They recapture a bygone era and preserve an age-old identity. They carry on family legacies.
In the past three months, I spent several evenings photographing at rodeo arenas across the valley, watching this latest generation of cowboys and cowgirls compete in a time-honored tradition. To me, rodeo culture encompasses all the great values of our state: brawn, hard work and dedication to your craft. These athletes are some of the toughest around, working tirelessly to perfect technique so they are ready when their name is called. Whether it’s eight seconds on a bull or 16 seconds around barrels, there are no timeouts, no do-overs, no second chances.
Greg Lindstrom
The Northwest Montana Fair on August 15, 2014. Greg Lindstrom | Flathead Beacon
Brash summer rodeo series in Columbia Falls on Thursday, May 29, 2014. Greg Lindstrom | Flathead Beacon
Leroy Eash competes in the saddle bronc at the Brash Rodeo Blue Moon summer series in Columbia Falls on July 10, 2014. Greg Lindstrom | Flathead Beacon
The Brash Rodeo Summer Series at Blue Moon Arena in Columbia Falls on Thursday, June 5, 2014. Greg Lindstrom | Flathead Beacon
Danny Stafford and Troy Ruhkala compete in the team roping competition of the Brash Rodeo Summer Series at Blue Moon Arena in Columbia Falls on Thursday, June 5, 2014. Greg Lindstrom | Flathead Beacon
Clayton Morrison competes in the rodeo at the Northwest Montana Fair on August 15, 2014. Greg Lindstrom | Flathead Beacon
Manny Boggs is silhouetted as he competes in the team roping portion of the Brash Rodeo Summer Series at Blue Moon Arena in Columbia Falls on Thursday, June 5, 2014. Greg Lindstrom | Flathead Beacon
Kylee Skelton, of Columbia Falls, adjusts her hat at the Brash Rodeo Blue Moon summer series in Columbia Falls on July 10, 2014. Greg Lindstrom | Flathead Beacon
Kyler McDonald adjusts his boots at the Blue Moon summer rodeo series on August 28, 2014. Greg Lindstrom | Flathead Beacon
Jondie Rianda, of Kalispell, competes in the breakaway roping at the Brash Rodeo Summer Series at Blue Moon Arena in Columbia Falls on Thursday, June 5, 2014. Greg Lindstrom | Flathead Beacon
Alan Gobert prepares for his saddle bronc ride at the Brash Rodeo Summer Series at Blue Moon Arena in Columbia Falls on Thursday, June 5, 2014. Greg Lindstrom | Flathead Beacon
Jessi Wilcox competes in the open breakaway at the Brash Rodeo Blue Moon summer series in Columbia Falls on July 10, 2014. Greg Lindstrom | Flathead Beacon
Bull riders prepare their ropes before competition during the Brash Rodeo Summer Series at the Blue Moon Arena on Thursday, May 29, 2014. Greg Lindstrom | Flathead Beacon
The Brash Rodeo Summer Series at Blue Moon Arena in Columbia Falls on Thursday, June 5, 2014. Greg Lindstrom | Flathead Beacon
Olivia Olson carries the U.S. flag into the Blue Moon arena before the start of the rodeo on August 28, 2014. Greg Lindstrom | Flathead Beacon
Jondie Rianda adjusts her rope at the Brash Rodeo Summer Series at Blue Moon Arena in Columbia Falls on Thursday, June 5, 2014. Greg Lindstrom | Flathead Beacon
Tammy Jo Carpenter prepares for the breakaway roping event at the Blue Moon summer rodeo series on August 28, 2014. Greg Lindstrom | Flathead Beacon
Participants race the clock during the goat tying competition at the Montana High School Rodeo State Finals in Kalispell on Friday, June 5, 2014. Greg Lindstrom | Flathead Beacon
Miss Rodeo America Paige Nicholson, left, and Northwest Montana Pro Rodeo Little Miss Ahna Fox chat during the Northwest Montana Fair on August 15, 2014. Greg Lindstrom | Flathead Beacon
A young spectator watches the rodeo at the Northwest Montana Fair on August 15, 2014. Greg Lindstrom | Flathead Beacon
Dustin Morigeau raises his hat towards the sky after being nearly trampled by a horse at the Blue Moon summer rodeo series on August 28, 2014. Greg Lindstrom | Flathead Beacon
LeRoy Eash prepares for his Saddle Bronc ride while his son, Cooper, practices on his saddle at the Blue Moon summer rodeo series on August 28, 2014. Greg Lindstrom | Flathead Beacon
The sun sets on the Blue Moon summer rodeo series on August 28, 2014. Greg Lindstrom | Flathead Beacon
