Rodeo's school of hard knocks

Budding cowboys and cowgirls can now attend rodeo schools

By the BBC's Tira Shubart In Colorado

The rodeo season in the United States has begun - continuing one of the most colourful and spectacular frontier traditions.

Started for fun by cowboys who worked long hours for low pay in the cattle and livestock industry, rodeo has grown into one of the most popular spectator sports in the US.

Once a traditional ranch event, rodeo is now even broadcast on television sports networks.

More than 80% of American states hold professional rodeos. There are currently about 700 held around the country, not to mention thousands of amateur and youth rodeos.

Most US states now hold professional rodeos

Prize money in professional rodeo adds up to $32m a year and top cowboys can earn millions of dollars in winnings and lucrative corporate sponsorship.

Such is the lure of rodeo that it is now attracting a new breed of competitor who have never been on a ranch or ridden a horse. For those courageous enough to try this thrilling but rough sport, there are now rodeo schools to learn or perfect rodeo skills.

Lyle Sankey, a former professional rodeo champion in both bull and bronco riding, runs one of the most popular rodeo schools. He teaches hundreds of students every year - some of whom have gone on to become champions.

First frontier

"For anyone who really likes adventure, rodeo is the first and last frontier. This can be a one-time experience for people, a life dream."

"Other people only meant to do it for the weekend and then love it and carry on."

The skills of the range-riding broncos and roping cattle - evolved into rodeo events.

Some contests are timed for speed such as calf roping, steer wrestling and barrel racing while others are scored by a judge.

These "rough stock" events are the spectacular bareback bronco riding, saddle back bronco riding and bull riding. And these are the events that Lyle Sankey loves to teach his students.

Rodeo riding can involve some fancy fashion

One of Sankey's favourite teaching venues is in the beautiful Rocky Mountain town of Penrose, Colorado.

With top "bucking stock" - bulls and broncos - provided by a local rodeo contractor, Sankey welcomed his 20 students.

The range of students was surprising - from lboys of eight-years-old to men in their forties. There were also three women who wanted to become bull riders.

Thrill and romance

A few were experienced riders but most were simply attracted by the thrill and romance of rodeo.

Through lectures, videos and a model bucking bull and broncos, the students were shown the proper technique and how to use their rather minimal gear to stay on a bucking animal.

Pupils are shown how to use a model bucking bull

The move from theory to practice is a big one. The next step is entering the stock chutes, fixing the rigging and climbing onboard a seething bull or bronco waiting for the chute to be pulled open.

When the chute opens, the explosive power of the bucking broncos is impressive. The twists and bucks of the horses propel the animal several metres upwards and sideways simultaneously.

The bulls are even more spectacular; two tons of fearsome beast which has the power of a bulldozer.

There is no mistaking that these broncos and bulls are animal athletes. Some bucking broncos and bulls become famous on the circuit and acquire legendary status.

Eight seconds is a short time for a sprinter on the track, but if you're sitting on a bull, eight seconds can seem very long

Professional cowboy

The cowboys - and cowgirls - climbed on board again and again to perfect their technique and simply for the sheer exhilaration.

Despite landing in the dust time and again, bruises were the only injuries thanks to not only luck but the safe techniques that Sankey emphasises.

Many even managed to stay onboard for the mandatory eight seconds.

One of Lyle Sankey's staff, a cowboy who has competed for years, put it in perspective: "Eight seconds is a short time for a sprinter on the track, but if you're sitting on a bull, eight seconds can seem very long."

At the end of three days of bucking and bruising, at least a half dozen of Sankey's students vowed to continue competing in rodeos on some level.

And the rest said they had become even more enthusiastic spectators as they limped off home.