Dip into the fantastic 100-year celebration of the National Western Stock Show in January 2007 and life will never be the same.  It is one of the world's largest rodeos, perfectly hosted midst the grandeur of Denver, Colorado's Rocky Mountain horse properties.  You will be compelled to own your own horse and we will happily ride with you to experience the peace that a piece of Colorado horse property brings.

The National Western Stock Show prides itself in preserving the western lifestyle.  The event is a showcase for the agricultural industry.  But it is more than a show.  It is downright exciting to see over 600,000 people, thousands of beautifully cared for animals and thousands of people who have mastered, trained and partnered with their horses, with exceptional results. 

Thousands come from around the nation; others with real estate in the Denver community have a quicker commute.  Ranches around Boulder, a few acres near Sedalia for horses or Kiowa horse property may be the best place for you and your children.  Just listen to this:

The 2006 rodeo part of the show displayed Bareback Riding, Saddle Bronc, Bull Riding, Tie-Down roping, Steer Wrestling, Team Roping, Barrel Racing.  Entertaining special performances such as Catch-A-Calf, Team Penning, Mutton Bustin', the Westernaires, and the African-American Heritage Rodeo all provided great shows for the minimal ticket prices.

Cowboys agree that bareback riding is a sensational and physically demanding event, stretching muscles to the limit, pulling joints and pounding the body mercilessly.  But your child can learn to catch a calf and return the following year to market the steer.  The 5 to 7 year olds love riding a sheep out of a bucking chute and into the rodeo arena.  Some of these little ones grow up to participate in real bull-riding competition with all of its glamour and danger that teaches the cowboy the secrets of mastering himself and the animal.   So, from the most demanding to the showy Westernaires, there's a little something in this community event for everyone.

With multitudes of competitions for each category (for example, 90 competitions for the Paint Horse) there is a time when the spotlight shines on the horsemanship of each contestant.

Tickets are available for the PRCA Rodeo, Freestyle Reining, Draft Horse, Mexican Rodeo, Dancing Horse, the Kick-Off Party, PBR Bull Riding, the Grand Prix, Super Dogs, the Wild West Show, Gambler's Choice, the Martin Luther King, Jr. African-American Heritage Rodeo, and the Red Meat Club Annual Dinner.  Call (303) 297-1166 for information.

If you need to start slowly raising your cowboy or cowgirl, or even teaching yourself, find out about the school tours, the Youth Art Show, Pony Trails, Children's Ranchland, the Petting Farm, the Stick Horse Rodeo, Free Children's Activities, the Teacher's Handbook, and Livestock Exhibits. 

Yes, livestock play a big role in the National Western, being shown and sold, and we'll be back later to tell you more about it.