National Finals Rodeo
It took Trevor Brazile longer than he expected to rope most of his calves and catch his steers in team roping.
Thomas & Mack Center
At Thomas & Mack Center
When the National Finals Rodeo started nine days ago, all-around cowboy Trevor Brazile and bull rider J.W. Harris were expected to clinch world championships midway through the 10-day rodeo.
Research on rodeo injuries finds that bareback riders pull up to 46 Gs — just short of the forces experienced when an Indy car crashes at 200 mph, and nearly twice the 26 Gs experienced by bull riders. Studies have led to improved head and neck protection for riders.
Activities more rugged than Christmas shopping usually are associated with the National Finals Rodeo. But cowboys enjoy saving a buck as much as shooting one.
The National Finals Rodeo isn’t a beauty pageant. Contestants aren’t smiling for cameras; they do whatever it takes to win a lot of money and gold buckles representing world championships.
If you see Billy Etbauer today, just call him “Timex.”
A woman’s role in rodeo is not limited to being a fan, flag girl or Miss Rodeo pageant contestant.
Three names have been synonymous with calf roping in the National Finals Rodeo the past decade: Joe Beaver, Fred Whitfield and Cody Ohl.