Did you know that Idaho is home to more than 400 rodeos each year? Bulls and broncs are bucking every weekend from June to September somewhere in the Gem State. From the oldest rodeo, The War Bonnet Round Up in Idaho Falls (110 years old) featuring the Shoshone-Bannock tribe, to mutton-busting in the town of White Bird, (population: 95), cowboys and cowgirls saddle up for an adrenaline rush and family-friendly entertainment. But no rodeo offers more Vegas-style excitement than the annual Snake River Stampede in Nampa’s Ford Idaho Center. Glory, grit, and the risk of life and limb lures sold-out crowds of 12,000 for six days to the arena where contestants as young as five-years old compete for deafening applause in the spotlight. A rare, backstage glimpse at this granddaddy of Idaho rodeos reveals what happens during those dangerous eight seconds.
The ice-wrap after a bareback bronc ride.
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East meets West with Chinese “cupping” therapy to increase blood flow to sore muscles.
