Under the Texan Sky
The Thrill and Tradition of Texas Rodeos
Interview written and condensed by Katie Goebel, Promega
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Texas rodeos are a captivating blend of tradition, sport, and entertainment, embodying the spirit of the American West. With roots tracing back to the cattle ranching culture of the 19th century, rodeos have evolved into major events that attract thousands of spectators each year. These high-energy spectacles showcase a range of events, from bull riding and barrel racing to roping and steer wrestling, highlighting the skill and bravery of both cowboys and cowgirls. Beyond the adrenaline and excitement, Texas rodeos play a vital role in preserving the state’s cultural heritage and supporting local communities. This article explores the history, significance, and enduring appeal of rodeos in Texas, offering a glimpse into what makes them an iconic and enduring symbol of the Lone Star State.
ISHI attendees will have the exciting opportunity to experience the world of real Texas rodeo at the Wednesday night event, where they can witness firsthand the skill and thrill that define this iconic sport. Below, Lester Meier, the founder of Lester Meier Rodeo Company, shares his journey, the challenges and triumphs, and his insights into the true excitement and entertainment of the Texas rodeo industry.
What inspired you to get involved in the rodeo industry?
Well, I was a bull rider for six years, and all the riders tell you they have a last ride. I had my last ride, I rode for six years never broke a bone in my body. But my last bull I got on, the fifth or sixth jump, he jumped up there and came back, and I lost my feet. My head hit his head, which he knocked me out. As he came around, he ran a horn through my chin. I had about a half an inch of my lip hanging on both sides, and my front five teeth were gone. So, that's my last ride. I had five or six bulls, and FFA guy called and said, “Hey, could I lease your practice bulls for our rodeo?”, and I said, “Sure.” I went and picked the bulls up on a Sunday, and he said, “What I owe you?”, and I said, “No, whatever.” And he said, “How about $200?”, and I said, “Wow!” Back then I worked for Lyndon Johnson on the LBJ ranch. I made $250 a month. So, I thought, wow! That night, a lady called me and asked if I would lease her my bulls to their little association, she gave me five rodeos, and they all said get some more bulls and get some horses, get what else for next year. Never was I intended to go into the rodeo business, but I guess it was a God thing, and it just happened. Now I’ve been doing it for 51 years.
How do rodeos contribute to Texas culture and community?
First of all, it's very entertaining, and a lot of communities use the sport of rodeo for fundraisers. We do what’s called tour rodeos. We do them for fair associations, rotary clubs, and stock show people. They use the rodeo event to raise money for their project or their community. And if you think about it, rodeo goes way back to the original days. Where it got started, they call it the Wild, Wild West. The ranchers, if they had a celebration, might start a little competition on roping and branding, or maybe they had a competition on breaking a horse for the riding, that’s where riding comes from. It originates way back in those days.
How do the performers get involved in rodeos?
We publicize when our rodeo is, that's what my wife is doing today. It's called taking the books. People are calling in to enter the rodeo for this weekend in Cuero, Texas. That’s how they get involved, they just call and enter.
How are the animals selected for rodeo events?
Well, there again, the animals that you have, bulls and horses, some buck, some don't. And people say, “How do you know they buck?”, you don't know. You can take the best-looking bull and he can run smooth off, or you can take him, and he will start bucking and that’s just like racehorses, cutting horses, working dogs. They're all kind of bred to buck. What we try to do is select animals that are fair, even, so it's not what we call a drawing contest. Everybody has a fair shot of trying to win rodeo.
What kind of care and management do rodeo animals receive to ensure their well-being?
Probably the best of the best, because that's their livelihood, and it's your livelihood, so you have got to keep them healthy, keep them in good shape. And we monitor that daily. I just came out of the pasture checking bulls and fixing go to another place, to check horses. Make sure they have water, grass, to stay in good shape, stay healthy. The mutton busting sheep, you watch them too. Sometimes sheep are the type you have to say, “Okay, there's time for a good worming.” So, you worm them. You just take care of them in a very special way.
What are some of the most challenging aspects of competing in rodeo events?
Challenging? Well, you just got to stay on your game. You have got people that do it full-time. They go every day, year-round, to rodeos. We have the working-class people, which we cater to the most, and we call them the weekend rodeo cowboys. They work during the week, they have a family, they have got to make a living, but they enjoy the sport of rodeo. A lot of them, I want to say 80, 90% of contestants are family-oriented people that have to make ends meet and make a living in just rodeo. Like any other sport, that is pretty tough. Then you have the beginners that are just wanting to start. We kind of encourage them to go to a practice pen, someplace where we just get on some lighter animals. We protect them as well. We don't put them on double ranked bulls or double ranked horses. The last thing we want to do is get a contestant hurt.
What can the audience expect when they go to a Texas rodeo?
We make sure that it’s very family orientated, family entertainment. Of course you have a lot of rough stock, bull riding, bareback riding, calves open team, open barrel racing, but in with that, we try to add events like the calf scramble for the kids. We try to put in mutton busting for the kiddos. We have drill teams that do drills and presentations, and then we also sometimes have trick riders and clowns and funny men. We try to make it very entertaining and family friendly.