Every year after the 4th of July, rodeos are plentiful in the western United States. Known as “Cowboy Christmas”, participants can find a rodeo nearly everyday if they’re willing to make the drive. Historically, rodeos began as a test of skill among workers on cattle ranches. The roots of this tradition is still visible in one of the many weekly small town rodeos in Colorado and throughout the mountain west.

Mark Drummond works on his roping skills before during the Carbondale Wild West Rodeo on Thursday July 20, 2017 in Carbondale, CO. The weekly rodeo is in it’s 13th year at it’s current location. It runs from June to mid-August.