Organizers expect record attendance for rodeo in Cortez

Organizers expect record attendance for rodeo in Cortez

After sliding into the mud, Tyler Scales and his bareback ride get back up during the Ute Mountain Roundup Thursday night. Scales was given a second ride because the horse lost its footing. Rodeo organizers said the horse was not injured.
Tony Buckman lives up to his name as he's bucked upside down in the bareback competition at the Ute Mountain Roundup.
One of the rodeo hands demonstrates his mutton bustin' abilities at the Ute Mountain Roundup.
Grabbing the steer by the horns, Ty Lang wrestles him to the ground in 4.8 seconds to take the lead in the steer wrestling Friday night.
The sheep tramples over C.J. Wright in the mutton competition at the Ute Mountain Roundup.
After being bucked off, Brian Larson scurries away from the charging bull during the Ute Mountain Rodeo.
Local cowboy Jason McClain and Scott Honeycutt compete in the team roping during the Ute Mountain Roundup.
ABOVE: Rodeo royalty rides through the arena. BELOW: Merrick Brooks hits the ground as the "cowboy lifesavers" grab the bull's attention to give the rider a chance to escape.
Merrick Brooks hits the ground as the 'cowboy lifesavers' grab the bulls attention to give the rider a chance to escape.
Brison Higman loses his grip and is bucked off his ride in the mutton bustin' competition at the Ute Mountain Roundup.

Organizers expect record attendance for rodeo in Cortez

After sliding into the mud, Tyler Scales and his bareback ride get back up during the Ute Mountain Roundup Thursday night. Scales was given a second ride because the horse lost its footing. Rodeo organizers said the horse was not injured.
Tony Buckman lives up to his name as he's bucked upside down in the bareback competition at the Ute Mountain Roundup.
One of the rodeo hands demonstrates his mutton bustin' abilities at the Ute Mountain Roundup.
Grabbing the steer by the horns, Ty Lang wrestles him to the ground in 4.8 seconds to take the lead in the steer wrestling Friday night.
The sheep tramples over C.J. Wright in the mutton competition at the Ute Mountain Roundup.
After being bucked off, Brian Larson scurries away from the charging bull during the Ute Mountain Rodeo.
Local cowboy Jason McClain and Scott Honeycutt compete in the team roping during the Ute Mountain Roundup.
ABOVE: Rodeo royalty rides through the arena. BELOW: Merrick Brooks hits the ground as the "cowboy lifesavers" grab the bull's attention to give the rider a chance to escape.
Merrick Brooks hits the ground as the 'cowboy lifesavers' grab the bulls attention to give the rider a chance to escape.
Brison Higman loses his grip and is bucked off his ride in the mutton bustin' competition at the Ute Mountain Roundup.