Gallery: At the rodeo

Cowboy hats lined the horizon leading to the WKU Agricultural Exposition Center in Bowling Green from Friday, March 25 through Sunday, March 27. Families, rodeo enthusiasts and first-timers all eagerly waited in line for the annual Lone Star Rodeo after it was postponed from February to March. The Lone Star Rodeo began in Marfa, Texas and has continued for the past 40 years with help from Preston Fowlkes, Jr. and produces 40 events each year. Lasting three days in total, the rodeo consists of bull riding and nine other events including the bareback, saddle bronc, steer wrestling and others. The anticipation of the Lone Star Rodeo creates a sense of excitement in Bowling Green each year as people flock to watch the competitions.

During the steer wrestling event, a rider begins to dismount his horse in hopes to wrestle the steer to the ground for a satisfactory score. Behind the steer, is a rider called the “hazer” who directs the steer forward and prevents it from running in the wrong direction. (Photo by Rhiannon Johnston)

A rodeo staff member checks the arena before the start of the annual Lone Star Rodeo at the WKU Agricultural Exposition Center in Bowling Green. The staff members behind the gate are in charge of entering and exiting cattle during the event. (Photo by Rhiannon Johnston)

An unfortunate rider falls off his horse during the steer wrestling event. After attempting to wrestle the steer to the ground, the rider was unable to hold onto the steer long enough before letting go,
resulting in a failed attempt. (Photo by Rhiannon Johnston)

A rider competing in the calf roping event at the Lone Star Rodeo makes his way to the starting gate. (Photo by Rhiannon Johnston)

Bareback riding can be a dangerous sport. Because of this, the event requires immense concentration from not only the rider but the staff members guiding the rider onto the bucking horse. Before being released into the arena, several staff members of the Lone Star Rodeo must make sure the rider is safely sitting on the horse and is following all protocol before setting the rider and horse free into the arena to compete. (Photo by Rhiannon Johnston)

A lucky rider celebrates after receiving one of the fastest calf roping times at the Lone Star Rodeo. During the calf roping event, riders are expected to chase and lasso a wild calf after dismounting a moving horse. After lassoing the calf, the rider must dismount his horse and tie the lasso around the calf as quickly as possible. (Photo by Rhiannon Johnston)

Every year, the Lone Star Rodeo attracts not only dedicated fans but also kids who are attending for the first time ever. Although the rodeo can be an intense sporting event, the Lone Star Rodeo also includes fun, interactive skits to engage young audience members during the show. (Photo by Rhiannon Johnston)

Rodeo staff share a joke while tending to the horses and cattle at the WKU Agricultural Exposition Center in Bowling Green, during the annual Lone Star Rodeo event. Together, the staff and riders work hard to put on a fun performance for the audience and make sure the cattle are under control. (Photo by Rhiannon Johnston)

A rider positions himself before competing in the calf roping event. Effectively wrapping a lasso in a position that is accessible allows riders to throw the lasso as quickly as possible. The faster the lasso is thrown, the faster the rider can dismount and tie up the calf, resulting in high scores. (Photo by Rhiannon Johnston)

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Gallery: At the rodeo

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