As another National Western Stock Show & Rodeo has ended, I have to say it was one of the best yet. This year celebrated the 99th National Western Stock Show, Horse Show and Rodeo. It started in 1906 in Denver, Colorado as a cattle show. That year the grand champion steer sold for 33 cents per pound. While the grand champion steer at this years stock show sold for $110,000.

In 1906 15,000 people from neighboring states attended the 6 day show; they arrived in street cars, trains and horse drawn carriages. In 1907 horse shows were added and in 1909 the 6,000 seat National Amphitheater was built. This building is still used today for livestock shows, dog shows and miniature horse shows. A 25 cent admission was being charged, as attendance increased and was anticipated to reach 100,000.

Bad weather and disease caused many problems for the show during 1912-1915. After the effects of the great depression, The National Western was able to add the first rodeo with prize money of $7,300. During World War II the number of cattle entries increased and the facilities had to be expanded. During the late 1940s the quarter horse sale was added and the show increased to 9 days. In 1954 the new coliseum has finally completed and the Westernaires made their first appearance during the rodeo.

In the 1970s the hall of education was built and girls were now allowed to compete in the catch-a-calf contest. In 1976 attendance hit an all time high, only to be dropped the next year due to the Broncos making the Super bowl. In 1985 Rodeo performances were up to 23 during the 14 days. The new expo hall and stadium hall were ready for action in 1991. Mutton busting was added as a popular rodeo attraction in 1993 as rodeo attendance grew to 178,012. The events center with equestrian arena was built in 1995 and the Mexican Rodeo Extravaganza was a sell out event.

In 1997 and 2000 the rodeo was voted best indoor rodeo by the PRCA. In 1998 the Wild West Show and the PBR were added and two years later the wild horse race and kids stick race were also added to rodeo performances. In 2004 the National Western Stock Show & Rodeo became the first stock show to host a bucking bull sale.

2005 was a great year for rodeo competitors during the first winter tour stop of the 2005 season. Prize money was at an all time high of $500,000 and freestyle bull fighting was added during the rodeo. By the end of the 23 performances, 800 contestants had competed and the champions were crowned Sunday afternoon in front of a sold out crowd. This Wrangler tour round will be aired on OLN April 3, 2005. See the TV Schedule for more information.

You don’t want to miss Jason Jeter’s 90 point ride on Wild Woman or Sheri Estrada’s 14.76 second run, the fastest of all 23 performances. Resistol Rookie of the year Clayton Foltyn scored a 92 point bull ride and took home $15,066.

The National Western Stock Show & Rodeo is one of About:Rodeo Top 12 Rodeos and has something for everyone. I can’t wait till the 100th rolls around.

From Rodeo Guide Ralph Clark:
This is Rachel's 2nd installment in her Rodeo Trail Series. Be sure to read her 1st Installment if you missed it!