PHOTOS: Inside the world of rodeo in Minnesota

Tyler Scheevel, of Lester Prairie, relaxed in the shade before he competed in the steer wrestling competition on the first night of the Hamel Rodeo in Hamel, Minn.

Renée Jones Schneider, Star Tribune

Pink cowboy hat, fancy boots and big smile firmly in place, Julia Johnstone of Minnetonka took advantage of the free pony rides held throughout the weekend.

Renée Jones Schneider, Star Tribune

Priscilla Christensen, who was one of the flag girls, picked the hoof of a horse.

Renée Jones Schneider, Star Tribune

Successful tie-down roping depends on the teamwork between a cowboy and his horse. Texan Charlie Gibson took a few spins before the event.

Renée Jones Schneider, Star Tribune

The host of the Hamel Rodeo was pulled by a horse on a snowboard through the arena to entertain the crowd.

Renée Jones Schneider, Star Tribune

From left, brothers Liam Heinonen, Evan Heinonen and their cousin Tommy Heinonen were dressed as cowboys and a sheriff as they took in the first night of the World’s Championship Hamel Rodeo & Bull Ridin’ Bonanza in Corcoran, the state’s largest professional rodeo.

Renée Jones Schneider, Star Tribune

Charlie Gibson said a prayer as he left the arena after competing in the tie down roping competition.

Renée Jones Schneider, Star Tribune

Ty Brown wrestled a steer during competition.

Renée Jones Schneider, Star Tribune

T.J. Moore Jr. competed in the saddle bronc riding competition.

Renée Jones Schneider, Star Tribune

Adele Hale, 10, Audra Walter, 10, and Emily Robideaux, 8, relaxed on a picnic blanket in the crowd.

Renée Jones Schneider, Star Tribune

Blake Chauvin competed in the rodeo’s tie-down roping event, which has roots going back to the ranches of the Old West. Ranch hands took pride in the speed with which they could rope and tie calves, eventually holding informal contests. Today, being a good horseman and sprinter is just as important as rope skills.

Renée Jones Schneider, Star Tribune

Sammie Schowalter and Maverick Meister, both of Stillwater, shared a quiet moment near the less glamorous — but very necessary — side of the rodeo.

Renée Jones Schneider, Star Tribune

A group of cowboys watched the action from the sidelines. The rodeo began in 1981 in the parking lot of Medina Ballroom, but is now held at Corcoran Lions Park. It is staffed entirely by volunteers.

Renée Jones Schneider, Star Tribune

“There’s nothing more I want to do than make a living riding bulls. Someday I’d like to be world champion,” Riggin Shippy, competing at the Hamel Rodeo, once told Rodeo News. His event, bull riding, has been called the most dangerous eight seconds in sports.

Renée Jones Schneider, Star Tribune

A woman competed in barrel racing.

Renée Jones Schneider, Star Tribune

The Riata Ranch Girls warmed up behind the scenes before their performance.

Renée Jones Schneider, Star Tribune