Rodeo in the United States is a reflection of the spirit of the American West, and a tradition

rooted in the folklore and culture of the country. But in South Dakota, it’s not only the official

sport - it’s a way of life.

Join us as we go on a wild ride at the Black Hills Stock Show and Rodeo where over 300,000

people from all over the world descend on Rapid City to watch more than 120 different events.

We join a father and son team at the ranch rodeo, cheer on Gill the border collie at the sheep

dog trials, take part in a bachelor cattle auction and watch seven-year-old Kreed hang on to a

sheep for dear life in mutton bustin’.

But we’re not just watching from the outside, we mic up the cowboy and cowgirl competitors to

take us inside the arena and show us what it feels like to ride in a rodeo for real.

Thank you to everyone who featured in this episode:

- Sheepdog handler and dog lover Linda Loulias

- Sheep shearer Mike Por and Loren Opstedahl.

- Kreed, our fearless mutton buster

- And the boys from Lakota Funds and the Corn Creek Bandits

PLAN YOUR SOUTH DAKOTA TRIP

Our On Location episodes are designed so that you can experience everything you hear. Check

out the links above, or find out more at www.travelsouthdakota.com

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Armchair Explorer is produced by Armchair Productions. Brian Thacker wrote and presented

this episode, Jason Paton did the field recording and production, and Aaron Millar was the

executive producer. Our theme music is by the artist Sweet Chap.

IMMERSION: Wild Rides, Mutton Bustin’ and the Fastest Shearer in the West: On Location at the Black Hills Stock Show and Rodeo

Armchair Explorer