Young rodeo competitors seek a trophy they can wear

December 22, 2015

Boxing and rodeo? The first sport is credited with inspiring buckles as trophies for rodeo winners. (Photo credit: Emily Harney (Classic Entertainment & Sports, Inc.)/Wikimedia Commons)
Boxing and rodeo? The first sport is credited with inspiring buckles as trophies for rodeo winners. (Photo credit: Emily Harney, Classic Entertainment & Sports Inc./Wikimedia Commons)

In Cowboy Up! Ride the Navajo Rodeo, young entrants learn that champions are rewarded with decorative belt buckles.

In the early days of rodeo, many contestants were former boxers.

If a boxer could win a belt, why not award a rodeo winner with a buckle?

[cowboy-up]

Nancy Bo Flood

As a fish-brain surgeon or a rodeo poem wrangler, I have loved stories. I strongly believe that words – in poetry or prose – help heal our hearts and give us new eyes to see the world. I was first a research psychologist studying brain development at the University of Minnesota and London University before following my passion – writing for children. Learn more…