In the USA, people have a fascination for everything connected with the ‘wild west’ of the cowboy era. This has led to 1VARY activities which are of interest to 2TOUR who are travelling around the western states. There are 3EXHIBIT of wild west painting, concerts of cowboy music and, most 4EXCITE of all, live rodeo shows to watch. Rodeos, where cowboys take part in horse-riding 5COMPETE for big money prizes, are 6EXTREME popular. There are 739 each year, held in giant 7DOOR arenas as well as open-air show grounds across the west. Most of the riders are professional 8PERFORM, but most of the events were originally based on the cowboys’ everyday working tasks. Despite some concerns over possible cruelty to horses, most people are thrilled by the display of skill and daring to be seen at a rodeo.