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 CONNECT WITH US If you enjoy the show, please subscribe on whatever podcast player you’re reading this on right now. Go on, do it. It means you get to choose what episodes you listen to, rather than the algorithm guess (wrongly) and kick us off your feed. Following the show on socials will definitely maybe bring you good travel karma! Instagram: @armchairexplorerpodcast Facebook: @armchairexplorerpodcast 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices