Cowboy Downhill Proves To Be Fun For All

Cowboy Downhill Proves To Be Fun For All

The 43rd Annual Cowboy Downhill, featuring more than 100 pro rodeo stars, took place on Monday in Steamboat Springs, Colorado.

Jan 17, 2017 by Cassie Emerson Emerson
Cowboy Downhill Proves To Be Fun For All
Some of professional rodeo's best cowboys traded their saddles for skis at the 43rd annual Cowboy Downhill in Steamboat Springs, Colorado, on Monday.

The Cowboy Downhill began over 40 years ago when Billy Kidd, Steamboat's director of skiing, and Larry Mahan, a six-time all-around world champion cowboy, decided to invite a few ProRodeo stars to Steamboat for a day of skiing. The cowboys had such a great time that the Downhill has become the most popular event of the season, with over 100 cowboys competing in the most unique ski rodeo in the country.

"We cannot really express how much fun Cowboy Downhill was to experience", said McKenna Green, Miss Rodeo Louisiana. "It was a great experience to see the cowboys out of the arena and enjoy family and fun."

The events included a timed event race, in which cowboys skied down a dual slalom course, went over a jump, lassoed a lady, and saddled a horse before crossing the finish line. The timed event race was followed by the Stampede event, which is a mass start; first cowboy to the bottom wins. All participants had to wear chaps and cowboy hats.

"The Cowboy Downhill gives rodeo such a unique experience to turn spectators into true fans," said Keri Elizabeth Sheffield, Miss Rodeo Florida. "We were constantly getting stopped and asked about our chaps, cowboy hats, and crowns. We really enjoyed meeting people and telling them about rodeo and the event."

Sponsored by Bud Light, the Cowboy Downhill is always scheduled to coincide with the National Western Stock Show in Denver, which started this past Thursday and ends on Sunday, Jan. 22.

"To any future state queen, cowboy, rodeo fan, or anyone for that matter, put the Cowboy Downhill on your rodeo bucket list," said both Sheffield and Green.

Jesse James Kirby was this year's Stampede winner, and Kris Newman was this year's Legend's division winner.



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