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Rodeos - Rodeo: An Animal History (Volume 3) (The Environment in Modern North America)

Description

Book Synopsis: “What would rodeo look like if we took it as a record, not of human triumph and resilience, but of human imperfection and stubbornness?” asks animal historian Susan Nance. Against the backdrop of the larger histories of ranching, cattle, horses, and the environment in the West, this book explores how the evolution of rodeo has reflected rural western beliefs and assumptions about the natural world that have led to environmental crises and served the beef empire. By unearthing behind-the-scenes stories of rodeo animals as diverse individuals, this book lays bare contradictions within rodeo and the rural West. For almost 150 years, westerners have used rodeo to symbolically reenact their struggles with animals and the land as uniformly progressive and triumphant. Nance upends that view with accounts of individual animals that reveal how diligently rodeo people have worked to make livestock into surrogates for the trials of rural life in the West and the violence in its history. Western horses and cattle were more than just props. Rodeo reclaims their lived history through compelling stories of anonymous roping steers and calves who inspired reform of the sport, such as the famed but abused bucker Steamboat, and the many broncs and bulls, famous or not, who unknowingly built an industry. Rodeo is a dangerous sport that reveals many westerners as people proudly tolerant of risk and violence, and ready to impose these values on livestock. In Rodeo: An Animal History, Nance pushes past standard histories and the sport’s publicity to show how rodeo was shot through with stubbornness and human failing as much as fortitude and community spirit.

Details

Experience the captivating world of rodeo like never before with Rodeo: An Animal History (Volume 3) (The Environment in Modern North America). Susan Nance, an esteemed animal historian, invites you to reimagine rodeo not as a symbol of human triumph, but as a testament to human imperfection and stubbornness. Delve into the fascinating backdrop of ranching, cattle, horses, and the environment in the West, and discover how the evolution of rodeo mirrors the rural western beliefs that have contributed to environmental crises and the dominance of the beef empire.

Uncover the hidden stories of rodeo animals as distinct individuals, exposing the contradictions within rodeo and the rural West. For over a century, rodeo has been viewed as a progressive and triumphant reenactment of the struggles faced by westerners in taming the land and animals. However, Nance shines a light on the often-overlooked truth by sharing captivating accounts of rodeo animals. From the abused bucker Steamboat to the countless anonymous roping steers and calves, these animals have been integral to the sport and have unwittingly shaped an entire industry. They embody the trials of rural life and the violent history of the West, challenging the perception of rodeo as a solely celebratory event.

Rodeo not only pushes the limits of human endurance and bravery but also reflects the values of risk and violence proudly embraced by many westerners. Through Rodeo: An Animal History, Nance dismantles standard portrayals and unveils the undeniable presence of human failing and stubbornness woven into the fabric of rodeo. By exploring the stories of these remarkable animals, she calls attention to the complex relationship between humans, animals, and the natural world, ultimately prompting us to reconsider our own role in shaping the environment.

Don't miss this eye-opening exploration of rodeo's hidden past and the often-unseen impact it has had on the rural West. Embrace the opportunity to gain a profound understanding of the animals that have shaped rodeo history. Experience Rodeo: An Animal History now and unravel the captivating tales of these unsung heroes.

Click here to get your copy of Rodeo: An Animal History (Volume 3) (The Environment in Modern North America) and embark on a journey that will forever change your perspective on rodeo and the world it represents.

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