February 2008
VIDEOS
GET READY TO TAKE A STEP BACK IN TIME as you relive the humble beginnings of professional rodeo. Void of the loud music and polytechnics that make many of today’s events feel more like a rock concert than a rodeo, the cowboy contests of the late 1800s and early 1900s paved the way for today’s cowboys.
First released in 1994, the Let ‘Er Buck documentary from producer/horse trainer Lance Valdespino and Longhorn Media Productions is now available on DVD. Years of research were involved as Valdespino attempted to pack some 40 years of rodeo history into a well-rounded, 75-minute video.
Included amongst the historical photos and video (much of which is strikingly good considering it was taken in the early days of motion pictures) are images that capture the spirit and nature of working cowboys who unknowingly spawned the only sport derived directly from a working industry.
The early days of rodeo offered much wilder competition, as rules varied from one competition to the next and events were sometimes held in open fields or makeshift arenas that wouldn’t necessarily contain the rank horses of the day.
Inspired by the stories of old-time hands, Valdespino produced the Emmy-nominated documentary in hopes of capturing the history of the people who played such a large role in taking rodeo from occasional contests to organized events.
“I just woke up one morning and said, ‘I’m going to do this,” he says, adding that he knew nothing about the details involved in movie production, scripting or editing. Nevertheless, Valdespino’s account of rodeo history tells the story in riveting fashion. From early contests between ranch hands to the heyday of Wild West shows, rodeo’s evolution is clearly documented.
Even casual rodeo fans will recognize many of the legendary figures who helped put rodeo on the map in the mid-1900s, including Yakima Canutt and Bill Pickett. The documentary includes kudos for Buffalo Bill Cody, as well as the female bronc riders and specialty acts that rounded out most rodeos in the 1930s.
Despite covering rodeo and working in the Western industry for 10-plus years, I still found this historical accounting entertaining. I’ve done my share of research on the sport’s early days for various articles, but found myself drawn to the screen time and time again. I’m betting any fan of the sport will feel the same.
For more information on the video, visit longhornarizona.com.
