July 19, 2023
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Photo by Mark Larson
Two bull fighters at one point risked their lives to help a cowboy in a predicament – his hand was still stuck in the rigging after he was bucked off a bull. He survived without injury thanks to the help of the two bull fighters (Billy Hammett (left) and Anthony Hawkins).
Photo by Mark Larson
Bull fighter Anthony Hopkins helped distract a bull away from a fallen bull rider, giving the rider time to escape danger.
Photo by Mark Larson
Bull fighter Billy Hammett escaped serious injury from this bull charging him after it threw its rider, thanks to protective gear under his clothes and a bit of luck.
Photo by Mark Larson
This rider threw a good loop around the calf's head in the timed breakaway roping competition.
Photo by Mark Larson
With his well-trained horse slamming on the brakes, this cowboy leapt from his saddle while competing in calf roping (a timed race to first rope the calf , throw it to the ground and tie up its legs).
Photo by Mark Larson
This rider and horse were catching some serious air in the saddle bronc riding event.
Photo by Mark Larson
Saddle bronc riding often includes losing one's hat.
Photo by Mark Larson
Shannon Smith, of Fortuna, led the Empty Saddle horse in tribute for her grandfather Roy Curless.
Photo by Mark Larson
Steer wrestling involves leaping from a running horse and grabbing a running cow by the horns and then applying a wrestling move to twist it to the ground.
Photo by Mark Larson
Barrel racing involves a skilled, athletic rider letting a well-trained, fast horse fly in sharp turns around three distant barrels in a timed race.
Photo by Mark Larson
This young cowgirl took advantage of a good viewing location near the team roping action.
Photo by Mark Larson
Lexie Avelar, of Ferndale, braided her horse's mane to add to the day's rodeo celebrations.
Photo by Mark Larson
Champion belt buckles were everywhere at the rodeo, including this one on Ferndale cowboy Ethan Gomes' belt.
Photo by Mark Larson
Lots of food and beer vendors were kept busy attending to the large crowd of attendees.
Photo by Mark Larson
More than few tears resulted after falls to the dirt in the mutton busting event, but this young cowgirl was quickly comforted by family and a video review of her ride.
Photo by Mark Larson
Several mutton-busting riders chose to use this creative riding strategy.
Photo by Mark Larson
Emma Bruhnke (right) and Colton Caudill, of Fortuna, watch their younger cowgirl daughter going for her first mutton-busting ride.
Photo by Mark Larson
Emma Bruhnke (right, of Fortuna) greeted her younger daughter after her first-ever mutton-busting ride.
Photo by Mark Larson
Mutton-busting champion rider Cruz McMahon stuck to his sheep without a fall for the required 8 seconds to record the highest score in the event.
Photo by Mark Larson
Mutton-busting rider Cruz McMahon stuck to his sheep without a fall for the required eight seconds to record the highest score in the event and won this buckle.
Photo by Mark Larson
Steer riding for the required 8 seconds proved to be a challenge for all but one of the young riders, thanks to the very lively steers on this day.
Photo by Mark Larson
Steer riding for the required 8 seconds proved to be a challenge for all but one of the young riders, thanks to the very lively steers on this day.
Photo by Mark Larson
Bull fighters Anthony Hawkins (left of Petaluma) and Billy Hammett had a relaxed moment while helping with the steer-riding competition.
Photo by Mark Larson
Kaden Mangrum was the Jr Steer Riding Champion and the only rider to complete the required eight seconds atop a bucking steer and picked up his buckle afterwards from Fortuna Police Chief Casey Day.
Photo by Mark Larson
Rodeo clown Dalton Morris ended his special entertainment segments at the rodeo with a trick-roping demonstration.
Photo by Mark Larson
Rodeo clown Dalton Morris ended his special entertainment segments at the rodeo with a "Don't try this at home" warning and a flaming trick-roping demonstration.
Photo by Mark Larson
Rodeo clown Dalton Morris wrapped up his flaming trick-roping demonstration as twilight gathered near the end of the rodeo.
Photo by Mark Larson
This Mardi Gras carnival attractions was one of several lining Rohnert Park during the week-long Fortuna Rodeo.
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Photo by Mark Larson
Two bull fighters at one point risked their lives to help a cowboy in a predicament – his hand was still stuck in the rigging after he was bucked off a bull. He survived without injury thanks to the help of the two bull fighters (Billy Hammett (left) and Anthony Hawkins).
