It all started a few months back when I saw some videos of rodeos. I became very interested in going to some rodeos in Arkansas. Each event gives a whole new experience that is unique. They all have different histories that add to the element of having fun. Most rodeos have their specialties like comedy or an event such as bull riding. I am so happy I became interested in rodeos because they are so interesting to attend. I can’t wait to continue this journey and find even more rodeos in Arkansas. 

 

Flying L. Rodeo

Flying L. Rodeo is in Mount Vernon. It was 100 percent worth the drive up there. My dad and I wanted to take an adventure, so we took a little drive to Mount Vernon and did not regret it. We walked in and certainly felt welcomed. This was definitely one of my favorite rodeos because it is put on in a small town and it is a good place all around. They have music playing and I swear they stole my playlist. They do multiple rounds of many things including bull riding, bareback bronc riding (riding a wild horse while it bucks across the arena), team roping (two people take off, one person tries to lasso the front hooves and the other tries to get the back hooves), steer wrestling (rider jumps off the horse onto the steer and wrestles it onto its side), goat roping and trick riding. I loved this rodeo because they give such a variety of events, unlike the other rodeos I’ve been to. Flying L. Rodeo is a family-owned business that has been happening for over 62 years. If you are interested in getting into rodeos this is a good place to start because you can see which event you are most interested in. 

 

Whiskey Ridge Ranch

Whiskey Ridge Ranch in Malvern was the first Rodeo I ever attended. My brother went to Whiskey Ridge to watch his friend ride a bull and told me how much fun he had. He showed me a video of his friend riding and I immediately wanted to go. The next chance I had, I took it and went to Malvern. I instantly fell in love with rodeos and the environment. Whiskey Ridge has a beautiful arena. Not only can you watch bull riding but they also offer many other events such as a concert and trail rides. I once attended one of their Halloween events, when there were many costumes and even more games. Anytime they host a rodeo, I will instantly drop any of my plans to go to Whiskey Ridge. 

 

Garland County Bull Blow Out

Garland County Bull Blow Out Rodeo in Hot Springs is definitely a show. This was certainly the biggest rodeo I have ever been to. We walked into a big arena and the rodeo began. They had lights and fire, and the riders had walkout music each was introduced to. One thing I will never forget about this certain rodeo were the hosts. They had two guys hosting the rodeo and they were the funniest guys I have ever seen. Garland County Bull Blow Out is a good place for people who like a show. Some people prefer a more lowkey setting which is definitely fun too, but this was an amazing, thought-out rodeo. They also had games, like having people wearing drunk goggles and running through cones, kicking a ball, and jumping through a hula hoop — which was hilarious. This rodeo was a whole new experience and that I would for sure go back to. 

 

You will definitely need music for the drive on your way to your favorite of Arkansas’ great rodeos. Here are 10 songs I recommend adding to your playlist immediately:

 

  1. “We Are Tonight,” Billy Currington
  2. “He Ain’t a Cowboy,” Casey Donahew
  3. “Watching You,” Rodney Atkins
  4. “Southbound,” Carrie Underwood
  5. “Beer Bucket List,” David Adam Byrnes
  6. “Here for the Party,” Gretchen Wilson
  7. “Fix a Drink,” Chris Janson
  8. “A Guy With a Girl,” Blake Shelton
  9. “Every Little Honky Tonk Bar,” George Strait
  10. “Something Like That,” Tim McGraw

 

Photo courtesy of Flying L. Rodeo. 

 

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