Wild Ride: The History of Western Rodeo [Hardcover]

Joel Bernstein (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: February 20, 2007

Wild Ride
The History and Lore of Rodeo
Joel Bernstein
Wild Ride presents a fascinating history of rodeo from its rugged beginnings in Mexico to today's professional circuits. This book captures the mystique of the cowboy and his place in Western folklore, from the early days when groups of cowboys from neighboring ranches met to settle arguments over who was the best at performing ranching tasks to the multimillion-dollar prizes and endorsements awarded to today's professionals all over the world including Canada, Brazil, and Australia.

Editorial Reviews

From the Inside Flap

The History and Lore of Rodeo
Joel H. Bernstein
Wild Ride
Ride 'em cowboy! Wild Ride tells the story of rodeo, from the earliest vaqueros in Mexico to the mystique of the cowboy and his place in Western folklore to the fast-paced, multimillion dollar sport of today.
With vibrant photographs and vintage illustrations, this book is a rich history and photographic record full of detail and stories of the most important events, broncs, men, and women in rodeo.Enjoy the story of the early cattle drives, the Wild West shows, the organization of the Cowboys' Turtle Association, and finally the formation of the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA). The book covers the National Finals Rodeo (the Super Bowl of the sport), the Women's Professional Rodeo Association, the formation of the National Bull Riders Association, and much more. It's jam-packed with information, facts, and interesting lore.
Experience firsthand the energy, electricity, danger, and exhilaration of the rodeo world through this rich and entertaining book that highlights the most important moments and people in rodeo history.
Joel H. Bernstein has been a college professor, writer, bareback rider, cowboy, and rancher in Wyoming, Montana, New Mexico, and Arizona for more than forty-five years. He has been involved in rodeo over those years as a contestant, college rodeo coach, producer, and writer. In addition, he was president of three major western associations. Joel twice judged the Miss Rodeo Montana pageant and served two terms on the New Mexico State Veterinary Grievance Committee. He lives with his wife, Gail, on their ranch overlooking the historic San Rafael Valley near Patagonia, Arizona.
Cover photo 2007 Jennifer Blais

About the Author

Joel Bernstein has been a college professor, bareback rider, and rancher in Wyoming, Montana, and New Mexico for more than forty-five years. He has been a contestant, college rodeo coach, producer, and writer. His career as a bareback rider lasted nearly seven years. He lives in Animas, New Mexico.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 176 pages
• Publisher: Gibbs Smith; 1 edition (February 20, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1586857452
• ISBN-13: 978-1586857455
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 8.4 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.8 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #217,853 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #8 in Books > Sports & Outdoors > Rodeos

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Research & resource, May 21, 2011

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Bullrider - See all my reviews

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This review is from: Wild Ride: The History of Western Rodeo (Hardcover)

I used this book for my research on the American/Western rodeo scene for a book I'm writing. It is well written and contained much of what I needed.