2
RFD-TV’S THE AMERICAN
Arlington, Texas
402-991-6290, www.americanrodeo.com
In its inaugural year, the American promises to become the richest one-day rodeo in the history of the sport, with a single-day payout of $2 million. The top 10 contestants in the world from each event will battle it out in the arena, and five other qualifiers will compete for their chance to beat the best and win a $1 million side pot.
4–23
HOUSTON LIVESTOCK SHOW AND RODEO
Houston, Texas
832-667-1000, www.hlsr.com
Rodeo Houston boasts 1.3 million fans, 360 of the top cowboys and cowgirls, and $2.04 million in added prize money. Don’t miss seeing the next big Western music star at the Stars Over Texas stage, where Houston’s up-and-comers will be performing.
6–8
SOUTHEASTERN COWBOY GATHERING
Cartersville, Ga.
770-387-1300, www.boothmuseum.org
This celebration of cowboy culture takes place at the Booth Western Art Museum, the largest permanent exhibition space for Western art in the country. Make sure to catch the featured artist workshop with TCAA artist Martin Grelle on Friday, March 7.
7–9
TIMED EVENT CHAMPIONSHIP
Guthrie, Okla.
800-595-7433, www.lazye.com
Some might call it the “Ironman” of timed events—at the Timed Event Championship, cowboys compete in five different timed events over two days. Who’s going to dethrone the 2013 winner, three-time Timed Event Champion of the World Daniel Green?
7–9
AMARILLO ANTIQUES & COLLECTIBLES SHOW
Amarillo, Texas
517-568-4188, www.amarillowesternshow.com
At the longest-running Western show and auction in America, buy, sell, and trade everything from boots, spurs, and saddles to art, jewelry, and antique firearms.
13–16
ROAD TO THE HORSE
Lexington, Ky.
325-736-5000, www.roadtothehorse.com
Four horse trainers from all over the world—Antoine Cloux from Switzerland, Jonathon Field from Canada, Dan Steers from Australia, and a mystery Wild Card—will have three days to start an unbroken 3-year-old colt and compete in a variety of events for the title of Road to the Horse World Champion.
[EDITOR’S PICK]
20–23
THE RUSSELL AUCTION
Great Falls, Mont.
406-727-8787, www.cmrussell.org
This is your chance to own artwork from one of the country’s most renowned Western artists! One of the auction’s most popular attractions is the Art in Action Quick-Finish Event (March 21, 10 a.m.–2 p.m.), where 26 artists will complete a work of art in front of an audience.
“My favorite Western artist, hands down. I visited the museum as a boy and would love to go back. Plus, just from looking at past catalogues, the art for sale is true to the spirit of Russell.” —Bob
21–23
COWGIRL UP! ART FROM THE OTHER HALF OF THE WEST
Wickenburg, Ariz.
928-684-2272, www.westernmuseum.org
More than just an art show and sale, this is an opportunity to celebrate the contribution of women to the Western art world. Take in nearly 200 pieces by 58 talented women who have painted, drawn, and sculpted the West.
31
OAKDALE COWBOY MUSEUM TESTICLE FESTIVAL
Oakdale, Calif.
209-847-5163, www.oakdaletesticlefestival.com
Have a ball (or two!), at the famous Oakdale Testicle Festival, an annual calf fry that’s in its 33rd year (and still hanging around). The fry-up takes place in Oakdale, Calif., the self-proclaimed Cowboy Capital of the World.
