Marana: Rodeo is a Way of Life

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While Tucson celebrates rodeo once a year, some Marana residents experience rodeo life daily.

Prepping Bull Rope

Prepping Bull Rope — As the sun begins to set, bull rider Zachary Haws gets his bull rope ready as he prepares to ride at the Marana's Western Heritage Arena. A.E. Araiza/Arizona Daily Star

Turning out the Bull

Turning out the Bull — Bullfighter Jim Harper, background, throws his hands up to get the attention of the bull as rider Kevin Gonzales comes out of the chute for a ride at the Marana's Western Heritage Arena. A.E. Araiza/Arizona Daily Star

Running from Playboy

Running from Playboy — Bull rider Rob Bache runs toward the fence as he gets away from a bull named "Playboy" after getting bucked off at the Marana's Western Heritage Arena. A.E. Araiza/Arizona Daily Star

Riding his Bull

Riding his Bull — Bull rider Kevin Gonzales successfuly rides his first bull of the evening at the Marana's Western Heritage Arena. A.E. Araiza/Arizona Daily Star

At His Own Peril

At His Own Peril — Risking his life to protect the rider, bullfighter Jim Harper distracts a bull so fallen rider Bubba Fortier can escape unharmed. A.E. Araiza/Arizona Daily Star

Family Ties

Family Ties — Bull rider Kevin Gonzales, 18, helps his brother Krystan, 16, as he ties up his glove for him before his ride. A.E. Araiza/Arizona Daily Star

Getting Plenty of Help

Getting Plenty of Help — Kevin Gonzales, left, 18, along with several others, helps his brother Krystan, 16, get settled in for his ride. A.E. Araiza/Arizona Daily Star

Working Upside Down

Working Upside Down — Nate Dickson hangs upside down as he runs a rope underneath a bull inside the bucking chute as he prepares it before a ride. A.E. Araiza/Arizona Daily Star

Silhoutted Spectators

Silhoutted Spectators — Spectators watch as the bulls are let into the arena during a break in the action at the Marana's Western Heritage Arena. A.E. Araiza/Arizona Daily Star

Mutton Buster and Mom

Mutton Buster and Mom — Mutton buster Stevie Norzagaray, 6, gets heip with his chaps from his mother Myriam before his ride at Marana's Western Heritage Arena. Norzagaray is scheduled to perform at the Tucson Rodeo on Sunday, February 28. A.E. Araiza/Arizona Daily Star

Getting Lowered

Getting Lowered — With the help of his mother Myriam, mutton buster Stevie Norzagaray, 6, gets lowered on the back of a sheep before his ride. A.E. Araiza/Arizona Daily Star

Busting a Mutton

Busting a Mutton — Stevie Norzagaray comes out of the chute riding his sheep while getting help from bull rider Kevin Gonzales at Marana's Western Heritage Arena. A.E. Araiza/Arizona Daily Star

Hanging Tough

Hanging Tough — Jimmy Sanders, 6, hangs on to a sheep as is runs around the arena at Marana's Western Heritage. A.E. Araiza/Arizona Daily Star

Tight Turn

Tight Turn — Charline Knagge doesn't slow down even as her horse knocks over a barrel as she practices at the Marana's Western Heritage Arena. A.E. Araiza/Arizona Daily Star

Workout

Workout — Retired teacher Elaine Heatley puts her horse through a workout while she practices with other barrel racers at the Marana's Western Heritage Arena. A.E. Araiza/Arizona Daily Star

Walking Horses

Walking Horses — Barrel racers Kelly Arizmendi, left, and Kitty Wayne lead their horses out of the arena after a workout at the Marana's Western Heritage Arena. A.E. Araiza/Arizona Daily Star

Lining Up His Steer

Lining Up His Steer — Header Joseph Parsons lines up a steer into position so Trevor Brown can come in at the heels as they team rope. A.E. Araiza/Arizona Daily Star

Into the Chase

Into the Chase — Header Joseph Parsons chases after a steer as soon as he clears the chute. A.E. Araiza/Arizona Daily Star

Talking on the Cell

Talking on the Cell — After he running a couple of steers, Joseph Parsons talks on his cell while he cools off his horse. A.E. Araiza/Arizona Daily Star

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