Photos: Pro rodeo action at the 2023 La Fiesta de los Vaqueros Tucson Rodeo
Images from several days of competition at the 2023 La Fiesta de los Vaqueros Tucson Rodeo at the Tucson Round Grounds.
Bareback rider Kody Lamb gets taped up in the chutes as the crowd begins filling the grandstand on the final day of the Fiesta de Los Vaqueros Tucson Rodeo, Tucson, Ariz., February 26, 2023.
Evelyn Swetnam has her eye on the arena just before the start of the afternoon's events on the final day of the Fiesta de Los Vaqueros Tucson Rodeo, Tucson, Ariz., February 26, 2023.
Mike Solberg crashes to the ground, but not before scoring 81.50 on his ride in the bareback finals at the Fiesta de Los Vaqueros Tucson Rodeo, Tucson, Ariz., February 26, 2023.
Ty Taypotat manages to hang onto Nutrena's Election Day to score 73.0 in bareback on the final day of the Fiesta de Los Vaqueros Tucson Rodeo, Tucson, Ariz., February 26, 2023.
Kyle Bloomquist tumbles under the hooves of Rolling Stone, failing to score during his bareback ride on the final day of the Fiesta de Los Vaqueros Tucson Rodeo, Tucson, Ariz., February 26, 2023.
Bareback rider Chest Deitz hangs on to Nutrena's Black Kat to the buzzer, scores 80.50 on the final day of the Fiesta de Los Vaqueros Tucson Rodeo, Tucson, Ariz., February 26, 2023.
Nick Guy gets too far out on his steer and ends up failing to score during steer wrestling on the final day of the Fiesta de Los Vaqueros Tucson Rodeo, Tucson, Ariz., February 26, 2023.
Blake Knowles leaves his saddle for the steer during steer wrestling on the final day of the Fiesta de Los Vaqueros Tucson Rodeo, Tucson, Ariz., February 26, 2023.
Jesse Wright lands in the arena floor after being dislodged by his ride, Hammerstone, in the saddle bronc finals on the last day of the Fiesta de Los Vaqueros Tucson Rodeo, Tucson, Ariz., February 26, 2023.
Damian Brennan gets bucked off Bewitched in the finals of saddle bronc at the Fiesta de Los Vaqueros Tucson Rodeo, Tucson, Ariz., February 26, 2023.
Shiver Me Timbers can't throw Zeke Thurston, who was leading coming into the saddle bronc finals with 88.5 and added 88 more to win on on the final day of the Fiesta de Los Vaqueros Tucson Rodeo, Tucson, Ariz., February 26, 2023.
Rodeo clown J.J. Harrison gets a section of the grandstand sining Sweet Caroline to win free tacos on the final day of the Fiesta de Los Vaqueros Tucson Rodeo, Tucson, Ariz., February 26, 2023.
Richard Newton dismounts to tie his steer, scoring 9.2 seconds, in the tie-down roping finals at the Fiesta de Los Vaqueros Tucson Rodeo, Tucson, Ariz., February 26, 2023.
Sy Felton has his steer roped but scored 11.1 seconds on the final day of the Fiesta de Los Vaqueros Tucson Rodeo, Tucson, Ariz., February 26, 2023.
Suzanne DePaoli knocks over her second barrel of the ride, withe penalty scoring 28.19 in the barrel racing finals on the last day of the Fiesta de Los Vaqueros Tucson Rodeo, Tucson, Ariz., February 26, 2023.
Acey Pinkston races towards her second barrel en route to a time of 17.73 seconds in the barrel racing final at the Fiesta de Los Vaqueros Tucson Rodeo, Tucson, Ariz., February 26, 2023.
Bandito Bug quickly tosses Clay Wagner back into the chute he bull riding finals day of the Fiesta de Los Vaqueros Tucson Rodeo, Tucson, Ariz., February 26, 2023.
Trans Am gets the best of bull rider Cody Dollins unseating him before eight seconds on the final day of the Fiesta de Los Vaqueros Tucson Rodeo, Tucson, Ariz., February 26, 2023.
Connor Murnion gets spun out of his seat by Starship for no time on the final day of the Fiesta de Los Vaqueros Tucson Rodeo, Tucson, Ariz., February 26, 2023.
Joe Alejo's can't stay aboard Record Rack's Overpass during his attempt on the final day of the Fiesta de Los Vaqueros Tucson Rodeo, Tucson, Ariz., February 26, 2023.
Bull fighter Dusty Tuckness distracts Record Rack's Bonfire after he threw Cullen Telfer on the final day of the Fiesta de Los Vaqueros Tucson Rodeo, Tucson, Ariz., February 26, 2023.
Kyle Hamilton scores 89.50 on Greeley Hat Works Viper, just enough to edge Jestyn Woodward 174.5 to 174.0 for the title on the final day of the Fiesta de Los Vaqueros Tucson Rodeo, Tucson, Ariz., February 26, 2023.
Saddle bronc rider Damian Brennan gets his gear just right before the start of the day's events on the final day of the Fiesta de Los Vaqueros Tucson Rodeo, Tucson, Ariz., February 26, 2023.
Wyatt Casper rides Nutrena's Foul Motion out onto the arena, scoring 88 points during the finals in saddle bronc on at the Fiesta de Los Vaqueros Tucson Rodeo, Tucson, Ariz., February 26, 2023.
Justin Houston bails off Electric Lettuce after holding on for a legal ride on the final day of the Fiesta de Los Vaqueros Tucson Rodeo, Tucson, Ariz., February 26, 2023.
Clay Stone can't stay aboard Lightning, failing to score in bareback, on the third day of pro competition at the Fiesta de los Vaqueros Tucson Rodeo, Tucson, Ariz., February 22, 2023.
Kyle Bloomquist relieves his hat after picking up a 79.50 for a ride on Cracked Pepper on the third day of pro competition at the Fiesta de los Vaqueros Tucson Rodeo, Tucson, Ariz., February 22, 2023.
Dylan Riggins loses his hat aboard Western Ways on the third day of pro competition at the Fiesta de los Vaqueros Tucson Rodeo, Tucson, Ariz., February 22, 2023. Riggins ended up taking a re-ride.
Shooting Dice hops out of the chute with Trenton Montero on the third day of pro competition at the Fiesta de los Vaqueros Tucson Rodeo, Tucson, Ariz., February 22, 2023. Montero scored 80.50 on the ride.
Bareback rider Trenten Montero gets loosened up behind the chutes before the start of the afternoon's events on the third day of pro competition at the Fiesta de los Vaqueros Tucson Rodeo, Tucson, Ariz., February 22, 2023.
Hank Filippini lands on target en route to a time of 6.5 seconds in steer wrestling on the third day of pro competition at the Fiesta de los Vaqueros Tucson Rodeo, Tucson, Ariz., February 22, 2023.
Justin Rockhill gets to the steer but was assessed a penalty and ended with 15.4 seconds during his run in steer wrestling on the third day of pro competition at the Fiesta de los Vaqueros Tucson Rodeo, Tucson, Ariz., February 22, 2023.
Heeler Cody Garcia gets his lasso on the steer but he and header Bode Baize took a penalty and a 13.7 seconds in team roping on the third day of pro competition at the Fiesta de los Vaqueros Tucson Rodeo, Tucson, Ariz., February 22, 2023.
Bryan Tyler Huey gets up ended by Wolf and no score in saddle bronc on the third day of pro competition at the Fiesta de los Vaqueros Tucson Rodeo, Tucson, Ariz., February 22, 2023.
Brian Garr gets his lasso over his steer and heads to time of 10.8 in tie-down roping on the third day of pro competition at the Fiesta de los Vaqueros Tucson Rodeo, Tucson, Ariz., February 22, 2023.
Ivy Hurst heads for the finish line and time of 17.52 in barrel racing on the third day of pro competition at the Fiesta de los Vaqueros Tucson Rodeo, Tucson, Ariz., February 22, 2023.
Emily Beisel heads for her second barrel and an eventual time of 17.44 seconds on the third day of pro competition at the Fiesta de los Vaqueros Tucson Rodeo, Tucson, Ariz., February 22, 2023.
Shelby Baes urges on her mount as they head for the finish and a time of 17.66 second in barrel racing on the third day of pro competition at the Fiesta de los Vaqueros Tucson Rodeo, Tucson, Ariz., February 22, 2023.
Kryptonite tosses Riley Harris for no score in bull riding on the third day of pro competition at the Fiesta de los Vaqueros Tucson Rodeo, Tucson, Ariz., February 22, 2023.
The bull fighters try to distract Electric Lettuce from Laramie Mosley after he was tossed early in the ride on the third day of pro competition at the Fiesta de los Vaqueros Tucson Rodeo, Tucson, Ariz., February 22, 2023.
Kyle Brown slips from the back of Damage Control before eight seconds in bull riding on the third day of pro competition at the Fiesta de los Vaqueros Tucson Rodeo, Tucson, Ariz., February 22, 2023.
Bull fighter Dusty Tuckness comes head-to-head with a bull during a demonstration on the third day of pro competition at the Fiesta de los Vaqueros Tucson Rodeo, Tucson, Ariz., February 22, 2023.
Dawson R. Shannon butts heads with Bad Deal on the third day of pro competition at the Fiesta de los Vaqueros Tucson Rodeo, Tucson, Ariz., February 22, 2023. Shannon was awarded a re-ride.
Brody Yeary bails off of Sharp Dressed Man before registering a score on the third day of pro competition at the Fiesta de los Vaqueros Tucson Rodeo, Tucson, Ariz., February 22, 2023.
Colton Kelly comes down hard after getting tossed before time during his ride on the third day of pro competition at the Fiesta de los Vaqueros Tucson Rodeo, Tucson, Ariz., February 22, 2023.
Dusty Tuckness works close in to distract a bull from a downed rider on the third day of pro competition at the Fiesta de los Vaqueros Tucson Rodeo, Tucson, Ariz., February 22, 2023.
Bareback riders Cooper Cooke, left, Dylan Riggins, Clay Stone and Clay Jorgenson get in a little pre-rodeo hacky sack before the start of the afternoon session on the third day of pro competition at the Fiesta de los Vaqueros Tucson Rodeo, Tucson, Ariz., February 22, 2023.
Riders try to corral a bull after it threw one of the last riders of the day at the Fiesta de los Vaqueros Tucson Rodeo, Tucson, Ariz., February 22, 2023.
A group of young fans scream out as the second day of the steer wrestling competition is underway during the Fiesta de los Vaqueros Tucson Rodeo at the Tucson Rodeo Grounds on February 21, 2023.
Taite Stickler, from California, takes a rest in the bed of a truck during the Fiesta de los Vaqueros Tucson Rodeo at the Tucson Rodeo Grounds on February 21, 2023. Stickler says this is his first time competing in Tucson, his event is the steer wrestling.
Horses gather in a pen during the Fiesta de los Vaqueros Tucson Rodeo at the Tucson Rodeo Grounds on February 21, 2023.
Levi Rudd competes in the steer wrestling competition during the Fiesta de los Vaqueros Tucson Rodeo at the Tucson Rodeo Grounds on February 21, 2023.
Timmy Sparing competes in the steer wrestling competition during the Fiesta de los Vaqueros Tucson Rodeo at the Tucson Rodeo Grounds on February 21, 2023.
Cal Wolfe takes a moment after not scoring in the steer wrestling competition during the Fiesta de los Vaqueros Tucson Rodeo at the Tucson Rodeo Grounds on February 21, 2023.
Carson Good comes up short of his target for no score in steer wrestling at the opening day of the Fiesta de Los Vaqueros Tucson Rodeo, Tucson, Ariz., February 18, 2023.
Bull rider Abe Landeros rosins up his rope as the cowboys get ready for a day's worth of competition on the opening day of pro rodeo at the Fiesta de Los Vaqueros Tucson Rodeo, Tucson, Ariz., February 18, 2023.
Lucas Samaniego bails off Nutrena's Pebbles after a legal ride, and a 73.0, the first rider in the first event, bareback, at the opening day of the Fiesta de Los Vaqueros Tucson Rodeo, Tucson, Ariz., February 18, 2023.
Bareback rider Spur Owens gets taped up just before the start of the afternoon's pro rodeo on the opening day of the Fiesta de Los Vaqueros Tucson Rodeo, Tucson, Ariz., February 18, 2023.
Evan Kesler Betony holds on to Little Jet but gets disqualified at the start of the ride during bareback at the start of the Fiesta de Los Vaqueros Tucson Rodeo, Tucson, Ariz., February 18, 2023.
Spur Owens gets disqualified despite completing his ride on Fearless in bareback riding at the Fiesta de Los Vaqueros Tucson Rodeo, Tucson, Ariz., February 18, 2023.
Cole Franks scores 82.5 on his bareback ride on Nutrena's Election Day at the Fiesta de Los Vaqueros Tucson Rodeo, Tucson, Ariz., February 18, 2023.
Gus McGinn wrestles his steer in a time of 9.1 seconds on day one of the Fiesta de Los Vaqueros Tucson Rodeo, Tucson, Ariz., February 18, 2023.
Trevin Fox loses his hat in wrestling down his steer in 8.6 seconds in the pro rodeo on opening day of the Fiesta de Los Vaqueros Tucson Rodeo, Tucson, Ariz., February 18, 2023.
Young fans get high fives from team roper A.J. Lutz as he exits the arena on day one of the Fiesta de Los Vaqueros Tucson Rodeo, Tucson, Ariz., February 18, 2023.
Cash Wilson, aboard Roan Ranger, notches an 84 in saddle bronc in the opening day of pro rodeo competition at Fiesta de Los Vaqueros Tucson Rodeo, Tucson, Ariz., February 18, 2023.
Cleve Griffin crashes down before time after being thrown by Pop a Top in saddle bronc at the opening day of the Fiesta de Los Vaqueros Tucson Rodeo, Tucson, Ariz., February 18, 2023.
Saddle bronc rider Cash Wilson gets loosened up on a clear blue afternoon on opening day of the Fiesta de Los Vaqueros Tucson Rodeo, Tucson, Ariz., February 18, 2023.
Kelly Presnell
Photojournalist
Staff photographer with the Arizona Daily Star since 2003. Winner of a few awards, loser of many more. Ex-goalkeeper.
Mamta Popat
Photojournalist
Mamta Popat has been a photojournalist with the Arizona Daily Star since 2003. She covers a wide range of topics including daily life, news, border issues and Pac-12 sports. She's the only vegetarian in the photo department.
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