Rodeo seems to run in the blood

GLENWOOD SPEINGS, Colo. — Six-year-old Ryder Bossow is following in his dad's footsteps.

As is 23-year-old Micky Downare.

By all indications, rodeo seems to run in the blood. And nowhere was that more evident than at the Strawberry Days Rodeo at Glenwood Rodeo Arena Friday night, where contestants and spectators gathered en masse for the yearly affair.

The blonde-haired Bossow, sporting a burnt-orange and white plaid shirt, tan and white cowhide chaps and a red bicycle helmet, took home the top prize - a shiny belt buckle - in Friday's mutton busting event. The Gypsum resident clung tight and remained mounted on a bucking sheep longer than any other young entrant.

Ryder, shy and quiet, lets his performance in the arena speak for him.

"He's tougher than nails," said his mother, Brandi. "We just tell him to try hard and, win or lose, have fun."

Bossow's father, Ryan, also stood proudly alongside his young son after the big victory, knowing he's got a little rodeo cowboy on his hands. Rodeo runs in the Bossow family.

"It's great," said the elder Bossow, a rodeo veteran. "Rodeo is a great sport for the family."

The Bossow's 7-year-old daughter, Regan, has also tried her hand at mutton busting, and though mom hasn't taken to the arena, she shares her family's affinity for the sport.

The little mutton busters were just the opening act for a loaded rodeo slate on the opening night of the two-day event, and family seemed to be the prevailing theme.

Strawberry Days Rodeo • Continues: Tonight at 6 p.m. at Glenwood Rodeo Arena. • Events: Mutton busting, steer wrestling, bareback bronc riding, saddle bronc riding, bull riding, ladies barrel racing, tie-down roping, ladies breakaway, mixed team roping, team roping. • Sanctioned by: Colorado Pro Rodeo Association.

Downare, from Ryder, is on the other end of the spectrum as far as experience is concerned. He is in Glenwood with his wife, Tana. The pro bareback bronc rider - well accomplished and a favorite to win at Strawberry Days - certainly could be competing at bigger events, but he chose to jump in the arena alongside his significant other, who's in town to participate in the calf-roping comp.

"I came here so we could be together," said Downware, who notched the best score - a 75 - of Friday's riders. "I'm not around too many weekends and we don't get to see each other that much."

Downare's older brother, Monte, will be among the bareback bronc riders competing tonight. Rodeo has brought the two closer.

"We work together, we rodeo together and we live right across the street from each other," said Micky, of Hartsel.

Rodeo does more than unite actual families, Downare said. A binding sense of camaraderie born from constantly competing against familiar faces is also strong.

"This sport is the greatest sport for families," he said. "You're not a team, but you really are a team. You're always helping each other out. You might not be blood, but we're all family."