Swap those sneakers for cowboy boots and step into the pages where the spirit of the rodeo rides free.
From the grit of the arena to heartwarming tales of the West, this roundup of page-turners is your all-access pass to the dust, drama, and dreams of rodeo legends.
Ready to lasso your next favorite read?
Love reading? Complement your collection with recommendations on the best rodeo movies, shows, and documentaries.
Best Rodeo Books:
- The Last Cowboys: A Pioneer Family in the New West
- Chasing the Rodeo: On Wild Rides and Big Dreams, Broken Hearts and Broken Bones, and One Man’s Search for the West
- Rodeo in America: Wranglers, Roughstock, and Paydirt
- Fearless: The Undaunted Courage and Ultimate Sacrifice of Navy SEAL Team SIX Operator Adam Brow
- Gold Buckles Don’t Lie: The Untold Tale of Fred Whitfiel
- American Rodeo: From Buffalo Bill to Big Business
- Rodeo: An Anthropologist Looks at the Wild and the Tame
Table of Contents
- #1 The Last Cowboys: A Pioneer Family in the New West
- #2 Chasing the Rodeo: On Wild Rides and Big Dreams, Broken Hearts and Broken Bones, and One Man’s Search for the West
- #3 Rodeo in America: Wranglers, Roughstock, and Paydirt
- #4 Fearless: The Undaunted Courage and Ultimate Sacrifice of Navy SEAL Team SIX Operator Adam Brown
- #5 Gold Buckles Don’t Lie: The Untold Tale of Fred Whitfield
- #6 American Rodeo: From Buffalo Bill to Big Business
- #7 Rodeo: An Anthropologist Looks at the Wild and the Tame
- FAQ
#1 The Last Cowboys: A Pioneer Family in the New West
- ✍️ Author: John Branch
- 📆 Year Published: 2018
- 📘 Genre: Biographies and Autobiographies, History
Capture the essence of modern cowboy life with “The Last Cowboys.” This poignant narrative follows the Wright family, Utah ranchers and premier rodeo champions, as they navigate the challenges of the contemporary West.
John Branch crafts an intimate saga that traverses the grandeur of the frontier, the adrenaline of the rodeo arena, and the quiet, steadfast resolve of a family determined to preserve their legacy amidst the encroaching modern world.
#2 Chasing the Rodeo: On Wild Rides and Big Dreams, Broken Hearts and Broken Bones, and One Man’s Search for the West
- ✍️ Author: W.K. Stratton
- 📆 Year Published: 2005
- 📘 Genre: Biographies and Autobiographies, History
Join W.K. Stratton on a captivating odyssey into America’s heartland in “Chasing the Rodeo.” This enthralling memoir traverses through dusty arenas and down lonesome highways, presenting a mix of tales from the colorful world of the rodeo.
Stratton interweaves stories of legendary outlaws, riders, and maverick bulls with his personal quest for identity and meaning. Fans seeking authenticity and adrenaline will find both in spades within the pages of this homage to the Wild West.
#3 Rodeo in America: Wranglers, Roughstock, and Paydirt
- ✍️ Author: Wayne S. Wooden, Gavin Ehringer
- 📆 Year Published: 1996
- 📘 Genre: History
Dive into the dust and drama of “Rodeo in America,” an absorbing examination of this unique sport’s cultural and economic impact. Authors Wooden and Ehringer meticulously detail the sport’s evolution, moving from its rugged roots to its status as a multimillion-dollar industry.
This book uncovers the lives of the athletes who risk it all, the animal athletes who amaze, and the big business that churns behind the scenes, earning its place on every rodeo enthusiast’s bookshelf.
- ✍️ Author: Eric Blehm
- 📆 Year Published: 2012
- 📘 Genre: Biographies and Autobiographies
“Fearless” is not only a testament to the extraordinary life of Navy SEAL Adam Brown but also a journey through the heart and soul of a warrior who fought against all odds.
Eric Blehm honors the life of Brown by recounting his unyielding spirit, from overcoming personal demons to his valor on the battlefield. This book is a tribute to a man who never backed down, inspiring those who seek to understand the resilience and self-sacrifice of heroes.
#5 Gold Buckles Don’t Lie: The Untold Tale of Fred Whitfield
- ✍️ Author: Terri Powers
- 📆 Year Published: 2014
- 📘 Genre: Biographies and Autobiographies
Explore the captivating life story of one of rodeo’s greats in “Gold Buckles Don’t Lie.” This biography digs into the life and career of Fred Whitfield, an African American cowboy who conquered overwhelming odds to dominate the sport of rodeo.
Terri Powers chronicles the trials and triumphs of Whitfield’s journey, crafting not just a sports story, but a tale of perseverance and the relentless pursuit of dreams within the arena of life.
#6 American Rodeo: From Buffalo Bill to Big Business
- ✍️ Author: Kristine Fredriksson
- 📆 Year Published: 1985
- 📘 Genre: History
“American Rodeo” offers a comprehensive look at the sport from its showbiz birth under Buffalo Bill to its present-day status.
Kristine Fredriksson not only captures the colorful history but also comments on rodeo’s growth into a major business enterprise, illustrating the transformation of American culture and values. Any reader fascinated by the roots of this uniquely American event will find this meticulously researched volume both enlightening and entertaining.
#7 Rodeo: An Anthropologist Looks at the Wild and the Tame
- ✍️ Author: Elizabeth Atwood Lawrence
- 📆 Year Published: 1982
- 📘 Genre: History
“Rodeo” by Elizabeth Atwood Lawrence is a scholarly dive into the cultural and ethical aspects of rodeo as it straddles the line between civilization and wildness.
Through an anthropologist’s lens, Lawrence analyzes the symbolism and rituals of rodeo, providing insight into human-animal relationships and societal norms. This text offers a unique perspective for those interested in cultural studies and the deeper meanings behind one of America’s favorite pastimes.
FAQ
What are the best Rodeo books of all time?
“King of the Cowboys,” “The Last Cowboy,” “Chasing the Rodeo,” “Rodeo in America,” and “Fearless” are the best Rodeo books of all time. These titles provide a mix of history, biography, and the excitement of rodeo culture.
What is the best Rodeo book for adults?
“Chasing the Rodeo” by W.K. Stratton is the best Rodeo book for adults, offering a personal exploration of the sport’s culture, history, and the allure of the American cowboy.
What are the best books for Rodeo fundamentals and strategy?
“Rodeo in America” and “Fearless” are the best books for Rodeo fundamentals and strategy. These books delve into the skills, techniques, and the spirit required to excel in the sport.