The rodeo rides into Rochester
Bull riders line up in the arena during the opening ceremony with the playing of the national anthem. A touch of cowboy culture is taking over the small town of Rochester as the New England Rodeo has landed for the season. Up to 20 professional bull riders from all over New England, and as far away as Brazil, compete as thousands of spectators line the outdoor arena. The event is held at the former Rochester Fair Grounds every other Saturday from June 14 to Sept. 30. The rodeo also hosts barrel racers with riders of all ages.
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Augusto Vieira gets a long ride around the arena during the bull riding competition.
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A young rider walks to her horse at the New England Rodeo.
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Large pickup trucks parked next to horse trailers on the open field, and the air was filled with the aroma of fresh cut hay. Large steel bullpens enclosed 1,000-pound bulls that seemed friendly enough to pet, but were just waiting for their next victim.
Most of the professional bull riders are Brazilians who have strong bonds with each other as they compete in Professional Bull Riders circuit events. Brazilians have dominated the circuit, winning 11 world championships. In addition to bull riding there's barrel racing, and for youngsters bucking bronco pony riding.
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Bull rider Andrew Cox from Coventry, R.I., stood shirtless in the blazing sun near the tailgate to his pickup with his son Gabriel, 10. Tattoos covered Andrew's chest and arms.
'I love it. It's one big family here, Andrew said as puffed on a cigarette.
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Bull rider Andrew Cox from Coventry, R.I., waits at the back of his pickup truck for the start of races in the New England Rodeo.
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Walter Oliveira rides at the starting gate.
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Gabriel Cox, 10, from Coventry, R.I., is helped off the ground after being thrown in the bucking bronco pony competition.
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The sport is dangerous and unpredictable, and many riders wear protective vests and helmets with face masks.
Rider Evan Groder, of Newmarket, N.H., said that he's been stepped on by a half-ton bull, and wearing a vest spared him from injury.
There are moments of panic and chaos. When an angry bull sets its sights
on a downed rider, bullfighters step to protect them. As a rider is thrown off, the brightly dressed fighters, some wearing patriotic attire, distract the bucking bulls.
As the daylight turned to dusk, bright floodlights lit the arena as riders shot out of the gates, jerking and thrashing. The goal is to stay on the bull for eight seconds, and both the riders and bulls receive points on control and performance.
Many riders meet their fate with a face full of dirt and a kick in the behind.
Novice rider Augusto Vieira, wearing a hockey helmet with a wire face guard and two large cross necklaces, clung tightly to the braided bull rope. He successfully rode the bull for one of the longest times of the competition. He dismounted but hit the ground hard, gracefully tumbling away from the bull's powerful kicks.
Logan Paquin, 8, from Marion, looks through the fence.
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A rider speeds across the arena holding an American flag during the opening ceremony.
John Tlumacki/Globe Staff
every other Saturday at 5 p.m. through the end of September
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