A cowboy falls off a horse during the bare-back riding competition at the MLK Jr. Rodeo at the National Western Stock Show in Denver on Monday, Jan. 16, 2017.
For one day at the National Western Stock Show and Rodeo, the spotlight shines on the West's African-American cowboys and cowgirls during the MLK Jr. Rodeo. State Sen. Rhonda Fields and Denver City Councilor Albus Brooks were among the hundreds who cheered on barrel racers, ropers, bulldoggers and bull riders at the event on Monday.
"This was on my bucket list," said Janet Davis, who made the trip from Wisconsin for the show. "I'm loving it."
Brianna Weston watches the MLK Jr. Rodeo at the National Western Stock Show in Denver on Monday, Jan. 16, 2017.
A cowboy lassoes a steer during the MLK Jr. Rodeo at the National Western Stock Show in Denver on Monday, Jan. 16, 2017.
Carolyn Carter of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, holds a ribbon over her head during the steer undecorating competition during the MLK Jr. Rodeo at the National Western Stock Show in Denver on Monday, Jan. 16, 2017.
Tiffanie Carter rides her horse during the MLK Jr. Rodeo at the National Western Stock Show in Denver on Monday, Jan. 16, 2017.
A cowboy rides his horse during the MLK Jr. Rodeo at the National Western Stock Show in Denver on Monday, Jan. 16, 2017.
Averrie Blend of Denver watches the MLK Jr. Rodeo at the National Western Stock Show in Denver on Monday, Jan. 16, 2017.
A spectator sports a pair of well-worn cowboy boots during the MLK Jr. Rodeo at the National Western Stock Show in Denver on Monday, Jan. 16, 2017.
A young cowboy competes in barrel racing during the MLK Jr. Rodeo at the National Western Stock Show in Denver on Monday, Jan. 16, 2017.
Janet Davis of Milwaukee, Wisconsin cheers during the MLK Jr. Rodeo at the National Western Stock Show in Denver on Monday, Jan. 16, 2017. "This is a bucket list item," Davis said. "I'm loving it."
Ida Jeffrey and her friend Gene Johnson of Aurora, Colorado, watch the MLK Jr. Rodeo at the National Western Stock Show in Denver on Monday, Jan. 16, 2017.
Justin Granger of Tuba City, Arizona rides a bull during the MLK Jr. Rodeo at the National Western Stock Show in Denver on Monday, Jan. 16, 2017.
Tyson Tsinajinnie falls off a bull during the MLK Jr. Rodeo at the National Western Stock Show in Denver on Monday, Jan. 16, 2017.
Cowboys and cowgirls salute the audience during the MLK Jr. Rodeo at the National Western Stock Show in Denver on Monday, Jan. 16, 2017.
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