Josef Buergi | The Raw Spectacle Ranch Rodeo in the USA

Josef Buergi | The Raw Spectacle Ranch Rodeo in the USA

“At the heart of every ranch rodeo is the unbreakable bond between cowboy and horse. These aren’t just animals; they are partners, meticulously trained and intrinsically connected to their riders. The intelligence, agility, and sheer power of these equine athletes are awe-inspiring as they skillfully navigate events such as wild cow milking, team branding, and ranch horse competitions.“
– Josef Buergi

American ranch rodeos are a vibrant spectacle, a living testament to the cowboy way of life, steeped in a rich tapestry of culture and tradition. Unlike the more flamboyant professional rodeos, ranch rodeos celebrate the authentic skills and daily tasks of working cowboys. Here, the emphasis is on teamwork, horsemanship, and the practical abilities required on a sprawling cattle ranch.

At the heart of every ranch rodeo is the unbreakable bond between cowboy and horse. These aren’t just animals; they are partners, meticulously trained and intrinsically connected to their riders. The intelligence, agility, and sheer power of these equine athletes are awe-inspiring as they skillfully navigate events such as wild cow milking, team branding, and ranch horse competitions. Photography particularly excels at capturing the raw emotion and timeless elegance of these interactions, highlighting the intricate details of a bridle or the focused intensity in a horse’s eye.

Make no mistake, ranch rodeo is a profoundly strenuous sport. It demands incredible physical endurance, mental fortitude, and years of honed skill. Cowboys push their bodies to the limit, wrestling steers, roping calves, and riding with an intensity that leaves no doubt about the athleticism involved. The dust, the sweat, the grit, and the occasional tumble are all part of the unvarnished reality of a sport that truly embodies the spirit of the American West.

Josef Buergi

Josef Buergi is a Swiss traveler and photographer who discovered his passion for photography in the 1990s. Having graduated from the Bale Institute of Technology with an engineering degree, he has nonetheless cultivated a successful career as a photographer, achieving skill and accomplishment through numerous workshops, travelling, self-instruction, and the study of master photographers.

Following his retirement in April 2025, he now pursues his passion for travel, music, and photography.

Having visited nearly 70 countries, his journey is far from over; he remains on a relentless quest for new cultures and remote landscapes that fundamentally challenge his worldview. He’s been to remote places in South Sudan, Pakistan, China, Ethiopia, and many more countries.

See the full article in Lens Magazine Edition #134