A horse walks into a bar – actually several bars – and a grocery store. This is no joke. A drunk trio of horseback riders in Steamboat Springs, Colo. gallivanted into town late Sunday December 11, 2011. According to Sergeant Rich Brown at the Steamboat Springs Police Department, three riders attempted to enter the Old Town Pub there. And it made national news!
Steamboat is renowned – and proud – of it’s western heritage. A heritage based on authentic, old fashioned friendliness and sometimes a little cowboy fun – as evidenced this past weekend. Now this western fun may have gotten a little out of hand, but this incident will probably live on as part of our cowboy culture for years to come.
Before last week, any local would have told you that our reputation stemmed from our historic – and very active – ranching community. But there’s so much more to it than that!
My Favorite Iconic Images of Steamboat’s Western Heritage:
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So Some Cattle Are Walking Down the Main Street…
Our western heritage is evidenced by our main street that looks like a western movie set, and also because it’s wider than other Colorado towns so that cattle used to be herded right down the center. Actually cattle are still herded down the center over the 4th of July Cowboy Roundup Days.
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Kids On Skis Are Pulled Down the Main Street By Galloping Horses…
One of my favorite Steamboat Springs events is the Winter Carnival in early February, with the highlight being the carnival events on Lincoln Ave. This main street – also Hwy 40 – is closed to traffic and covered in snow. Hilarity ensues as kids on skis are towed by galloping horses, dads are pulled by the family dog, and grown men (who should know better) are hauled down the main street on snow shovels, by charging horses. As I said, you have to see it to believe it!
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Hundreds of Cowboys Dressed in Chaps, Cowboy Hats & Holding Beers Stampede on Skis…
It all began 38 years ago when Billy Kidd, Steamboat’s Director of Skiing, and Larry Mahan, six-time All-Around World Champion cowboy, decided to invite a few of the Pro-Rodeo stars to Steamboat for a day of skiing. The cowboys had such a great time that the Downhill has become the most popular event of the season with over 100 of the best professional rodeo cowboys competing in the most unique ski rodeo in the country. Spectators rally around the base of the ski area as a herd of Pro Rodeo champions make a mad-dash down Steamboat’s Stampede trail on skis and snowboards. Prepare to hoot, holler, and yee haw!
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You Can Have a Real Cowboy Teach You How to Ski…
When you think of legends in American skiing the name Billy Kidd is at the top of the list. He became America’s hero back in the 1964 Olympics when he became the first American man to win an Olympic medal in skiing — a silver in the slalom at Innsbruck, Austria. Billy has made his home in Steamboat Springs, Colorado since 1970 and spends the winter as Steamboat’s Director of Skiing and running the Billy Kidd Performance Center
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Bullriding & Ram Scrambles…
No one knows for sure when Steamboat Springs hosted its first organized rodeo competition, but mentions of competitive rodeo events in the local newspaper, the Steamboat Pilot, date back to at least 1898. Today, Steamboat’s rodeo is alive and well throughout the summer months. In 2002 it was voted the PRCA Small Outdoor Rodeo of the Year! Don your boots, hat, chaps and gather the whole family for a fun – affordable – night out in downtown Steamboat on Friday and Saturday nights during the summer months.
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Kick Up Y’ Heels With Some Real Boots…
No matter which way you drive into Steamboat, you are sure to spot the yellow and black signs of F.M. Light & Sons. F.M Light is Steamboat Springs’ historic clothing store and special place where customers enjoy a step back into the old west while browsing among many original fixtures from one hundred years ago. I always give a sigh of relief as I drive toward Steamboat and spot the first sign, a sign that I’m coming home!
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And Now, A Horse Walks Into A Bar…
And now for a new iconic image of Steamboat’s cowboy reputation! View the Huffington Post video…
Truth is, there’s more to Steamboat than Skiing and cowboys. I fall in love with Steamboat each and every day! If you would like to learn more about Steamboat, please contact me, and I can help you find your dream home in Steamboat Springs!
