Rodeo athletes celebrate return of 'Cowboy Christmas' and a full rodeo season

From the time he was four, Cory Solomon remembers having a rope in his hand.

He grew up in a rodeo family, spending his childhood in Texas with horses and cattle. When he went to school, he made sure he did well — it was the only way he could get back to the rodeo.

"Rodeo is a way of life," he said. "It has kept me on a good path."

It's also helped to pay the bills. Solomon regularly tops the standings at North American rodeos, including first place at last year's Calgary Stampede — a title earning him a $50,000 cheque.

There are dozens of rodeos happening around North America at this time of year, a period known as "Cowboy Christmas" to many competitors. It lasts from about mid-June to early July (depending on whom you ask), and during that time the athletes aim to take home as much money as possible.

Of course, the last two years haven't been the same. The pandemic resulted in border restrictions and fewer competitions, meaning many athletes didn't have the same opportunities to cash in. 

This year, though, the holiday season is on. 

Solomon has already taken part in 16 events, flying around North America, earning thousands of dollars and a few first place titles. 

"That's why everybody calls it the Cowboy Christmas. It's the biggest payday in rodeo."

Solomon isn't the only one looking to make some big money this year.

Bull rider Lonnie West from Cadogan, Alta., is at about $40,000 in earnings since June 20, and he says this year's competition circuit is better than ever.

"There's more rodeos for us to go to up here and lots of bull riding," he said.

Like most in the profession, West has spent most of his life around rodeo. It's not just the bull riding he loves. It's the people in the industry, the travel and the