Hooves & Heritage: Motion at the Arizona State Fair
Hooves & Heritage: Motion at the Arizona State Fair Native American Rodeo • Phoenix, Arizona • Photographs & reflections by Ladee Kalenik Rickard There’s a sound the arena keeps for itself: the thud of hooves, the rattle of a gate, that hush a crowd takes just before the chute cracks open. These photographs were made at the Arizona State Fair during the Native American Rodeo —a kinetic blend of sport and story where heritage rides straight through the dust. Presented by Desert Diamond Casino West Valley , the event draws Indigenous cowboys and cowgirls from across the Southwest to compete, celebrate, and carry tradition forward. Rodeo and photography share the same heartbeat—timing. Miss the moment by a breath and the story is gone. Event notes & stats Schedule: Two performances daily across a two-day program (afternoon & evening). Events: Bareback riding, saddle bronc riding , bull riding , steer wrestling ,...