A group of very athletic ranch horses line up during the grand entry of the annual Bar U Ranch Rodeo. This is one of my favorite events of the year. Cowboys and cowgirls compete in several events in the arena that very closely align with their daily ranching activities.

Because there are beautiful horses, talented riders and gorgeous western gear, this event is a western photographers paradise. So, there’s no shortage of material to be photographed. It’s a laid back setting on a Sunday afternoon. Everyone is there to enjoy themselves and have fun.

As a result, Starting Line-up was my favorite photo of 2018. I love the colors and the expressions on these horses. It was chosen for the month of August in the 2019 Cowboys, Horses and Landscapes calendar.