A visit to Jackson, Wyoming isn’t complete without going to the Jackson Hole Rodeo. For 112 years, the Wilson family has been running this iconic western tradition and showing people the skill, bravery and dedication it takes to keep the west wild.
The west was settled on the backs of horses. It was the expertise of men and women on horseback who helped lay the groundwork and infrastructure to allow settlers to move from the east.
Jackson Hole might not be what it is today if it wasn’t for their commitment. It was thanks to their skills that this rugged mountain community grew from a remote mountain valley to today’s thriving tourist hotspot.
In 1890 Sylvester Wilson brought the first group of settlers over Teton Pass. Six generations later, the Wilson Family remains and carries on the legacy of animal stewardship and ranching that has been part of this cowboy culture from the beginning.
Today, the family runs the Jackson Hole Rodeo. They come from a long line of cowboys, cowgirls, ranchers, bull riders and barrel racers. Thanks to their skill sets and a willingness to share them, the family was able to carve out a life for themselves in the rich and vibrant Jackson Hole valley.
The Jackson Hole Rodeo gives the audience a glimpse into the past, where the skills demonstrated and the stunts performed were part of everyday life — in the early days, horsemanship was necessary for survival.
Although this is no longer the case for most of us, it’s important to the Wilson family they preserve these skill sets and heritage of the west.
The rodeo is much more than a demonstration of horsemanship. It’s one of the few sports where competitors help each other win. There is a large sense of belonging and companionship that is important to this community. The rodeo is a blend of entertainment and a presentation of the traditional western lifestyle which can inspire and benefit many people, no matter where they are in life.
The western lifestyle is rooted in hard work with an independent spirit. As the priorities of the Jackson Hole valley have shifted from ranching to tourism and pastures have been replaced with real estate, the Wilson family’s mission became even more important. These character traits that make them great cowboys and cowgirls have helped the family carry on their western values in a modern world.
But it isn’t just about the Rodeo or the Wilson family. All nine grandkids of the Wilson family are involved with the rodeo, and Buskin Wilson runs what some might call a cowboy orphanage – taking interested kids under his wing to teach them more about the western lifestyle and heritage.
Without the animals, there would be no rodeo. A common misconception about rodeos is the mistreatment of animals, which couldn’t be further from the truth. In fact, it is because of the animals that rodeos exist and it’s in their best interest to take excellent care of all of them.
As the cattle industry dissolves around them and the ranching community makes way for the tourism industry, they feel it’s even more important to preserve this legacy.
Blending these traditional values with a modern world takes grit and a commitment to follow a dream up a hill, no matter how steep it is. To help with this, the Wilson family makes a diligent effort to share their knowledge and experience with the local community and children through workshops and community events.
But it isn’t just the Wilson family that helps them sustain this vision; it’s an entire rodeo community who sees value in their efforts and a legacy that demands preservation. Whether you’re parking cars, or punching tickets, the family has instilled a sense of purpose well beyond their blood lines.
The rodeo runs from spring to fall, but it’s a year-round commitment for the Wilson family. The animals always have to eat and working with advertising and sponsorships is a full-time job.
Life isn’t easy. Neither is the rodeo. But they do this because they love it, despite the challenges. They’re honored to carry on this tradition and remind people that the spirit of the west isn’t dead.
With perseverance, they’re passing on generational knowledge and resisting the outside pressure to evolve. Like KÜHL, they’re finding a balance, coexisting with modern culture and expectations while keeping their traditions, independence and lifestyle alive.
The dedication and commitment that helped their great grandfather and the first settlers thrive more than a century ago are the same attributes that are helping and sustaining them today.
Grab your cowboy boots and see the pioneer spirit for yourself — get your tickets to the Jackson Hole Rodeo.
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