Are you a pirate? a young child asks photographer Hans Watson at the 2024 National Western Stock Show. A black cowboy hat, eye patch, and dual cameras portray volunteer house photographer, Hans Watson, as a pirate. Stock Show 2024 marks his 12th year volunteering as a photographer. As a house photographer, Hans works directly with the Marketing and Sponsorship departments. According … Read More
Press Release: Give Back and Volunteer at the National Western Stock Show
Denver, CO – The National Western Stock Show, presented by Centura Health, is calling upon individuals with a passion for community involvement to become part of its volunteer program. As a 501(c)(3) charitable organization, the National Western Stock Show has been a beacon of Colorado’s Western tradition for 118 years, bringing together people of all ages for 16 days each … Read More
National Western’s “Most Loved Tradition;” More Than Just a Cattle Show
Lined up in the middle of the Denver Coliseum rodeo arena, kids wait on what could be their very own calf to be released from the chutes- if they can catch it. The only thing going through Rowan Wasinger’s head is, “I don’t care how, but I’m going to catch one.” Rowan is one of the nearly 3,000 National Western … Read More
Inside Look: Black History Month with Terrance Carroll
“The West was built for people to come out and make their way. From the Indigenous people who were already here to the Vaqueros and Black cowboys and their families, this included everybody,” said Carroll.
A Lifetime of Learning: A Conversation with Jill Barron
Jill Barron has never known a life without horses. Based in Calgary, Canada, the professional horse trainer and equestrian coach has made a career out of following her passions. Her unique approach to training blends classical techniques and natural horsemanship in a manner that focuses equally on the horse and the rider, benefiting all involved. She prioritizes an open mind … Read More
Press Release: 702,697 Memories Made During the 117th National Western Stock Show
Denver, CO. – The National Western Stock Show presented by Centura Health drew excited crowds of Coloradans and out-of-towners alike. The gates closed and the arenas cleared as the best 16 days in January came to an end. A final attendance tally of 702,697 guests made the 2023 NWSS the fourth highest attended show in event history. The grand champion attendance record of … Read More
Overwhelming Support for Colorado Kids Leads to Record Numbers at Auction of Junior Livestock Champions
DENVER, CO. – The sold-out crowd at the 2023 Auction of Junior Livestock Champions attracted spectators and buyers eager to support young men and women in agriculture. This year, all eyes were on the two kids from Colorado, Justin Pfannebecker from LaSalle, Colorado, and his Grand Champion Steer named Stan, aka Stan The Man. Also from Colorado, the Reserve Champion Hog … Read More
Press Release: Centura Health Named the Official Presenting Partner of the National Western Stock Show
Denver, CO – For the first time in its 116-year history, the legendary National Western Stock Show will have an official presenting partner. Colorado-based health care leader Centura Health will present the iconic National Western Stock Show under a three-year agreement. Centura Health’s vision – every community, every neighborhood, and every individual – whole and healthy – will be featured … Read More
Protecting Agriculture in Colorado
The road to the 2022 ballot is still far from Colorado voters, but agriculture groups are already united in opposition to Initiative 16, the so-called Protect Animals from Unnecessary Suffering and Exploitation, or PAUSE act. There’s no doubt that the extreme changes to Colorado statutes proposed would decimate the state’s second-largest industry- agriculture. Farm and ranch families in Colorado and … Read More
What is Initiative 16 (PAUSE act) and why should it matter to you?
What is Initiative 16? Initiative 16 is a citizen-led ballot initiative that: Criminalizes farmers, ranchers, and veterinarians who use accepted animal husbandry practices to care for animals. Changes state statutory language to define common animal care practices as “cruelty to animals.” Bans slaughter for animals that have lived less than 25 percent of their “natural” lifespan. Criminalizes the following veterinary … Read More