Always great photos, Christian headed down to the rodeo on the first night.

Justin Miller of Billings, Mont., is thrown from Dust Devil during the Bareback competition Wednesday, July 13, 2011, during the first night of the Pikes Peak or Bust Rodeo at the Norris Penrose Event Center in Colorado Springs, Colo. (The Gazette, Christian Murdock)

2011 Girl of the West Dayna Jenkins rides into the arena during the opening ceremonies Wednesday, July 13, 2011, before the first night of the Pikes Peak or Bust Rodeo at the Norris Penrose Event Center in Colorado Springs, Colo. (The Gazette, Christian Murdock)

Caleb Bennett of Morgan, Utah, rides JItter Bug as it falls to the ground during the bareback competition Wednesday, July 13, 2011, during the first night of the Pikes Peak or Bust Rodeo at the Norris Penrose Event Center in Colorado Springs, Colo. Bennett received a reride. (The Gazette, Christian Murdock)

Matthew Benedict, 4, of Colorado Springs holds on tight as he comes out of the chutes while competing in the Mutton Bustin try outs in the Kiddie Korral Wednesday, July 13, 2011, before the first night of the Pikes Peak or Bust Rodeo at the Norris Penrose Event Center in Colorado Springs, Colo. The top seven advanced to the finals in the arena during the rodeo. The try outs are every night from 4 to 6 p.m. and cost $10 per ride. (The Gazette, Christian Murdock)

Kyle Broce of La Junta brings down a steer during the steer wrestling competition Wednesday, July 13, 2011, during the first night of the Pikes Peak or Bust Rodeo at the Norris Penrose Event Center in Colorado Springs, Colo. (The Gazette, Christian Murdock)