Jump in with both boots: How to embrace the rodeo

By Katie Visconti

Sunday, Nov. 30, 2014 | 2 a.m.

When the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo rolls into Las Vegas this week, it won’t be an ordinary 10 days of wrangling, riding and revelry. This is NFR’s 30th year in Sin City.

With that comes a host of extra excitement for what’s widely considered the world’s premier rodeo championship.

If you want to get involved but have never so much as stepped into a cowboy boot, here are a few ways to get ready for NFR 2014:

Take riding lessons

• Equine Speed Academy, 8868 W. Washburn Road, Las Vegas

Lessons are taught by Janet Roll, a retired barrel racer with 33 years as a Clark County School District physical education teacher.

• Hunter’s Edge Farm, 8855 W. Mountains Edge Parkway, Las Vegas

Lessons are available for people ages 4 and up; children 2 to 3 can enroll in the “Lil’ Breeches” program for private, half-hour sessions.

Take a horseback ride

• Wild West Horseback Adventures, 2470 Chandler Ave., Las Vegas

Five-hour desert rides, roughly $160 per person, are offered three times a day with experienced guides.

Buy a pair of boots

• Sheplers, 5111 Boulder Highway, Las Vegas

A dream for cowboys and cowgirls, with top-brand boots, jeans, T-shirts and home decor.

• Boot Barn, multiple valley locations

Boot Barn is as accessible for first-time buyers as it is for western wear aficionados.

Dress in proper attire

What do cowgirls and cowboys wear? Riders and spectators easily can be identified by what they are wearing.

Here’s what you need before saddling up:

• Long-sleeve collared shirt

• Vest

• Jeans, chaps, belt

• Cowboy boots, spurs

• Cowboy hat

• Bandana

Where to spot a cowboy

These spots offer entertainment and a chance to see some 10-gallon hats:

• Monte Carlo: Menus will be rodeo-themed at the Pub, Double Barrel Roadhouse, the Cafe and the Buffet. The hotel will have a live television feed of the competition, and the hotel will be the temporary home to bareback riding contestants.

• Mandalay Bay: The resort will host U.S. team ropers and convert its convention center into the Roper Cowboy Marketplace with more than 300 vendors.

• MGM Grand: The Wrangler Hollywood Theatre will show each NFR round live and hold the “Wrangler NFR Countdown Show.”

More events

• Miss Rodeo America Pageant: More than 30 contestants will compete in an eight-day competition at MGM Grand.

• Rodeo Week at Brad Garrett’s Comedy Club: The comedy club at MGM Grand will feature all country-themed comedians.

• Autograph sessions: Cowboy champions will be in MGM Grand’s main lobby to sign autographs and meet fans from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Dec. 5 and 8.

• Downtown hoedown: For the 28th year, “12 Days of Country” will take over Fremont Street, with local and national country music artists.