Roughstock: Raised for the job

Milo Gladstein, Photo Director • January 25, 2024

Taggart Moses rides during X2D Broncs riding practice at Double Check Arena in Eaton, Colorado, April 3, 2023.

The images in Roughstock are the result of a yearlong project following a community of rodeo riders in Northern Colorado. Right alongside the horses and bulls raised as “roughstock” for rodeo work, the generations of cowboys depicted here were born into the arena. Their love of rodeo and their close-knit community represent what it means to be true cowboys and cowgirls, whose work with livestock is still defining the mythos and the reality of the American West. The discipline and danger of rodeo require complete commitment and teach these young people a way of life both in and out of the area, keeping a tough work ethic, faith and family at its core. Cowboy and rancher J.D. Ford, referring to the signal given by a rider ready to come out of the chute, said, “You’re playing with life and death every time you nod your head.”

A bull fighter awaits the next rider during the Richie Tavenner Memorial Bull Blast in Brighton, Colorado, June 17, 2023.

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A father and son take a moment of prayer before the Richie Tavenner Memorial Bull Blast in Brighton, Colorado, June 17, 2023.

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Gary Leffew coaches bull riders at J.D. Ford’s ranch in Brighton, Colorado, June 2, 2023.

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Parker Gilbert prepares to get on a bull at J.D. Ford’s bull riding practice in Brighton, Colorado, June 2, 2023. Ford has been holding practice at his house every Sunday for the past 29 years.

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A bull rider competes during the Richie Tavenner Memorial Bull Blast in Brighton, Colorado, June 17, 2023. The winner receives a scholarship to the Gary Leffew Bull Riding School.

Collegian | Milo Gladstein

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Patrick Sisneros smiles after being covered in mud during the Richie Tavenner Memorial Bull Blast in Brighton, Colorado, June 17, 2023.

Collegian | Milo Gladstein

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Chayse Edmiston drinks water after getting a bloody nose during the Richie Tavenner Memorial Bull Blast in Brighton, Colorado, June 17, 2023.

Collegian | Milo Gladstein

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Andrew Garey smiles after being covered in mud during the Richie Tavenner Memorial Bull Blast in Brighton, Colorado, June 17, 2023.

Collegian | Milo Gladstein

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Parker Gilbert rides a bull at J.D. Ford’s bull riding practice in Brighton, Colorado, June 2, 2023. Ford has been holding practice at his house every Sunday for the past 29 years.

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Taggart Moses rides during X2D Broncs riding practice at Double Check Arena in Eaton, Colorado, April 3, 2023.

Collegian | Milo Gladstein

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About the Contributor

Milo Gladstein, Photo Director

Milo Gladstein is a fifth-year senior majoring in journalism and media communications. He is currently serving as one of the two photo directors for the 2o23-24 school year. Gladstein's work focuses on long-form stories diving deep into what it means to be human and sharing people's passion and story with the community. He did not begin as a journalism major and has worn many hats while at CSU. He began as a conservation biology major, moving to undeclared and then horticulture therapy before finally landing in the journalism department. He seeks stories about community members who are impacting the world around them in positive ways and shares those stories. Working at The Collegian has taught Gladstein about working on a team, how to develop a story and the best ways to present said stories. Most importantly, he has grown from a photographer into a photojournalist. As co-photo director, he hopes to pass that knowledge on to the next group of journalists rising through The Collegian. When not working at The Collegian or in class, Gladstein can be found reading a book or in the outdoors climbing, camping, exploring and getting lost in the mountains.

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