Rodeo ga ga

Emma Deadman gets a kick out of a breathtaking trip to Houston

THE small girl clung onto the sheep’s neck as if her life depended on it. With a slap to its rear, the beast sped off into the ring. After just seconds, the inevitable happened – and the child was thrown to the floor. To gasps of horror from the audience? Not at all – to whoops and cheers! Welcome to the crazy world of Mutton Bustin’.

This ‘sport’ for just five and six year olds is a firm favourite at RodeoHouston, a once-a-year spectacular held on the outskirts of the fourth-largest US city. While the Mutton Bustin’ (with a prize for the child who can hold on for the longest...) was the real crowd pleaser, the rodeo is a real all-American feast for the eyes (rodeohouston.com).

Burly cowboys jostle huge beasts in bareback riding, bull riding and tie-down roping, to win hundreds of dollars in prize money over 20 nights. It’s not for the faint-hearted.

With almost 2.5 million visitors, the event is the largest livestock exhibition and rodeo in the world, along with all the food stands, fairground rides and market stalls you could wish for. A bit like the old English Royal Show – but much, much bigger. This is Texas after all. But rodeo isn’t the only thing that Houston goes big on – it’s big food with even bigger flavours.

The city is a foodie’s dream, and one person living that dream is Star, with her business Best Bites Houston. Star’s walking food tour stops off at diverse eateries for numerous tastings while learning about the local food scene.

Another local hero is Vanarin Kuch, and his Cambodian coffee shop Koffeteria, where he’s revitalising the pastry scene with his giant sweet treats. At Xochi, authentic dishes are inspired by the Mexican region of

At Rodeo Houston baaa none RIDE ’EM Expert in the saddle HOLD ON This young rider is the bravest