MISSOULA — The University of Montana Spring Rodeo hits Missoula on Friday and Saturday.
Athletes have been prepping their animals to make sure they are in peak condition.
"The adrenaline rush is unmatched," said Emma Atkinson, who is a member of the University of Montana Rodeo team.
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Hollywood, Atkinson's horse, is making its barrel race debut in Missoula this year.
But what the audience observes from the stands is only a glimpse into what it takes to compete.
"It's usually under 20 seconds that you see us, and it's probably 20,000 hours, it seems like, of work," Atkinson said.
While the riding duo practices together three to four hours a night with the rodeo team, the meals are just as important.
Atkinson told MTN she spends about $200 every few weeks on feed for her two horses.
"They have personalities just like humans do and they feed off of you, and you got to build a huge trust with them," Atkinson said.
You can catch Emma and Hollywood in the barrel race at the rodeo on Friday and Saturday.
Click here for more information about the event.
