Although they have been a part of American culture for decades, many people have never been to a rodeo. With their increasing popularity, some might be interested in going, but a little unsure at what takes place. Let’s take a look at an average rodeo and what the first time attendee might expect.
First of all, professional rodeos in North America come under the umbrella of both the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) and the Women’s Professional Rodeo Association (WPRA). Other governing bodies exist for children’s, high school, college level, senior, Native Americans and other minority groups.
The events in modern professional rodeo can be divided up into two categories; rough stock events and timed events. The major events in these categories are as follows:
Rough Stock Events:
Bronc riding – perhaps one of the most iconic of the rodeo events. Riders try to stay on the horse for 8 seconds. They are not allowed to touch the horse with their free hand. A maximum of 50 points is given to both the rider and the horse. Both scores are added up for the total with scores in the 80 point range being very good and scores in the 90s being outstanding. Bronc riding is further divided into bareback bronc riding and saddle bronc riding.
Bull riding – essentially the same concept as bronc riding, but due to the size and unpredictability of the animal, bull riding is considerably more dangerous.
Timed Events:
Calf roping – rodeo’s oldest timed event, a cowboy chases after a calf, throws a lariat or lasso around the calf’s neck, dismounts, throws the calf to the ground and then ties 3 of it’s 4 feet together.
Breakaway roping – a type of roping where the calf is not thrown to the ground and tied. Instead, a very short rope with a flag attached is tied to the saddle. Once the calf is roped, the horse stops and the rope “breaks away” from the saddle.
Team roping – this involves two people lassoing and restraining a full sized steer. One person will lasso the horns while the other lassos the legs. The riders work together so the steer will lose balance and lie down.
Barrel racing – an event based on speed and agility. Barrels are set up in a cloverleaf pattern. Riders will gallop around them as quickly and gracefully as possible without knocking them over. At most levels of rodeo this is a women’s event.
Steer wrestling – much like it sounds, a rider will jump off his horse, grab a running steer by their horns and attempt to wrestle them to the ground. Most likely the most dangerous event in the entire rodeo.
Goat tying – a rider approaches a tethered goat, jumps off and, similar to calf roping, throws the goat to the ground and ties 3 of its feet together. Intended for younger participants to gain skills associated with calf roping, it is not part of the actual rodeo competition.
Although not part of the competition itself, many rodeos begin with a Grand Entry where riders carrying various flags and banners enter the arena with the playing of the national anthem to follow. Variety acts, including musicians or trick riders, may take part in the rodeo also.
A big part of history and American culture, rodeos are always interesting and often great fun. Try and get yourself to a local rodeo or attend one on your next vacation.
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