Rodeo Events Defined (just for the fun of it!)

Saddle Bronc Riding

Saddle bronc riding is rodeo's "classic" event.  It has roots that run deep in the history of the Old West. Ranch hands would often gather and compete among themselves to see who could display the best style while riding unbroken horses.

 

The cowboy must begin his ride with his feet over the bronc's shoulders to give the horse the advantage. A rider who is able to synchronize his spurring action with the animal's bucking will receive a high score. The cowboy's control throughout the ride, the length of his spurring stroke and how hard the horse bucks are also considered in scoring. Disqualification results if, prior to the buzzer which sounds after eight seconds, the rider touches the animal, himself or his equipment with his free hand, if either foot slips out of a stirrup, if he drops the bronc rein, or if he fails to have his feet proper position at the beginning of the ride.

Bareback Riding


Bareback riding is some of the wildest action you'll see in rodeo. The rider begins his ride with his feet placed above the break of the horse's shoulder. If the cowboy's feet are not in the correct position when the horse hits the ground on its first jump out of the chute, the cowboy has failed to "mark out" the horse properly and is disqualified. Throughout the eight-second ride, the cowboy must grasp the rigging (a handhold made of leather and rawhide) with only one hand. The cowboy spurs with his heels at the horse's neck. He then pulls his feet to the horse's withers until his feet are nearly touching the rigging. The rider is disqualified if he touches his equipment, himself or the animal with his free hand. The rider is judged on his control during the ride, his spurring techniques, and his "exposure" to the strength of the horse. The horse's performance accounts for half the potential score.


Tie-Down Roping

This is another event born on the ranches of the Old West when sick calves were roped and tied down for medical treatment. Today, success in tie-down roping depends largely on the teamwork between a cowboy and his horse. Luck too factors in. A feisty calf that runs fast or kicks hard can foil a roper's finest effort.

 

After the calf is given a head start, horse and rider give chase. (As with any timed event, a 10-second penalty is added if the calf roper breaks the barrier at the beginning of the run). After the contestant ropes the calf he dismounts, runs to the calf and flanks the calf (tossing the calf to its side) and ties three of the animal's legs together using a "pigging string" he carries in his teeth until ready. If the calf is not standing when the cowboy reaches it, he has to allow the animal to stand before flanking it. When the tie is completed, he throws his hands in the air as a signal to the judge. He then remounts his horse and allows the rope to become slack. The run is declared invalid if the calf kicks free within six seconds.

Steer Wrestling

Steer Wrestling takes more than brute strength. A steer wrestler, or bulldogger, uses leverage. Mounted behind a barrier, the cowboy takes chase after the steer has been given a head start. If he leaves too soon and breaks the barrier, he receives a 10-second penalty. In order to keep the steer running in a straight line out of the shoot, another cowboy on horseback, called a hazer assists. When the bulldogger's horse pulls alongside the steer, he eases down the right side of the horse, grabs the steers horns and digs his heels into the dirt. As the steer slows, he turns the animal, lifts up on its right horn and pushes down with his left hand in an effort to tip the steer over. The cowboy must then either bring the steer to a stop or change the direction of the animal's body before the throw or he is disqualified. The clock stops when the steer is on his side with all four legs pointing the same direction.



Team Roping

Team roping is an event of teamwork, quickness and accuracy.  If the header isn't quick, the team can't win even if the heeler nails his toss. Headers must charge out of the box on horseback, chase down a fast-running steer and rope him around his horns, neck or "half-head"--a partial horn-neck catch. ..all without breaking the barrier at the start of the run.  After making his catch, the header rides to the left, leading the steer along. The heeler moves in and (hopefully) ropes both hind legs. Catching only one hind leg results in a five-second penalty. Disqualification can occur if the heeler "crossfires", or tosses his loop before the header has changed the direction of the steer and has the animal moving forward. The timed run is finished when the steer is secured and both the header and heeler's horses are facing each other on opposite sides of the steer.

Bull Riding

Contrary to popular belief, bull riders are not required to spur. It's usually impressive enough just to stay stuck for eight seconds on an animal that is a ton or more of raw power. The rider tries to remain forward, or "over his hand," at all times. Judges look for good body position as well as use of the free arm.  Spurring action, although not required, lands the cowboy more points.  As in all the riding events, half of the score in bull riding is determined by the contestant's performance and the other half is based on the animal's efforts. A bull rider will be disqualified for touching the animal, himself or his equipment with his free hand.



Barrel Racing

Barrel racing is a fast-driving, competitive event dominated by women.  It is not for the timid-rider. In barrel racing, the contestant enters the arena at full speed. An electronic eye starts the clocks as horse and rider start the pattern. The rider rides a cloverleaf pattern around three barrels positioned in the arena, and races back out of the arena, stopping the clock as she leaves.  The contestant can touch or even move the barrels, but receives a five-second penalty for each barrel that is knocked over. Victory is measured in hundredths of seconds, making this an exciting spectator event..

Mutton Bustin'

Mutton Bustin is fun for all.  Young Cowboys and Cowgals looking for their six seconds of fame and glory come busting out of the chute aboard their wooly mounts and the fun begins!  These youngsters are scored half for their own performance and half for that of the animal.  Usually, every kid receives a score even if they don't "ride 'til the buzzer".  Just plain fun for all.


 

Rodeo Clown

In the early days of rodeo, clowns were primarily entertainers. Today its protecting bull riders from serious injury or death. Clowns often have to  face the angry bulls to give bull riders time to escape, and often put their lives on the line. These "funny" men have worked hard to perfect their skills and methods of distracting bulls. They are also in the business of making everyone laugh and enjoy themselves. Two types of clowns are required in Bull Riding; a bullfighter and a barrel man. The bullfighter faces the angry bulls, allowing cowboys to escape to the nearest fence railing or open gate when they dismount or get tossed. The barrel man acts as another distraction and is usually prepared to jump in a padded barrel, if necessary, to avoid injury by an angry bull.