How To Understand Rodeo Events

Rodeo's are regional events that are typically found in the southern and western areas of the United States. Although Texas is well known for Rodeos, Rodeos are prevalent in many other western and southern states including: Colorado, Arizona, Montana, California, and Idaho.

Rodeo events differ by location, but in general there are six main events: Bull Riding, Bareback Bronco Riding, Saddle Back Bronco Riding, Barrel Racing, Calf Roping and Team Roping.

• Bull Riding is simple to describe, as the name is quite descriptive on its own. A cowboy mounts a bull while it is secured in a stall. When the stall is opened a cinch belt is tightened around the bulls flanks, which makes it begin to buck. The cowboy who rides the bucking bull with the most control for a minimum of eight seconds is judged the winner.
• Bareback and Saddle Back Bronco Riding, or Bronco Busting is similar to Bull Riding, except a horse is the animal bucking instead of a bull. The philosophy of this event is the same. The winning cowboy is the one that hangs on for the allotted time while maintaining the most control.
• Barrel Racing is a rodeo event that is performed by women. Cowgirls race their horses around a series of three barrels in a set pattern. The cowgirl who rides the fastest without knocking a barrel over wins.
• Calf Roping takes place with just one cowboy racing after and roping a calf by the horns with a lasso. Once secured by the rope, the cowboy slides off his horse, grabs the calf by the horns, and wrestles it to the ground, usually in one smooth motion. Time stops when he secures three hooves of the animal with his lanyard. The winner of the event completes these steps in the shortest amount of time.
• Team Roping is similar to Calf Roping, except two cowboys rope the calf with their lassos. One ropes the head, the other the hind feet. Time stops when the calf is secured and on the ground.

Although these six events are the most prevalent, there are usually many other events including livestock shows, chuck wagon races, calf wrangling, parades, and just about anything else that can be performed on horseback. Remember, Rodeo events are a celebration of cowboys and the history that they have in the United States. All of the events are chores that were required by cowboys in the Old West.