A brief primer of rodeo events

Calf Roping

One of the oldest events in rodeo is calf roping, which evolved directly from work on the ranges and ranch.

During the annual spring roundup, calves had to be roped by a single cowboy for branding (a must on the open range) and “doctoring.”

In the rodeo arena, a professional calf roper teams with his highly conditioned quarter horse in the contest of split-second timing and uncompromising teamwork between a man and animal. One misstep by either man or horse can cost the fraction of a second, which separates winners from losers in this timed event.

The calves used in competition get a designated head start into the rodeo arena and must trip a barrier string before the cowboy and horse can begin their chase. The cowboy who “breaks the barrier” by leaving the roping box too soon has a 10-second penalty assessed to his time.

Once safely into the arena, the roper must catch his calf with a 25-foot rope lariat, dismount his horse, run down the rope being held taut by his mount, drop the 300-pound. calf to the arena floor, gather three of the calf’s legs, tie them together with a six foot “piggin’” string and throw up his hands to signal the end of his competition.

Team roping involves one roper known as the “header” and one roper known as the “heeler.” The header ropes the steer’s horns, wraps the rope around the saddle horn and then turns the steer so the heeler can wrap the animal’s hind legs.

 

Wild Bull Riding

This event has created true fans, and everyone from small towns to major cities is fascinated by bull riding.

The ever-present element of danger is exhilarating to those safely watching from the bleachers, and it is stimulating to the cowboy who is putting his courage against the brutality of a stampeding bull. There is no other rodeo experience more serious to those who know the risk.

The riding has to be done with one hand held around the middle of the animal. There can be no knots or hitches to prevent the rope from falling free when the rider leaves. The contestant could be disqualified for touching the bull with his free hand or for getting bucked off before the 8-second time limit.

Otherwise, he will be judged by how well his performs while “tight-leggin” that ton of trouble between his legs and the ground.

 

Saddle Bronc Riding

Considered rodeo’s “classic” event, saddle bronc riding evolved from the ranch work of breaking and training horses.

Many cowboys say that bronc riding is the most difficult rough-stock event to master because of its stringent technical requirements.

The rider holds onto a thick rein attached to the horse’s halter and sits in a specially made saddle. His goal is to synchronize his spurring action with horse’s movements and ride for eight seconds.

The work starts with the first jump out of the chute, as a rider’s feet must touch the horse’s shoulders on the first jump. This is called a “mark out.” If the cowboy misses the mark, then he is disqualified and will receive a “no score” for the ride.

Attempting to place his feet over the horse’s shoulders a split second before the animal’s front feet strike the ground, the cowboy must bend his knees and finish the spurring stroke with his spurs near the back of the saddle. Finally, he snaps his feet back to the horse’s shoulders as the animal’s front feet hit the ground.

Judges score the horse’s bucking action, the cowboy’s control of the horse and the cowboy’s spurring action. While striving to keep his toes turned outward, the rider spurs from the points of the horse’s shoulders to the back of the saddle.

To score well, the rider must maintain that action throughout the eight-second ride.

 

Cowgirl’s Breakaway Roping

Also a coordinated effort of horse and rider against time, the event is similar to the traditional calf roping, except that the cowgirls do not have to throw and tie the calf after catching it.

Instead, the ropes are tied to the saddle horn by a heavy string in such a manner that allows it to break away from the horn when the calf reaches the end of the rope. A white flag is tied to the end of the rope to make it easier for the field judge to see it break free.

Time begins when the calf is given a head start from the chute and ends with the break of the rope from the saddle horn. A cowgirl receives no time should she break the rope from the horn by hand or touch the rope or string after the catch is made.

 

Bareback Bronc Riding

Wild, unpredictable and quick moving horses will be giving quick cowboys a run for their money.

Bareback bronc riders seem to crave the thrills they can get from manipulating the explosive power under their tight grip. You may even see the hot flash of “Rodeo Fever” in the eyes of these contestants as they attempt to ride without breaking the rules.

Riding is done with a one-hand rigging, looking something like a suitcase handle, and to qualify the cowboy must have his heels over the break of the horse’s shoulders. They need to be touching the horse when the horse’s hoofs hit the ground on that first jump out of the chute. If the rider falls to get his feet into the proper position before the bucking starts, the judge’s scorecards will register “0.”

The rider has to do his best to stay on the horse for eight seconds in order to earn points. If he falls off before the time limit, touches the horse with his free hand or breaks the motion of his body rhythm, the rider will be in trouble.

The style of the contestant is important to the overall score. It may seem like an impossible task, but the rider must be able to anticipate irregular movements of the horse in order to stay on top.

From the second he “marks his horse” up to the time he is helped off by the pick-up man, anything can happen — and usually does when you least expect it.

 

Steer wrestling

Steer wrestling is one of the most spectacular rodeo events and demands strength, courage and determination. The cowboy must jump from the back of a running horse onto the back of a steer that weighs up to 700 pounds and wrestle the animal to the ground.

 

Barrel Racing

There are also cowgirls competing for prizes. Barrel racing is their “thing” at the rodeo. Barrels are placed at three points inside the arena. The riders, their horses entering the arena at a full gallop, then maneuver their four-legged rides around the barrels and exit the arena at the same point of entry. The rider with the best time from start to finish (hopefully without knocking over any of the three barrels) is declared the winner.