Sports Life

Everything You Need to Know About Rodeo Events

Although they have been a part of American culture for a long time, a lot of individuals have never been to a rodeo. With their increasing popularity, some may be interested in going, but a little unsure at what happens. Let us take a look at an average rodeo and exactly what the first-time attendee might anticipate. 

First of all, professional rodeos in North America come under the umbrella of the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) and the Women’s Professional Rodeo Association (WPRA). Other governing bodies exist for children’s, higher school, college-level, older, Native Americans, and other minority groups.

The events at a modern professional rodeo can be divided up into two categories; rough stock events and timed events. The major rodeo events are:

Rough Stock Rodeo Events:

  • Bronc riding – perhaps among the most iconic of the rodeo events. Riders attempt to stay on the horse for 8 seconds. A maximum of 50 points is awarded to the rider and the horse. Both scores are added up for the total with scores from the 80 point range being very good and scores from the 90s being exceptional. Bronc riding is further divided to bareback bronc riding and saddle bronc riding.
  • Bull riding – basically the same concept as bronc riding, but on account of the size and unpredictability of the animal, bull riding is much more dangerous. Check this bull riding austin tx for more information.

Timed Rodeo Events:

  • Calf roping – rodeo’s oldest timed event, a cowboy chases after a calf, yells a lariat or lasso around the calf’s neck, then dismounts, throws the crab into the ground, and then ties 3 of its 4 toes collectively.
  • Breakaway roping – a type of roping in which the calf isn’t thrown to the ground and tied. Instead, a very short rope with a flag attached is tied to the saddle. When the calf is roped, the horse stops, and the rope “breaks away” from the saddle.
  • Team roping – that involves two individuals lassoing and restraining a full-sized steer. One man will lasso the horns while the other lassos the legs. The riders work together so the steer will get rid of balance and lie.
  • Barrel racing – an event based on agility and speed. Barrels are put up in a cloverleaf design. Riders will gallop them around as quickly and gracefully as possible without knocking them around.
  • Steer wrestling – as it seems, a rider will jump off his horse, grab a running steer with their horns and attempt to wrestle them to the ground. Probably the most damaging event in the entire rodeo.
  • Goat tying – a rider approaches a tethered goat, jumps off, and, similar to calf roping, throws the goat into the ground and ties its toes together. Intended for younger players to gain skills linked with calf roping, it is not part of the genuine rodeo competition.

Though not part of this competition itself, lots of rodeos start with a Grand Entry where passengers taking a variety of flags and banners go into the stadium with the playing of the national anthem to follow. Variety functions, such as musicians or trick riders, may get involved in the rodeo also.

A huge portion of history and American culture, rodeos are almost always intriguing and often fantastic fun – especially when you understand what events to anticipate. Looking for a country fair and rodeo near me Find out more here.

Over the years, Rodeo Austin has expanded its programs and attractions and improved its donations to youth every year. The yearly Fair & Rodeo is the organization’s biggest fundraiser but also is based on yearlong events and over 1,000 volunteers to continue to rise to the next generation. Come be a part of real Texas grit… hands-on and live!