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Steer Wrestling
Another name for this tough event is “bull dogging.” It’s a test of strength against strength. Split-second timing is required in this fast, time-elapsing event. The steer wrestler, working with a hazer, launches himself out of his saddle to reach for the steer’s horns. Upon grabbing hold of the horns, the cowboy then plants his heels in the dirt, brings the animal to a halt, twists the powerful head, forcing the steer to ground! With all four feet straight, the judge drops the flag.
Brahma Bull Riding
If ever an event captured the undivided attention of the rodeo fan, this brahma bull tussle is it! This is the most exciting–and most dangerous event in this or any other rodeo. Take it from us, many bulls are beyond the riding ability of any human being. Among animals, they are the quickest with action for their size. The rider must stay mounted for eight seconds to win, holding on with one hand to a loose rope around the bull’s shoulders, just behind the hump. Then, of course, he has to get off the bull!
Calf Roping
Horse and riders must work together in a calf roping contest, not compete with one another. The calf is given a start; he must cross the deadline before horse and rider enter the area. There is a 10-second penalty for prematurely breaking the barrier. With calf roped, rider must jump from his horse, and throw the animal by hand. He ties three legs securely using a piggin’ string, which he carries in his mouth until needed. It’s truly an exciting event.
Bareback Bronc Riding
Spur that bronc! Thrilling and fast... that’s the bareback bronc riding event! It’s up to the rider to spur the bronc out of the chute and keep his spurs working high on the mount’s shoulders for eight very long seconds. Aided by only a narrow belt in holding on, the cowboy does his utmost to keep control while his outlaw horse is continually pitching and lunging to toss him off his back. The cowboy is scored on how well he keeps his seat and his use of spurs. The horse is scored, too, on how hard he bucks.
Saddle Bronc Riding
Stay aboard, cowboy! Easy to say, but sometimes it is almost impossible to stay astride the twisting, turning animal for the required 10 seconds. The cowboy must hold the rein with one hand, keep both feet in the stirrups and both spurs against the horse’s shoulders. He must spur his mount with both feet on each shoulder during the first four jumps, then spur both ways while the bronc does his best to unmount him. The cowboy uses his free hand only for balance. It’s a thrilling match between man and steed. Ride ‘em cowboy!
Barrel Racing
The contestant and her horse enter the area at full speed. As they start the pattern, the horse and rider trigger an electronic eye that starts the clock. Then the rider rides a cloverleaf pattern around three barrels positioned in the area, and sprints back out of the area, tripping the eye and stopping the clock as she leaves. The contestant can touch or even move the barrels, however receives a five-second penalty for each barrel that is overturned. With a margin of victory measured in hundredths of seconds, knocking over a barrel spells disaster for a barrel racing competitor.
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