Rodeo Events

Have you ever wondered about what people do at a rodeo? Here's a description of the typical events you'll see most often.

Chute Dogging

In Chute Dogging, the contestant stands in the chute with the steer's horns already in hand. Within 60 seconds from the time the chute opens, the dogger and steer must cross a line 10 feet from the gate, and the dogger must wrestle the steer to the ground so that all four of the steer's hooves are pointed in the same direction as the nose, as if the steer were just lying down. The fastest time wins.

Bareback Bronc Riding

The rider mounts the horse in the chute, grasping a rigging that is strapped around the horse. With single handhold and no reins, saddle or stirrups, the contestant must ride the horse for 6 seconds. Both horse and rider are judged for up to 50 points each; horse for power and bucking pattern, rider for strength, form and spurring action. During the ride, contestants must not touch the horse, rigging, their hat or themselves with their free hand.

Bull Riding

Rodeo's most exciting event and favorite of spectators, with an added factor of danger for the contestant because the unpredictable bull is known to come looking for the rider when the ride is completed. Because of his erratic and powerful twists and leaps, only the toughest of contestants can endure the six seconds required of a qualifying ride. Again, contestants may not touch the animal, rigging, their hat or themselves with their free hand. Judging and points distribution are the same as Bareback Bronc Riding.

Steer Riding

Very similar to bull riding in description, judging and scoring, but the animal is considerably smaller and of a better temperment. Rough stock contestants learn to master this event before training for bulls.

Barrel Racing

Barrel racing is the most common speed event for horses. In professional rodeo's, it is the only event in which women compete. Contestants vie for the fastest time running a cloverleaf pattern around 3 barrels in a triangular formation. Horse and rider are allowed a running start with time beginning and ending at a visible finish line. Knocking over a barrel causes a 5 second penalty and breaking pattern is a disqualification.

Pole Bending

In Pole Bending, the horse and rider run a linear pattern through 6 equally spaced poles placed 21 feet apart. More difficult for the horse, as it is required to change leads as it weaves through the poles. 5 second penalty for knocking over a pole and disqualification for breaking the pattern. Again, a running start is allowed from a visible line.

Flag Racing

Flag racing is set on a simple course of 2 barrels and a pole. Atop each barrel is a bucket full of rabbit pellets in which the flag stands. Rider must bring the horse as close to the barrels as possible and pick the flag from the first barrel and deposit it in the second. Penalty points assessed if bucket, barrel or pole is knocked over.

Calf Roping On Foot

Contestant stands in a roping box next to the chute where the animal is penned. When the roper calls, the chute is opened and time starts when the calf's nose clears the chute. Contestant's loop must go completely over the calf's head and catch around any part of its body. Time is called when slack is pulled out of the rope. Ropers are allowed two attempts with a total time limit of 30 seconds.

Mounted Breakaway Calf Roping

Principally the same as roping on foot, only the roper is on horseback and the rope is attached to the saddle horn with a light string. When the catch is made, rider releases the rope and time is called when the calf pulls hard enough to break the string. The event has a 60 second time limit.

Team Roping

Two cowhands work as a team to rope a steer jointly, in the fastest possible time, starting when the steers nose clears the chute. The "header" leaves the box first, dropping a loop over the steer's horns and turning the steer away from his partner,the "heeler". The heeler then throws a rope to catch both back legs. Time is called when both roper's ropes are pulled tight. Maximum of 90 seconds allowed.

Steer Decorating A team event in which one contestant holds a rope attached to the steer's horns. When the steer leaves the chute, the other team member tries to tie a ribbon to the steer's tail. This is difficult to accomplish without ending up in the compromising position of being behind the steer! Time ends when ribbon is tied, the rope removed from the horns and the team member who tied the ribbon touches the timer.
Wild Drag Race This is a team event for three people–a male, a female and a person in drag. The cowgirl stands 10 feet away from the chute holding a rope attached to the steer by a halter. The cowboy and the person in drag are positioned 40 feet away. When the chute opens, the cowgirl attempts to hold the steer while the cowboy helps put the person in drag on the steer's back. The person in drag must be completely mounted on the steer ( one leg on each side ) when it crosses the finish line located 70 feet from the chute.
Goat Dressing The most time consuming event of the day, due to the large number of entries. Teams of two must catch a goat tethered to a stake across the arena. While one contestant raises the rear of the goat by his hind legs, the other contestant must fit a pair of jockey shorts over the legs and into the "dressed" position. Both contestants must run back to the start line and tag the timer before the goat "drops his drawers" in order to qualify. Fastest time wins.