Events

The main rodeo events that involve cattle are Bull Riding, Tie-down Roping, Steer Wrestling, and Team Roping.

Bull Riding

In this event, a cowboy is judged on their ability to stay on a bucking bull for 8 seconds. He holds on to a rope around the bull’s neck with one hand, and is not allowed to touch the bull with his other hand. Bulls have been genetically selected for their tendency to buck. A soft cotton rope or a flank strap is tied around the bull’s flank to encourage bucking. There are regulations surrounding flank straps for the animal’s protection. Contrary to popular belief, it is not tied around the bull’s testicles.

Tie-down Roping

In this event, a calf is released out of a chute and a rider catches up and ropes the calf around the neck. The rider then dismounts and “flanks” the calf (throws it on its side) and ties 3 legs together, while the horse keeps the rope tight. When he is done tying, the rider throws his arm in the air to stop the clock. He then remounts, gives the rope slack, and waits for 6 seconds to make sure the calf doesn’t escape. The competitor to successfully complete the task in the shortest amount of time is the winner.

Steer Wrestling

Steer wrestling requires a partnership between two riders and their horses. A steer is released from the chute and one cowboy, “the hazer”, chases the steer and prevents it from veering off to the side. The other cowboy, “the bulldogger” rides up beside the steer, slides off, and hooks his right arm around its right horn, grabs its left horn with his left hand, and wrestles the animal to the ground. When all four feet of the steer are off the ground and in the same direction, time is stopped. The team that successfully downs the steer with the fastest time wins.

Team Roping

The goal of team roping is to work with a partner on horseback to rope a steer by both its head and legs. When the steer is released from the chute, one cowboy, “the header” follows and throws his rope around the steer’s horns. He wraps the other end of the rope around the horn of his saddle and pulls the steer towards the left.  The other cowboy, “the heeler”, rides up behind the steer and ropes both of his back legs. Once the steer is successfully roped, the cowboys turn to face each other, and time stops. If only one leg is caught, there is a 5 second penalty.