Events

Team Roping -The only team event in rodeo which grew out of the ranch chores of the past. Larger cattle would have to be immobilized for branding and doctoring by two ropers due to their strength and size. Today, team roping is a timed event that relies on the cooperation and skill of the two cowboys and their horses. The first, known as the header, ropes the head of the cattle. The other cowboy, known as the heeler, ropes the heels or legs.

Tie Down (Calf) Roping - Calf ropers compete against each other and the clock for the prize money. A calf is released and the cowboy must rope it as quickly as possible. As soon as a catch is made the cowboy dismounts, sprints to the calf and tosses it on its side, which is called flanking. With a small rope known as a pigging string, usually held in the cowboy's teeth, any three of the calf's legs are tied securely. Time stops when the cowboy throws up his hands. After the tie, the roper remounts his horse, puts slack in his rope and waits 6 seconds for the calf to struggle free.

Breakaway Roping - The roper pursues a calf with a lasso swirling above his or her head. When thrown, the loop must pass completely over the calf's head. Once the catch is made, the horse slides to a halt and the rope breaks away from the saddle horn. A piece of coloured cloth is attached to the end of the rope to assist the judges in seeing and timing the break.

Barrel Racing - Three barrels are set up at different marked locations. The riders then enter the arena at full speed, quickly rounding each barrel in a cloverleaf pattern and then exiting where they entered. A stopwatch or timer is used registering down to a hundredth of a second. Speed is what it is all about in this event.

Saddle Bronc - Grew naturally out of ranch cowboys breaking wild broncos to use as working cow horses. In contrast to the bareback and bull riding, saddle bronc riding relies less on strength and more on timing, finesse and skill.

Bareback - Bareback bronc riding is a rough and explosive rodeo event. The most physically demanding of all the rodeo events. Cowboys ride rough horses without the benefit of saddle or rein.

Bull Riding - Bull riders use a bullrope and rosin. The bullrope is a thickly braided rope with a cowbell attached. The cowbell acts as a weight, allowing the rope to safely fall off the bull when the ride is over. The rosin is a sticky substance that increases the grip on their ropes. Bull riders wrap their bullrope around the bull and use the remainder to wrap around their hand tightly, trying to secure themselves to the bull. Cowboys can spur for extra points, but just staying on the bull for 8 seconds is the main priority.

Mutton Bustin'- It's kid versus vicious wild sheep in an epic battle for domination. Who will reign supreme?!