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Introduction to Professional Rodeo

Most sports start as a leisure activity. Once people discover how much they enjoy the activity, they look for a way to monetize it. The rodeo is different in that people already were making money in this industry.

They then took paying jobs and turn them into sporting events. For those who participate in rodeos, it’s a way of life rather than a job or a way for them to become rich and famous. 

image - Introduction to Professional Rodeo
Introduction to Professional Rodeo

Countless individuals have questions about The Auburn Rodeo. For instance, they want to know about the different types of events. They want an idea of what to expect when they attend one of these events.

The following guide provides a basic overview of many rodeos today. 

Timed Events

To win certain events in a rodeo, a person must post the fastest time. Examples of events that rely on a clock include barrel racing, steer roping, and steer wrestling. A contestant competes against the clock and other people take part in the event to see who will be declared the winner. 

Roughstock Events

Roughstock events, in contrast, require additional skill on the part of the participant. Their performance and the performance of the animal determine their score. Judges familiar with rodeo events provide these scores. 

Certain events at the rodeo tend to be more popular than others. Individuals line up to see these events and plan months ahead to ensure they don’t miss seeing their favorite riders. 

Bareback bronc riding scores depend on the animals and the riders. The rider must stay on the animal for eight seconds. Points are earned for completing certain actions when doing so. 

Steer wrestling was once known as bulldogging. The rider must lean from a moving horse and catch a steer in motion. They must then wrestle this animal to the ground and maneuver it into a specific position. A hazer helps with this task.

Many people visit a rodeo to see the saddle bronc riders. Saddle bronc riding is similar to bareback bronc riding but comes with additional requirements. Most saddle broncs, however, don’t buck as fast as bareback horses. 

When a cowboy ropes a calf on a farm or ranch, they aren’t judged on style. They just need to bring the animal down. In a rodeo, they must do so in a specific way. This event is very competitive, and every fraction of a second count.

Barrel racers compete by riding around barrels. The goal is to do so faster than competitors. If any barrels are knocked over during this ride, penalty seconds are added to the rider’s time. 

Rodeo events focus on single contestants. The exception to this is team roping, where two individuals partner to bring home the top prize. One partner ropes the horns before the second partner secures the heels of the animal. The time doesn’t stop until the animal has been brought to a stop. 

Bull riding attracts countless individuals to rodeos. Attendees want to see a man go up against this impressive beast and come out on top.

Riders are judged for staying on the bull and for their riding ability. The bull’s bucking ability is taken into consideration by the judges when providing this score. 

Jobs at the Rodeo

A person may wish to get a job working at a rodeo so they never miss out on the fun. They ensure each event runs smoothly from start to finish. Anyone who loves the rodeo may wish to seek a job as one of the following. 

Rodeo announcers share information with visitors to the rodeo. They must know the rules and interesting information visitors might want to know. However, they aren’t alone in making each rodeo a huge success. 

Barrelmen help bull riders make it off their rides and to safety. They also entertain the crowd between events or rides. In addition, they divert angry bulls so riders can leave the arena without being harmed. 

Bullfighters distract the animal when a rider falls or dismounts. They put their lives in danger when doing so and must be in excellent shape to reduce the risk of being harmed. In fact, bullfighters now have their own competition in some rodeos. 

A chute boss works to keep the rodeo on schedule. They move the animals to the chutes in the correct order and help prepare contestants for competition. They are the boss of the event, and all workers report to them. 

A flankman handles the animals and ensures they are properly cared for and ready to compete. The animals get to know this individual over time. Competitors often turn to the flankman for information about the animal they will ride in the competition. 

Pickup men focus on keeping riders and bucking horses safe. Once a ride ends, the pickup man helps the contestant off the animal. They also remove the strap from the horse and escort the animal from the arena. 

Rodeo secretaries are in charge of entry lists. They also tally results, handle payments, and help riders with various everyday tasks. The duties of the rodeo secretary are all-encompassing and these events couldn’t take place without a secretary. 

Clowns and other performers entertain visitors to the rodeo. The act selected to perform varies by the rodeo and the day. It may be a comedian, trick roper, animal act, or whatever the rodeo organizers think the crowd will enjoy. 

Stock contractors supply animals for rodeos. Most live on ranches and focus on developing quality stock for these events. They may also produce rodeos and are the go-to people at any event of this type. 

Timed-event bosses and timers work hand in hand. They ensure the barriers are set on the chutes and work properly. They also keep the animals in order while matching each participant with the correct animal.

The timers maintain the clock for all timed events and ensure timed rides meet the established requirements. 

Choose Your Own Way to Participate

Individuals may participate in a rodeo, work behind the scenes of one of these events, or take part as a spectator. Regardless of which role a person wishes to fill, they are sure to have an amazing time while doing so.

The excitement of the rodeo is infectious, so plan a trip to a rodeo today. Those who do are never disappointed.

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Published by
Perla Irish