Canadian Rodeo

Bareback Riding

A bareback rider places himself smack in the middle of a 1,200 pound twisting, bucking tornado, and aims to make it through an eight-second ride without benefit of a saddle, reins or stirrups. His only handhold is on the leather-and-rawhide rigging placed around the horse just behind its shoulders. Judges award up to 50 points each for horse and rider. They watch for the bucking pattern and power of the horse, as well as the rider's strength, control and spurring action. As in all roughstock events, the rider is disqualified for being bucked off or touching himself or the animal with his free hand.



Barrel Racing

The newest addition to the Stampede, Barrel Racing is a women's event. In Barrel Racing, contestants circle three barrels in a cloverleaf pattern. Time is marked using an electric eye at the start and finish. Barrel Racing requires a good sprinting horse, a firmly controling rider, and cooperation between the two.



Bull Riding

This is the most exciting event in the rodeo, coboy against a ton of angry animal. Holding onto only a rope, the rider tries ride the bull for eight seconds. A bell is attached to the bull's neck of the bull, both to excite the bull and to weight the rope when it is released at the end of the ride. Bull riders need good balance, and strong upper body and legs. The rider doesn't have to spur the bull or try to move in rhythm with the bull, since the eight seconds is challenge enough.



Calf Roping

Calf Roping gives the rider credit for the hard work of his horse and the co-operation of the calf. After rushing from the gate, the rider must intercept the calf, lasso it, throw it on its side, and tie three of its feet, all in the fastest time possible. The rider must anticipate the calf's moves, be quick and accurate with the lasso, and be able to tie a sturdy knot. Disqualification can result if the rider jerks the calf over backwards, or if the calf escapes the knot.



Steer Wrestling

The steer wrestler's horse races beside the steer, as the rider jumps off, grabbing the steer by its horns in an effort to flip it onto its side. After grabbing the steer's right horn, the rider must land on his feet to bring the steer to a stop. Leveraging his left hand under the steer's jaw, he attempts to knock the steer off balance and to the ground. All four of the steer's feet must be extended on the same side to stop the clock.



Saddle Bronc Riding

This is rodeo's classic event, and is a test of rhythm, balance and timing. Riders use their spurs (on the heels of their boots) on the horse's neck each time the horse bucks. A rider is disqualified for touching the horse or the equipment with his free hand, losing a stirrup or getting bucked off before eight-seconds. Scores are based on the cowboy's spurring effort, how well his toes are turned away from the horse, and the rider's control of the horse.



Links:

Pro Rodeo Canada

The B.C. Cowboy Heritage Society

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