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What Is Rodeo?

You might see the sport on TV or know about rodeo from old western movies and commercials, but may not know the ins and outs of the sport. Here's a good beginner's guide to what the craziest eight seconds in the world is all about.

Let About Show You The Ropes

Rodeo Spotlight10

Rodeo Questions Answered!

Saturday May 15, 2010

What is rodeo?
The word 'rodeo' was borrowed from the Spanish cowboys or vaqueros. Rodeo is a form of the verb 'rodear', which means 'to surround' or 'round-up'. The word was used to describe the act of gathering cattle before a cattle drive.
Why is rodeo only 8 seconds?
The 8 second length of a qualified ride was devised purely for the safety and well-being of the animals involved. After 8 seconds the horse or bulls bucking ability decreases because of fatigue, adrenaline loss, etc.
Do rodeo animals get harmed?
No, in fact the sport is so humane that life expectancy for rodeo animals is longer than most livestock, including saddle horses.
Can women compete in rodeo?
In college and high school rodeo, all events are open to both genders. While women have yet to break into other events on the national scene, at other levels of rodeo women are represented and can compete.
How is rodeo organized?
Rodeo is administered by groups known as rodeo Associations, the biggest of which is the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association. Association memberships are usually made up of the competitors, stock contractors (provide all the livestock), judges, and organizational personnel (like announcers, secretaries, etc.). Rodeo organizations exist at the local, county, state, and national levels.

A Small Rodeo Dictionary

Thursday April 15, 2010

Use these 5 terms to help you with the basics of the exhilarating sport of rodeo. You could find many other terms in this handy guide.

Aggregate- The term used to describe the bonus received for having the best overall performance at a rodeo. For a rodeo featuring more than one second ride, or run, the average (or aggregate) score is compiled out of 90 for each seprate run.
Cover- To successfully stay on to your horse or bull for the required 8 seconds in order to be eligible for the full 90 points.
Cowboy- Originally a derogatory term describing a person who works on a ranch raising livestock but was broadened to include anyone who does their own thing and does the right thing.
Rank- When horses or bulls are very tough to ride or handle. It usually means that the competitors are in for a tough night.
Rodeo Cowboy- Someone who earns money competing in rodeo events, rather than a regular cowboy who earns money raising livestock.

A Quick Early History of Rodeo

Wednesday March 10, 2010

Early History
American Rodeo was originated in the early 1700's when the Spanish still occupied the western part of the country. Spanish cattlemen, known as vaqueros, wore the clothes and performed similar duties as the contemporary American cowboys. The vaqueros rode horses, branded animals, herded cattle, and did a lot of roping. Many of these duties have been integrated into modern rodeo events to this day.

When America expanded westward in the 1800's, the pioneers incorporated the dress and techniques of the Spanish and Mexican ranchers. They raised the cattle that fed Americans during the 19th century, and had to travel around the country sending the cattle for consumption. During these long journeys, these American cowboys would have competitions to see who was the best herder, roper and rider. These competitions led to Wild Wild West shows formed by legends like Buffalo Bill Cody, which was the forerunner to what we know today as the modern rodeo competitions.

PBR Anaheim Invitational Recap and Results

Sunday February 22, 2009
The PBR invaded Southern California this weekend for the Anaheim Invitational. It was one crazy weekend with the big names bucking off in Round 1 and only 17 qualified rides posted on the board. The bulls were on top and showed who the real stars of the night were. At the end of the weekend after all the bulls rolled out, the bumps and bruises delivered, Colorado cowboy Kody Lostroh claimed the title of California Kid as the winner of the event.
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