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Opening Ceremony
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Known as “the most dangerous eight seconds in sports”, bull riding is well known for how grueling it is.
Just like saddle bronc and bareback riding, bull riding requires the cowboy to remain aboard the animal for at least eight seconds and only have one hand to hold on with. In this event, however, the markout rule does not apply. Instead, the contestant holds on to a thick braided rope and can earn extra points for spurring.
“Bullfighters” and “barrelmen” are in the arena during these rides to keep the cowboy safe from the bulls, once dismounted.
Steer Wrestling
Sponsored by Manley Cattle Co.
Steer wrestlers are known for being notably strong and athletic. In this event, also known as bulldogging, there are two cowboys, which are the steer wrestler himself, and the hazer.
As both of them are backed up into two separate “boxes,” they wait for the steer to reach the head start point after being released from the chute. They then run horseback along both sides of the steer- the hazer executing his job of keeping the animal running in a straight line to put it in good position for the steer wrestler.
While running nearly full speed, the wrestler then slides off of his horse, grabbing and turning the steer by the horns, with the objective of laying it flat on the ground with all four legs facing in the same direction, which is when the clock stops.
Steer Roping
Sponsored by Legacy Signs
In this event, a cowboy on horseback chases a steer across the arena with the objective of catching it by throwing a lasso around its horns. Once the lasso is secured, the cowboy then uses the rope to trip the steer onto its side. The event requires skill in roping, horse riding, and timing.
While acknowledging the concerns related to animal welfare, it's also important to recognize that the event has evolved, with many modern renditions placing a stronger emphasis on safety for both the steer and the cowboy. In regions where Steer Tripping continues to be part of rodeo events, organizers and participants often adhere to strict regulations to ensure the well-being of the animals involved.
Team Roping
Sponsored by Thunder Ridge Realty & Tractor Supply
This is one of the events that require two competitors: a header and a heeler. Once the steer leaves the chute and reaches its head start point, both cowboys come out of the boxes horseback. The header is in charge of roping the horns, and the heeler is in charge of the feet.
Upon exiting the box, the header ropes the steer’s head, either around both horns, the neck, or the neck and one horn. Any other ‘catch’ is illegal.
Once he makes a legal catch, he turns the steer to set it up in good position for the heeler. The heeler then ropes the back two legs of the steer. A one-leg catch gives them a 5 second time penalty.
After both the header and heeler have done their jobs, they face their horses towards each other to stop the clock.
Bull Fighting
Sponsored by Ponca City Foursquare Church & Los Angeles Boiler Works
Rodeo Bull Fighting is a critical and courageous role within rodeo, focused on protecting bull riders. Unlike traditional bullfighting, it involves rodeo clowns or bullfighters who use their agility and knowledge fof bull behavior to distract the bull, ensuring the safety of dismounted riders. These professionals combine bravery, quick thinking, and athleticism to keep the attention of the bull away from the riders, allowing them to escape harm.
Saddle Bronc Riding
Sponsored by American Roofing
Considered rodeo’s “classic event”, the cowboy rides in a saddle with his feet in the stirrups and holds on with just one hand to a perfectly measured “bronc rein”, which is a thick strap connected to a halter on the horse’s head.
There is a mandatory “markout rule,” requiring the cowboy to exit the chute with his spurs in contact above the horse’s shoulders until it makes its initial jump hitting the ground with its front two feet. Failure to do so results in disqualification.
Barrel Racing
Sponsored by Merrick’s Custom Leather Handbag & Boutique
This, the most common “ladies event,” is all about speed. In this event, there are three barrels set up in a triangle inside of the arena. The rider must perform a cloverleaf pattern horseback, looping around each of the three barrels without knocking any of them down.
The fastest run wins, but a knocked barrel results in a five-second penalty added onto their time. This event requires immaculate control and balance from the rider, and extreme speed and agility from the horse.
Women’s Breakaway Roping
Sponsored by Continental Carbon
Women's Breakaway Roping is an exciting and fast-paced rodeo event specifically designed for female competitors. In this event, a calf is released into the arena and given a head start, after which the cowgirl, mounted on a horse, chases after the calf. The goal is to throw a lasso around the calf's neck as quickly as possible and then stop the horse, causing the rope to break away from the saddle. The rope is attached to the saddle with a string that easily breaks once the calf is caught, signaling the end of the run. Speed and precision are crucial, as the event is timed, and the cowgirl with the fastest time wins. This event showcases the remarkable skills of women in rodeo, highlighting their horsemanship, roping abilities, and quick decision-making. Women's Breakaway Roping has grown in popularity, becoming a celebrated part of modern rodeos, offering an arena for female athletes to compete and shine in the traditionally male-dominated sport of rodeo.
Tie-Down Roping
Sponsored by Juicy's Vapor Lounge
This event is another classic demonstration of common ranching duties since the days of the early west.
The calf is first released from the chute. After the cowboy waits horseback in the box for the calf to reach its head start, he then runs up behind the calf with the goal of roping the animal. Once his loop catches the calf, he quickly dismounts, “flanks” the animal, or lays it on the ground, and ties three of its legs together with a rope called the “pigging string”.
As soon as he completes the tying, he throws his hands in the air to stop the clock. The calf must remain tied on the ground for six seconds after it is tied. The cowboy mounts his horse again and takes pressure off of the rope. So long as the calf stays tied for six seconds, the roper qualifies for a time.
Bareback Bronc Riding
Sponsored by HF Trucking, INC
Similar to the saddle bronc event, bareback riders are required to “mark out” at the beginning of their ride. In this event however, the cowboys ride bareback, or in other words with no saddle on the horse.
In place of a bronc rein, they hold onto a “riggin.” Connected to a belt-like strap wrapped around the horse, its handle resembles that of a suitcase — which is all that the cowboy has to hold onto.
Rodeo Clown
Sponsored by 811 & Philllips 66
Rodeo Clowns, also known as bullfighters in the context of modern rodeos, play a vital role in ensuring the safety of bull riders. Their primary responsibility is to protect cowboys from bulls after a ride ends, whether the rider has been thrown off or has dismounted voluntarily. Rodeo Clowns use their agility, speed, and an understanding of animal behavior to distract the bull and draw its attention away from the rider, giving the cowboy time to escape to safety.
Mutton Busting
Sponsored by Diamond Directional Drilling
Mutton Busting, is a thrilling and family-friendly event at the 101 Wild West Rodeo. Mutton Busting is where young cowboys and cowgirls shower thier bravery by riding sheep. This beloved tradition combines the excitement of rodeo with the innocence of childhood fun.
101 Wild West Rodeo - Parade
Parade Sponsored by: Blanton Chiropractic Clinic
The parade is a wonderful way to kick off the rodeo festivities. It features a variety of floats, marching bands, cowboys, cowgirls, and other Wild West characters. The parade is a true celebration of the Wild West, and it is a great way to experience the spirit of the West in a fun and festive atmosphere.
Entry Form Download
Ponca City 101 Wild West Rodeo Parade
Conclusion
The 101 Wild West Rodeo board hopes this article helps you prepare for your first rodeo. It's a fun event, and there are lots of things to see, so don't be afraid to take some time to explore! Our yearly rodeo, located in Ponca City, Oklahoma, is scheduled for June 12th, June 13th, and June 14th this year, 2025.
A Note About Animal Welfare
In each of these beloved competitive parts of a rodeo, very specific penalties and rules are enforced to ensure the safety of both the animal and the contestant.
The Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association has a book of over 60 rules simply revolving around the proper treatment and care of the animals. Rodeo stock are considered animal athletes which are trained to execute their jobs just as the cowboys and cowgirls are.
They are often the most well-cared-for of any live and roughstock. Even aside from the fact that their good performance ensures a contestant’s earnings, these animals are loved with deep care and compassion.
For more information on rodeo events, rules, facts, and schedules, visit the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association website.
Rodeo Terminology
Become a rodeo expert with the help of our rodeo terms and phrases glossary. The PRCA compiled a list of rodeo terminology and words to support you when watching, discussing or reading about rodeo.
Average
Usually used to describe the aggregate score for a contestant who competed in more than one round, e.g., “He had times of 9.3 and 9.8 seconds in the two rounds and placed third in the average with 19.1 seconds on two head”
Calf roper
A tie-down roper
Chute
A pen that holds an animal safely in position Covering: in the roughstock events, staying on for at least the minimum time, eight seconds: “He covered all three broncs he rode last weekend.”
Barrelman
An entertainer who uses a barrel to distract a bull after a ride, and sometimes to protect the cowboy.
Barrier
In timed events, a line at the front of the box that the contestant and his horse cannot cross until the steer or calf has a head start, usually marked with a rope and a flag so the timers can see it drop and start the clock
Bullfighter
An athlete who protects the bull rider after he dismounts or is bucked off by distracting the bull and directing its attention to the exit gate, sometimes stepping between the bull and the bull rider
Box
In a timed event, the area a horse and rider back into before they make a roping or steer wrestling run Breaking the barrier: in the timed events, if the rider leaves the box too soon – failing to give the animal enough of a head start – he is assessed a 10-second penalty.
Bronc Rein
A saddle bronc rider holds onto a bronc rein at a specific position that he determines based on the size and bucking habits of the horse he’s about to ride; bronc riders often give each other advice about the length of rein a specific horse will perform best with, e.g., “Give him 3½ fingers”
Bulldogger
A steer wrestler
Slack
Excess entries at some rodeos may be scheduled for preliminary (slack) competition, usually before the rodeo opens to the public.
Flankman
A cowboy or cowgirl who works in the bucking chutes, adjusting the flank strap around the animal before the ride; the best flankmen and women are familiar with each individual animal and know exactly how much flank to give each animal to encourage optimal bucking.
Gold Card Member, Life Member
A 10-year, dues-paying member of the PRCA who has reached his 50th birthday, or a 20-year dues-paying member of any age.
Score
In the roughstock events, the points awarded for the difficulty of the ride (bucking) and the cowboy’s skill in riding; in the timed events, the length of the head start given to the calf or steer, which the judges calculate based on PRCA rules (each cowboy must correctly calculate how much of the required head start to allow the calf or steer to get before signaling his horse to leave the box; if he miscalculates, he will be out late and get a longer time, or will be out early and be penalized for breaking the barrier); however, when used to describe a horse (“That mare really scores well”),it refers to the horse’s obedience in staying in the box until the cowboy signals it to start the pursuit.
Try
A noun used for both cowboys and livestock, denoting grit, determination, fitness, stamina and resilience: “Give that cowboy a hand – he had a lot of try”.
Spurs
The spurs used in PRCA rodeos have dulled rowels that do not penetrate the animals’ skin, which is several times thicker than human skin; see the PRCA and Livestock Welfare chapter for more information.
Flank Strap
A soft sheepskin- or Neoprene-lined strap placed in the area where a human’s belt would go, it encourages the animal to kick out behind itself rather than rear up, which provides a safer, showier ride.
Header/Heeler
The two partners in team roping – the header throws the first rope, over the animal’s head or horns, and the heeler throws the second rope to catch both the steer’s hind legs; roping one leg results in a five-second penalty.
Crossfire Penalty
In team roping, if the header doesn’t change the direction of the steer before the heeler catches, the run is disqualified
Left (or Right) Delivery
Many bucking animals prefer to stand in the chute facing a particular direction, so they can leave the chute in the direction they prefer.
Flags
Because rodeo’s timed events are measured in tenths of seconds, judges in the arena drop flags to signal the timers to stop the clocks.
Mark Out
In the bareback and saddle bronc riding, a cowboy’s feet must be above the point of the horse’s shoulders when the horse’s front feet hit the ground – if so, he “marked the horse out,” but if not, he “missed him out” and the ride is disqualified.
Triple Crown Winner
A cowboy who wins three world championships in the same year; the most recent cowboy to do so was superstar Trevor Brazile in 2008 and 2010.
Roughstock
The bucking horses and bulls used in bareback riding, saddle bronc riding and bull riding, usually bred and raised for the job.
Stock Contractors
The companies that bring livestock to the arena for rodeos – bucking horses and bulls for the roughstock events and steers and calves for the timed events.
Timed Events
Steer wrestling, team roping, tie-down roping and steer roping – events in which the contestant(s) who make the fastest qualified runs win.
Reride
If a cowboy’s score is affected by equipment failure or a horse or bull that doesn’t buck to performance specifications, the judges may offer the cowboy a clean-slate chance on a different horse or bull.
Permit Holder
A PRCA contestant who has not yet won his first $1,000 at PRCA rodeos, which enables him to apply to become a card-holding member of the organization
Hooey
The knot that a cowboy uses to finish tying the calf’s legs together in tie-down roping.
Judges
As in other sports, trained PRCA judges ensure that all participants follow PRCA rules; they determine times for runs in the timed events and scores for rides in the roughstock events; record penalties for any infractions of the rules; and inspect the arena, chutes and livestock before each competition.
Standings
A professional cowboy’s success is measured in earnings and cowboys may keep track of where they rank in yearly earnings in several sets of standings.
Drop
In roughstock events, the way a bucking horse or bull may lower its front end suddenly while kicking out in back, creating a more difficult ride; in timed events, the way a calf or steer may lower its head to avoid a catch.
Go-round
Many rodeos have more than one round of competition; each is called a go-round, and all cowboys entered in that rodeo compete in each go-round unless there is a semi-final, final or progressive round.
Pickup Men
Two mounted cowboys who help riders dismount, release a bucking horse’s soft flank strap, and escort bucking horses and bulls to the exit gate after a ride
Dally
In team roping, each roper, after throwing his loop, wraps the loose rope around his saddle horn – dallies – and the two ropers move their horses to face each other, pulling the ropes taut to stop the clock.
Hazer
In steer wrestling, the cowboy who rides on the right side of the steer from the contestant to make sure the steer runs straight.
Nodding
In the roughstock events, a cowboy nods when he is ready for the gateman to open the gate and the ride to begin; in the timed events, a cowboy nods when he is ready for the calf or steer to be released from the chute and get its head start.
Draw
Each roughstock competitor who enters a PRCA rodeo is assigned a specific bucking horse or bull in a random draw conducted at PRCA headquarters three days before the rodeo; each timed-event contestant is assigned a calf or steer in a random draw on site, shortly before each performance of a rodeo begins.
Pigtail
A piece of string attached to the barrier that breaks if a timed-event contestant’s horse exits the box too soon, not giving the calf or steer enough of a head start according to PRCA rules.
Rank
An adjective of praise and respect used to describe especially challenging roughstock.
Ropes
The correct term is rope, not lasso, lariat or riata; most ropes used in ProRodeo timed events are made of strong yet flexible braided materials such as nylon/poly blends, and a cowboy may change his rope selection depending on the weather and the cattle; bull ropes and bronc reins are often made of sisal or poly blends.
Riggin’
A suitcase-style handhold customized to a rider’s grip and attached to a molded piece of leather that is cinched, with a pad, around the horse’s girth.
Hung Up
When a bull rider or bareback rider cannot remove his hand from the rope or handle before he dismounts or is thrown off the bull’s or horse’s back, his hand is “hung up” – a dangerous situation – and the pickup men or bullfighters will move in to help dislodge his hand so he can get clear of the animal.
Turn Out
A cowboy may turn out of a rodeo if, for example, he has a scheduling conflict; this is different from “doctor-releasing” due to injury.
Piggin’ String
In tie-down roping, the small rope used to tie a calf’s legs together.
Penalty
In timed events, common penalties include 10 seconds for breaking the barrier and, in team roping, five seconds for a one-hind-leg catch.
Livestock Welfare Rules
The PRCA has more than 60 rules to ensure the proper care and treatment of rodeo animals included in its official rules and regulations. While the rules and regulations are too numerous to list here, several of the safeguards for the proper treatment of animals in the rules and regulations are listed below. For a complete list of the rules and regulations dealing with the proper care and treatment of animals, please send your request to PRCA Animal Welfare Coordinator, PRCA, 101 Pro Rodeo Drive, Colorado Springs, CO 80919.
A veterinarian must be on-site at all PRCA-sanctioned rodeos.
All animals are inspected and evaluated for illness, weight, eyesight and injury prior to the rodeo, and no animals that are sore, lame, sick or injured are allowed to participate in the event.
Acceptable spurs must be dull.
Standard electric prods may be used only when necessary and may only touch the animal on the hip or shoulder area.
Stimulants and hypnotics may not be given to any animal to improve performance.
Any PRCA member caught using unnecessary roughness or abusing an animal may be immediately disqualified from the rodeo and fined. This holds true whether it is in the competitive arena or elsewhere on the rodeo grounds.
Weight limitations are set for both calves (between 220 and 280 pounds) and steers (450-650 pounds).
The flank straps for horses are fleece- or neoprene-lined and those for bulls are made of soft cotton rope and may be lined with fleece or neoprene.
Steers used in team and steer roping have a protective covering placed around their horns.
The use of prods and similar devices is prohibited in the riding events unless an animal is stalled in the chute.
A no-jerk-down rule provides for fines if a contestant jerks a calf over backwards in tie-down roping.
All rodeos must have a conveyance available to humanely transport any injured animal.
Chutes must be constructed with the safety of the animals in mind.
Rodeo Equipment
What is a Flank Strap?
The flank strap is a fleece-lined strip of leather placed behind the horse’s rib cage in the flank area. PRCA rules strictly regulate the use of the strap, which must have a quick-release buckle. Sharp or cutting objects are never placed in the strap. Veterinarians have testified that the flank strap causes no harm to the animals.
“I’ve never seen or heard of any damage caused by a flank strap, and as for the argument that it covers the genitals, that’s impossible,” said Dr. Susan McCartney, a Reno, Nev., veterinarian who specializes in large animal care. Also, the horse’s kidneys are protected by its ribs, and the flank strap does not injure internal organs.
So, if not for the flank strap, why do horses buck? The answer is simple: instinct. It has to be in a horse’s nature to buck, and a horse that is not inclined to buck cannot be forced to do so with the use of a flank strap.
“These are not animals that are forced to buck and perform out in the arena,” said Dr. Eddie Taylor, the attending veterinarian for La Fiesta de los Vaqueros, a PRCA-sanctioned rodeo in Tucson, Ariz. “They thoroughly enjoy what they are doing.”
Do Rodeo Cowboys use Spurs during Arena Competition?
Dull spurs are used in professional rodeo’s three riding events (bareback riding, saddle bronc riding and bull riding). Spurs that meet PRCA guidelines have blunt rowels (the star-shaped wheel on spurs) that are about one-eighth of an inch thick, so they can’t cut the animals.
The rowels must be loose so they will roll over the horse’s hide. Bull riding spurs have dull, loosely locked rowels to provide more grip on the animals’ thick loose hide.
Sources, including Sisson’s “Anatomy of the Domestic Animal” and Maximow and Bloom’s “Textbook of Histology,” indicate that the hides of horses and bulls are much thicker than human skin. A person’s skin is one to two millimeters thick, while a horse’s hide is about five millimeters thick and bull hide is about seven millimeters thick. The animals’ thick hides resist cutting or bruising, and the spurs used at PRCA rodeos usually only ruffle the animals’ hair.
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