WHAT MAKES TEXAS "TEXAS"
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f you want to see Texas in all its spurs-and-cowboyboots glory, look no further than its rodeos. These western extravaganzas date back to the 19th century when Spanish settlers introduced horses and cattle to the region. With the expansion of cattle ranching in Texas during the 1800s, cowboys became skilled in roping, riding, and other rodeo-style activities as part of their daily work on ranches. The world’s first official rodeo, West of the Pecos Rodeo, began in 1883 and set the stage for rodeos as we know them today, not only featuring competitions in roping and riding but music, food, and a variety of family friendly activities. Rodeo associations like the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association were soon established to standardize rules and promote rodeo events. Whether you’re a lifelong rodeo fan or a first timer who doesn’t know steer wrestling from barrel racing, here is everything you need to know about rodeo culture and upcoming events that will be sure to get you into the cowboy spirit.
by Charlotte Kovalchuk
Known as the official sport of Texas, rodeo embodies the state’s rich cowboy heritage and culture. Cowboys and cowgirls spend years mastering the art of riding, roping, and wrestling, with many aspiring competitors attending rodeo schools and clinics. Rodeo athletes engage in strength, cardio, and flexibility training as well as work on their mental fortitude, focus, and ability to stay calm under pressure. Each rodeo event requires specific skills – for example, bull riders practice balance and riding techniques, ropers work on lassoing accuracy, and barrel racers fine-tune their horsemanship skills. But rodeo isn’t just a sport; it’s a way of life. It often becomes a family tradition, with skills and knowledge passed down from generation to generation. Rodeos also play a vital role in preserving western heritage as well as bringing communities together in a shared enthusiasm for cowboy culture.
If you’ve never been to a rodeo, seeing all those horses and bulls and cowboys in action can feel a little chaotic. But don't worry – you don’t have to be born in a saddle to understand this western shindig. Some common rodeo events include:
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Barrel racing: Horseback riders race around barrels.
Steer wrestling (bulldogging): Cowboys are challenged to wrestle a galloping steer to the ground. They are scored on time and can lose points for starting too early.
Bareback riding, saddle bronc riding, bull riding: Riders are challenged to stay on a horse, bull, or steer for eight seconds.
Tie-down roping (calf roping): Riders are required to rope and immobilize a calf. They are scored on time and can lose points for starting too early, or if the calf breaks out of the ropes within six seconds.
Mutton busting: A smaller version of bull riding in which kids ride sheep as long as possible.
Team roping: Two riders, a header and a heeler, work together to lasso a sprinting steer. They are scored on time and technique.
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