WHAT MAKES TEXAS "TEXAS": Rodeos, the Heart and Soul of Texas

by Charlotte Kovalchuk

If 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.

WAY OF LIFE

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.

WHAT TO EXPECT

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:

• 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.

• Mutton busting: A smaller version of bull riding in which kids ride sheep as long as possible.

• 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.

• Team roping: Two riders, a header and a heeler, work together to lasso a sprinting steer. They are scored on time and technique.

RODEO LINEUP

Texas is home to some of the most famous rodeos in the world, as well as locally beloved events that celebrate community heritage and spirit. Here are just some of the rodeos taking place this year and next around the state.

• Williamson County Fair and Rodeo: October 25 – 28. Williamson County Expo Center, 5350 Bill Pickett Trail, Taylor. Williamson County’s first fair and rodeo began in 2020 and continues to feature a wide range of rodeo favorites along with a carnival, comedy/stunt show, petting zoo, pig races, family games, live music, a beer and wine garden, and food and shopping vendors.

• Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo: January 12 – February 3 at 3400 Burnett Tandy Drive, Fort Worth. A legendary 23-day celebration of all things western, including livestock and horse shows, kid-friendly activities and exhibits, a carnival, live music, shopping, food, as well as a best of Mexico Celebración and Cowboys of Color Rodeo.

• San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo: February 8-25 at the AT&T Center, 723 AT&T Center Parkway, San Antonio. This rodeo features western activities and competitions, shopping, food vendors, carnival rides, and live music from some of the biggest names in country music.

• Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo: February 27 – March 17 at One NRG Park, Houston. One of the largest indoor livestock exhibitions and rodeos –drawing about 2.5 million attendees – this three-week show and rodeo is held every March at NRG Stadium and features live concerts, food, shopping, carnival rides, exhibitions, and competitions.

• Austin Rodeo: March 8 – 23 at the Travis County Exposition Center, 7311 Decker Lane, Austin. Visitors can enjoy livestock and horse shows, carnival activities, live music, and hands-on learning experiences in agricultural education for youth.

• Williamson County Sheriff’s Posse Rodeo: June 28-29 at the WCSP Arena, 1600 CR 305, Jarrell. In addition to a variety of rodeo events for all ages, visitors can enjoy live music, food vendors, clothing and craft booths, and a kids’ zone.

• Taylor Rodeo: Tentatively set for July 18-20 at Williamson County Expo Center, 5350 Bill Pickett Trail, Taylor. For nearly 74 years, the Taylor Rodeo has celebrated a unique rodeo experience in the hometown of rodeo cowboy legend Bill Pickett. This open rodeo allows the crowd to join in events like the calf scramble and steer saddling as well as watch locals rope and ride.

• West of the Pecos Rodeo: Summer date TBD, Buck Jackson Arena, 1556 S Cedar St., Pecos. Known as the world’s first rodeo that started in 1883, this event showcases a rodeo parade, performances, and exhibitions.

• Mesquite Championship Rodeo: Summer date TBD, 1818 Rodeo Drive, Mesquite. Taking place in Mesquite – dubbed by the State Legislature as the Official Rodeo Capital of Texas – the Mesquite Championship Rodeo is held in an indoor stadium and features various traditional rodeo events.