Rodeo has come a long way from the days when ranch hands competed informally to see who was the best man with a rein or rope. Today's performers show the nerve and skill of which old-time cowboys would have been envious. That's why rodeo attracts thousands of entrants and millions of spectators to major and local events across the United States and Canada. Unlike salaried athletes, cowboys and cowgirls pay their own entry fees and living expenses. Some travel tens of thousands of miles every year.
Many bull riders owe their lives to clowns, who distract the animal's attention from a fallen cowboy.
Pick-up men position their horses to help riders get off and away from bucking broncs.
Calf ropers use a 25 foot lasso and tie the calf's legs with a "piggin string." Bronc riders use an abbreviated saddle and wear a glove on the hand that holds the halter rope. Blunt spurs are required in bronc riding events.
Calf roping, steer wrestling, and bronc and bull riding are the "classic" events, while barrel racing and other contests and exhibition provide additional spine-tingling excitement.
As the bulldogger and his horse position themselves for the leap from the saddle, a hazer rides on the other side to keep the steer moving straight ahead.
Bronc riders must stay on board for eight seconds. High marks go to aggressive cowboys, whose scores will be higher if they draw fierce bucking horses.
The calf is given a head start and when the barrier drops, horse and rider take off in hot pursuit. Once the calf is lassoed, the horse slides to a stop and backs up to keep the rope tight so that the calf cannot elude the cowboy.
The most dangerous of all rodeo events, the cowboy must ride a 2,000 pound bull for eight seconds, while hanging on to only a araided rope secured around the bull's withers.
Similar to saddle bronc riding, bareback riders must stay on the bucking horse for eight second. He is aided only by his "rigging," a leather surcingle, slightly over ten inches wide, with a stiff handle. His off hand must remain in the air throughout his ride.
Cowgirl and horse gallop in a cloverleaf pattern around three barrels. Valuable seconds are gained by making the tightest turns.
For results of the 1997 World Championships, visit the Professoinal Rodeo Cowboys Association site.
A horse that can single out a calf, then block the animal from returning to the herd without cues from the rider is not only invaluavle to the working cowboy, but the center of attention at cutting horse shows.
Lightning starts and stops, quick moves to either side - the cutting horse seems to known which way the calf will go even before the calf does.
The American cowboy and his horse, a symbol of rugged individualism, ride the range today just as they did when immortalized in history and folklore. Although jeeps, trucks and even airplanes provide much of the transportation for modern ranchers, no machine can displace the versatile and savvy cow pony.
Today, cutting horse shows throughout the country help give the modern cowboy an opportunity to test their skills, both individually and as teams.