Ever attended a rodeo show? Well here’s your chance to change that! This summer the rodeo will be traveling to Washington and Wyoming. The Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association – PRCA – is the largest and oldest rodeo-managing body in the world. It is committed to maintaining the highest standards ranging from improving livestock welfare to boosting entertainment value. The PRCA also avidly supports youth rodeo along with organizations such as Tough Enough to Wear Pink, Miss Rodeo America, the American Quarter Horse Association and the ProRodeo Hall of Fame. In addition the Cowboys Association raises money for local and national charities. Rodeo has become a very popular sport in North America with attendance increasing annually. Buy PRCA rodeo tickets as soon as possible!

Every year the PRCA attracts thirty million fans from all over the United States. Statistics show that the rodeo is the third most watched sport in North America. It is a major sporting event that attracts more attendees than golf and tennis. Purchase your PRCA rodeo tickets before they sell out!

Origins of rodeo

The rodeo first came to North America when Spanish cattle ranchers settled in California. Consequently the sport spread to other parts of the United States – mainly the mid-West.

The rodeo is a sport divided into seven core events. These are bareback riding, steer wrestling, team roping, saddle bronc riding, tie-down roping, barrel racing and bull riding. Each event is further divided into three sub-categories – style of competition, rules and rewards. Bareback riding, saddle bronc riding and bull riding are called “rough stock” (or judged) events while the rest are timed events.

Moreover in order to play cowboys/cowgirls have to pay a certain sum of money. Participants must be willing to risk physical injury in return for athletic and financial glory. In 2010 the total payout at PRCA rodeos was a staggering forty million dollars!

Details of the events

For rough stock events scores are determined by the performance of the contestant and animal. The cowboy can only use one hand to stay on his bucking bull/horse – he must do this for eight seconds. He can also be disqualified if his free hand touches the animal, himself or any equipment. Further rules regarding saddle bronc and bareback riding require the cowboy to set his spurs above the animal’s shoulders. The contestant must keep his spurs there until the animal’s front feet hit the ground. After the cowboy is done with the event he and his animal are judged on the basis of their performance. Both participants can be awarded a maximum of twenty-five points each.

Timed events differ slightly from rough stock events. Cowboys and cowgirls are positioned at the “other end of the arena” and the objective is to complete the event in the least duration.

Contestants and Awards

he rodeo is a matter of pride for contestants. At the end of rodeo season the PRCA crowns eight world titlists, each of whom receives a gold buckle and specially crafted trophy saddle.

ProRodeo Hall of Fame

The ProRodeo Hall of Fame serves two main purposes. It seeks to honor rodeo legends and to educate the public about cowboy/cowgirl experiences. There are five main exhibits on display for visitors to browse through and enjoy. The Founder’s Hall recognizes individuals and firms that have contributed to the construction of the Hall of Fame. This is followed by Heritage Hall which traces the evolution of rodeo through a display of saddles, ropes, clothing and artifacts. Cowboys, rodeo stock and other notables in each rodeo event are recognized for their efforts in the Hall of Champions. The fourth exhibit is the Outdoor Garden where team roping events, convention rodeos and Wild West shows take place between May to October. The last attraction is the 101 Gallery which displays Western art related to the rodeo –the gallery exhibits are changed biennially.

The ProRodeo Hall of Fame also honors rodeo legends such as Casey Tibbs, Dean Oliver, Larry Mahn and Clem McSpadden among many others.

PRCA rodeo tickets are now on sale. Grab yours before they sell out.