A Rodeo Primer
When Juanita and I get tired of watching people and animals at the lodge, we take a break and go to a rodeo. Where we watch people and animals in an arena. This year we were not able to go the the Rodeo National Finals in Las Vegas, missing it for the first time in years. But we are still thinking about it.
Some of you may not know much about rodeos so here is a short description of the events.
Rough stock events: Bareback, Saddle Bronc and Bull Riding. Cowboys try to stay seated on an animal that is trying to get rid of them. They attempt to ride for 8 seconds in a row. Half of the points (up to 50) are determined by the animal, the other half (also up to 50, ain’t math GREAT!?!) are awarded to the cowboy. Touching themselves or the animal with their free hand disqualifies the cowboy.
Timed events (Steer Wrestling, Team Roping, Tie Down Roping, Barrel Racing) are, well, timed events. Fastest time wins. Penalties are given in seconds for infractions, adding to final time.
Bareback Riding:
Probably my favorite event. The horses are smaller, and appear to be bucking harder than the other "rough stock". The cowboys in this event look like they are being BEAT HALF TO DEATH.
The horses seem to be having fun.
Saddle Broncs:
This may be my favorite event. The skill of the cowboys, and the technique that they demonstrate in the spurring to the rhythm of the animals bucking is just amazing to watch.
These horses also seem to be having fun trying to unload the fools.
Steer Wrestling:
Quite possibly my favorite event. Huge cowboys leaping off of horses traveling at 30 miles per hour onto the ground and grabbing the head of a 600 pound steer running at 30 miles per hour, dragging it to a stop, and twisting it over onto its back. Sheer genius.
The horses are having a good time, the steers, maybe not so much. They're pretty annoyed.
Team Roping:
This has got to be my favorite event to watch, because it isn't possible. One cowboy ropes the head of a calf (Okay, I can see how you can do that), but the other cowboy ropes both hind legs, and then they stretch the little booger out. How in the heck can you throw a rope around both hind legs of a 4 legged critter running away from you full speed while you are sitting on a running horse. Just can't be done.
Horses having fun, calves... well, mostly just kinda surprised.
Tie Down Roping:
I may like this event the best because of the sheer number of things that MUST go right to get a good score.
From horseback, you rope a calf, tie the roped off calf to your saddle, as you jump off your horse, your horse backs up just enough to keep the calf from running off. Then you run over, throw the calf down, and tie together its legs in the least amount of time possible.
Bovine bondage at its best. The horses usually know and enjoy their job. Calves are again, surprised.
Bull Riding:
I find I root for the animals more than the cowboys in most events, so this one is my favorite. Smallest cowboys, largest rough stock. Remember those little cattle in the other events? I think the bulls are just getting even. They try to buck the cowboys off of their backs, and then turn to kill them.
Bulls are DEFINITELY having a good time. The surviving cowboys seem happy, too. (Maybe just glad to be alive...)
Applause to the rodeo clowns, they really save lives in this event.
Barrel Racing:
Okay, this is ABSOLUTELY my favorite. Pretty girls and fast horses. What's not to like?
Not much of a race though. The horses ALWAYS win. The barrels hardly ever even MOVE.
Bill
a++ on the pictures as always, Bill. Especially the bullriding!
ReplyDeleteha ha hahaha Sheer genius1 That's funny! I must thank you for the lowdown. I love this! I think you really captured the whole essence of the sport. And the drawings? What can I say...perfection!
ReplyDeleteI keep forgetting to ask, how can I get my mitts on that neat slideshow thingy you have for your header, I really like that. (or is it a secret)
Bill-You never cease to crack me up! ROFLMAO!
ReplyDeleteSheer Genius on the steer wrestling huh? It's a much mellower event these days than how it originated. A black(mixed race) cowboy named Bill Pickett used to jump off of his running horse onto young bulls and bite their noses while he wrestled them to the ground.
LOL You mean William Pickett, LT? ;) *giggle* (OK so my inner COWBOY WAY is showing..lol)
ReplyDeleteAs always Beel, you rule. Your illustrations are the best-- the barrel trying to run away is friggin hilarious!!!
That's awesome I have to share your drawings with Shorty. ;)
ReplyDeleteThat was very enjoyable and helps me start my day with a laugh. Thank you! You should publish "how to" manuals with your stick figures...you could make a living at it.
ReplyDeleteLOLOL Your observations are pretty well spot on! LOL My cousins, Cody and Keith DeMoss, didn't make out so well this year at the NFR. There's always next year!!
ReplyDeleteBrilliantly explained and illustrated! I watched some of the Vegas rodeo on the tv, but certainly not the same as live.
ReplyDeleteAin't laffed s'much in a coons age! Thanks!
ReplyDeleteLMAO! I think I belly-laughed so hard I peed my pants. On another note, I was in Vegas for a work class at the time and couldn't get tickets.
ReplyDeleteWoot Woot for Jhett Johnson! He's a great man and used to be my neighbor.
Definitely one of my very favorite posts! I am so glad you guys have such fun at the rodeo! I am totally game for a book of your drawings... :)
ReplyDeleteMy little 8 year old cousin does barrel racing. While I’m hollering to slow down, her mother is screaming “go faster!” I do not understand this. It goes against every motherly instinct I have. And apparently, when the barrels do move, it’s counted against you. I’m just glad the small child is still on the horse and not under it. Another reason I do not enjoy horses.
ReplyDelete