PRCA Rodeo

There is no such thing as agreeing to disagree. People disagree period! Agreeing to disagree on a discussion forum, is the death of discussion, because it is no agreement at all.

My purpose in posting the breakaway video was to make a point to Tony who had no idea of the different events in PRCA rodeo. I was trying to find a point of agreement. Could we agree that the abuse he claims, is not something that applies to all events? I was seeking a starting point to having a meaningful discussion.

Now @Cody Fousnough since you are the most knowledgeable concerning todays PRCA rodeo, please consider making posts explaining about the different 8 events. Give readers, in your words, not a copy and paste, but how you see events from the start to the finish. Example what happens in the chute before a calf or steer is released? How is it all set up to insure safety and make the event fair? Is the calf given a head start? If so how?

You see Cody, I am probably the only one on here, besides you, that knows what goes on in all events. The difference is I don't have the interest to lay it out and discuss it, plus I don't keep up with the latest rules and changes. I don't think anyone on here cares who the top 15 are. I don't, even though I have known some of them over the years.

I do think some might be interested in learning about the events and what goes on behind the scenes. Anyway this thread is of no interest to me if it is just about rodeo being abusive in general. We get that crap from the big city liberals that control this state and just as Tony posted in reply, to one of eight events in PRCA rodeo that he was unaware of, "Is that all you have?"

It wasn't a counter to the tie down select videos about abuse, but to make him aware that PRCA rodeo isn't defined by one event. I was making a point that most anti rodeo and ranching folks have no knowledge or experience with either. They have no idea why so many people go to these events. They assume those fans are cruel sickos.

So, on a DISCUSSION forum and a thread such as this, it behooves those with knowledge and have the interest, to educate the ones that don't. Otherwise it just becomes a big manure :poop:throwing contest and not a discussion. "Throwing manure in the corrals never got the cattle fed."

@Tony Nathanson To answer your question, I dislike tie down because it give ranching a bad name. It isn't practiced on any ranch and even back in the old times of open range when cattle had to be roped for doctoring, no cowboy went charging after a calf full speed, roping it, and then tying it up in seconds. The way cattle are worked in reality, is just the opposite. Easy does it, is the rule. While no other events even resemble what takes place on a ranch today, I enjoy some of them because of the skill of the contestants and the skill and intelligence of the horses or bulls.

Although, break away roping has been in rodeos since the 1970s, it only became a sanctioned PRCA event in 2019. It was never used on ranches.

I rarely watch PRCA rodeo except break away roping and bull riding. Nearly all bull riding I watch is PBR. I enjoy the pre and after shows, in PRCA rodeo, a lot more than the sanctioned events. Things like Indian Relay Horse races, the Tribal Pow Wows, the Bison Hide sled races, trick riding, mounted shooting, etc. Since this thread is about PRCA rodeo, not rodeo in general, then I won't take it off topic by discussing them.

FACT: The bull riding event draws the biggest crowd at PRCA rodeos. The PBR started because the rulers of PRCA didn't want to give bull riding the venue it deserved.

Starting this year, 2026, The Women s Professional Rodeo Association, the WPRA, has taken total control of Break-Away Roping, just as it does Barrell racing. These disciplines will remain as PRCA events, but the women will control it. The WPRA is the oldest professional women's sports association and I think their controlling these events, will increase interest and certainly make more educational info available. The WPRA has certainly given women the chance to compete in PRCA rodeo and win big cash prizes.
 
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Faye Fox said:
FACT: The bull riding event draws the biggest crowd at PRCA rodeos. The PBR started because the rulers of PRCA didn't want to give bull riding the venue it deserved.
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In the several rodeos I have been to, mostly covering the EMS aspect of them, I have noticed that a lot of people would leave after the bull riding was over, which I thought strange, because the rodeo was generally the most interesting part of the venues. The Los Fresnos Rodeo was a standalone PRCA rodeo, while the Mercedes one was part of an agricultural fair and livestock show: the Rio Grande Valley Livestock Show and Rodeo, where there were a lot of other things going on as well.
 
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While we're talking about the abuse of animals, we might consider that the bullriding event gives the animals a chance to fight back, since that involves the abuse of the bullrider. I don't think we've ever transported someone from any of the other rodeo events, but it was always a relief to get through the bullriding event without having to work. Some of them weren't minor injuries.
 
Ken Anderson said:
While we're talking about the abuse of animals, we might consider that the bullriding event gives the animals a chance to fight back, since that involves the abuse of the bullrider. I don't think we've ever transported someone from any of the other rodeo events, but it was always a relief to get through the bullriding event without having to work. Some of them weren't minor injuries.
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The bulls in bull riding aren't fighting back. Nothing is being done to them that they need to fight back about. They love what they do as it is in their DNA. Ask any stock contractor and they will tell you the bulls go in the trailers without any encouragement. They love to perform and know the routine. Bucking bulls are the smartest of all bovines.

The flank rope doesn't harm them in any way. It is simply the signal that they are ready to perform. You can flank a bull not bred or trained to buck, and they won't do anything but maybe trot around. The girth rope doesn't harm them at all and they know the rider is ready when it is tightened. Neither the flank or the girth rope harms the bulls in any way, in fact one stock contractor was just a small girl when she was best friends with her bull. The bull got to where he wanted only her to flank him and he became a world championship bull. Not many rodeo cowboys rode him. When they did, both got a good score.

The bull is scored separate from the rider. Each can earn up to 50 points for a total of 100 or a perfect score. If the bull bucks off the rider, he still gets a score and it depends on his performance. Things like height of leaps, changing directions, and rolls that can dislodge the rider. A score for rider and bull of 90 or over, is considered superb. Magic Potion currently holds the world record with 49 consecutive buck-offs.

Very rarely a bull gets an injury of any significance and it is never because it was mistreated in any way. They receive the best medical care of any animal, maybe even humans. Some are worth millions, so any bulls that might be prone to hurt themselves or have even very minor injuries, aren't used.
 
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This link is a must read with a video to watch about how young Addi cared and cares for her championship bull, from birth to his retirement. It is a story of compassion, dedication, and hard work. He was rejected at birth as a future bucking bull, but Addi saw hope and took on his care and training. She was rewarded not only with money and titles, but has a friend for as long as he lives.

cowboylifestylenetwork.com

A Labor of Love: A Journey of a Girl and her Bucking Bull

Rodeo News - A Labor of Love: A Journey of a Girl and her Bucking Bull - Cowboy Lifestyle Network
cowboylifestylenetwork.com cowboylifestylenetwork.com

 
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Sorry folks, nobody is going to change Tony's mind about rodeo. Just let him complain and go on with the thread. Not to change the subject, for-to-say, but nobody in my wife's family, especially her older sister, understand why we own firearms and love to go target shooting. There are numerous things in life that some-to-many folks don't like. Don't even start a discussion about any kind of sport to a guy we know. He dislikes all of them. Don't start talking to my 1/2 brother about computers, because he totally dislikes them.

So, just let Tony go and complain.
 
Ken Anderson said:
So that's the point; you think we should let all the animals run free.
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That's a gross exaggeration & a typical "All or Nothing" argument.
Another similar example I've heard: "Football, Ice Hockey, Boxing, MMA are more brutal than rodeos." The point is, people choose to participate. They are not forced to participate.
 
Cody Fousnough said:
Sorry folks, nobody is going to change Tony's mind about rodeo. Just let him complain and go on with the thread. Not to change the subject, for-to-say, but nobody in my wife's family, especially her older sister, understand why we own firearms and love to go target shooting. There are numerous things in life that some-to-many folks don't like. Don't even start a discussion about any kind of sport to a guy we know. He dislikes all of them. Don't start talking to my 1/2 brother about computers, because he totally dislikes them.

So, just let Tony go and complain.
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Hilarious how you are the spokesman for everyone else.
 
Tony Nathanson said:
Hilarious how you are the spokesman for everyone else.
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This IS Cody’s thread about rodeo, and it has gotten way off topic by you changing it into a thread about animal cruelty. There is already a whole thread started about that in the animal/critter section of the forum, which would be a totally appropriate place for you to bring up what you see as animals being mistreated.
Animal cruelty is certainly an important thread topic, but there is NO reason to distract other thread when it can be in its own thread.

Even if you dislike something, you do not need to disrupt the thread continually, just to say over and over that you think something is wrong. Start your own thread and say it.
Cody is only saying pretty much what all the rest of us are thinking about you sidetracking the thread just to be disruptive when you do not like the topic.
 
Yvonne Smith said:
This IS Cody’s thread about rodeo, and it has gotten way off topic by you changing it into a thread about animal cruelty. There is already a whole thread started about that in the animal/critter section of the forum, which would be a totally appropriate place for you to bring up what you see as animals being mistreated.
Animal cruelty is certainly an important thread topic, but there is NO reason to distract other thread when it can be in its own thread.

Even if you dislike something, you do not need to disrupt the thread continually, just to say over and over that you think something is wrong. Start your own thread and say it.
Cody is only saying pretty much what all the rest of us are thinking about you sidetracking the thread just to be disruptive when you do not like the topic.
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I have the same right to voice an opinion as anyone else here. I was quite content to stop voicing my opinion after I said what I wanted to say - until Mr. Cody (in his frustration) kept it going.
As far as the other "Thread," it is not about animal abuse; it is an opportunity to ridicule PETA, which I have nothing to do with.
 
Tony Nathanson said:
I have the same right to voice an opinion as anyone else here. I was quite content to stop voicing my opinion after I said what I wanted to say - until Mr. Cody (in his frustration) kept it going.
As far as the other "Thread," it is not about animal abuse; it is an opportunity to ridicule PETA, which I have nothing to do with.
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Tony, you have got the right to voice an opinion, but now, do it in the thread that has been designated for it. As far as me being frustrated, not as much as some others on here. However, just like Yvonne has said, "start your own thread".
 
First, the Roughstock Events:

Bareback Bronc Riding: Event where a cowboy attempts to stay on a bucking horse for eight seconds without touching the horse with their free hand, using only a rigging (a leather and rawhide handhold attached to the horse’s girth).
The horse is placed in a small enclosure called a bucking chute. The rider climbs in, secures the rigging with one hand, and positions their feet for “marking out” — placing both spurs (dull) on the horse’s shoulders before the horse’s front feet hit the ground after leaving the chute.
When the gate opens, the horse bursts out and begins bucking. The rider must maintain balance, control, and rhythm, absorbing the horse’s power with their holding arm. The ride must last exactly eight seconds; if the rider is thrown off before the whistle, they are disqualified.
Judges Scoring:
Rider score: Up to 50 points for control, balance, spurring action and timing.
Horse score: Up to 50 points for buck strength, consistency, and rhythm.
Total: 100 points maximum. Scores in the 80s are considered very good, and 90s are exceptional.

Saddle Bronc Riding: The rider uses a specialized saddle with no horn and grips a braided rein attached to the horse’s halter with one hand.
Again, the horse is placed in a small enclosure called a bucking chute. The ride lasts eight seconds, during which the rider must “mark out” by keeping the heels of their boots above the horse’s shoulders until the horse’s front hooves hit the ground.
Riders are scored on technique, control, and spurring action, while the horse is scored for difficulty and bucking performance.
Judges Scoring: The same as Bareback Riding (up to 50 for rider/up to 50 for horse).
Disqualification occurs if the rider touches the horse with the free hand, loses the rein or stirrup, or is bucked off before the whistle.

The Bull Riding is in BOLD type, because, believe it or not, it IS a crowd favorite. Just attend a PBR (Professional Bull Riders) Competition, which is NOT a rodeo, and you'll see what I mean. Some years ago, PBR was known as BRO (Bull Riders Only).
And, BTW, there has been one perfect 100 point Bull Ride and that was in 1991 by Wade Leslie at the Wild Rogue Pro Rodeo in Central Point, Oregon. The bull was owned by Growney Bros. Rodeo Company.

In my next reply, I will describe the Timed Events in PRCA rodeo.
 
Ok, here is the Timed Events:

Steer Wrestling:
A fast-paced rodeo event in which a cowboy, called a bulldogger, rides alongside a running steer, then slides off the horse to grab the steer by its horns and wrestle it to the ground. The goal is to bring the steer down as quickly as possible, typically in 3 to 10 seconds, using precise timing, balance, and strength.
The event involves two riders: the bulldogger and the hazer. The hazer rides on the opposite side of the steer to keep it running straight and prevent it from veering off course.
The bulldogger leans over while maintaining control of the horse, slides off, hooks one arm over each horn, digs in his heels, and twists the steer to the ground. Time is recorded when the steer is flat on its side with all four legs and head aligned.
The goal is to bring the steer down as quickly as possible, typically in 3 to 10 seconds, using precise timing, balance, and strength.
Rules: The steer is given a head start from a chute (which is called a Score Line) that is maintained by a rope barrier in front of the bulldogger that is also attached around the steer's neck. If the bulldogger leaves the box to early, which is called "breaking the barrier" a 10-second penalty is given the bulldogger.
The fastest time wins, and the hazer may receive a share of the prize if the run is successful. Safety measures are in place to protect both the cowboy and the steer, though the event carries a high risk of injury to the rider.

Tie-Down aka Calf Roping: Tie-down roping, also known as calf roping, is one of the fastest and most skill-intensive events. A calf is loaded into a chute and given a head start via a barrier rope looped around its neck. When the rider signals, the gate opens, and the calf bolts.
The rider, mounted on a trained horse, throws a lasso (or lariat) to catch the calf around the neck. After roping, the rider dismounts while the horse keeps the rope taut. The rider then runs to the calf, flips it onto its side (flanking), and prepares to tie its legs. Using a short rope called a piggin’ string, the rider ties any three of the calf’s legs together. The tie must hold for six seconds after the rider remounts and slackens the rope for the run to be considered legal.
Disqualifications/Penalties: If, by chance the calf flips in the air (Jerk-Down Rule) due to how the cowboy pulls the slack out of his rope after roping the calf, Disqualification will happen. If the calf kicks free of the tie, Disqualification happens. A 10-second penalty is given if the cowboy breaks the Barrier Rope (in front of the roper). Like in Steer Wrestling, the one end of the Barrier Rope is tied around the calf's neck and the other end is pulled across the box the roper stands in (on his horse).
Success depends on precise teamwork between the rider and horse. Also, getting a good calf is essential for a good-fast time. The fastest runs typically take 7 to 10 seconds, with world-class times under 6.5 seconds.

Will continue with the Timed-Events in next reply.
 
And, btw, in the Roughstock events, a rider can get an "option for a re-ride" if the horse or bull doesn't buck enough or almost falls. So, the cowboy can either take the score that is given him or do a re-ride.

In Timed-Events, if the chute where the calf or steer comes out, malfunctions, a PRCA Judge can assign the contestant the extra calf or steer.

The word "Roughstock" is used to describe the Bronc and Bull riding events.

Before the rodeo starts, a Judge has the ear tag number (Tie-Down, Steer Wrestling, Team Roping) of each calf and steer. Each Timed-Event contestant draws a number from a hat (or whatever) and that is the calf or steer they get for their run. For the Roughstock events, each contestant gets the name of the horse or bull they will be riding.
 
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