PRCA Rodeo

[Cody Fousnough]

Continuing with the Timed-Events:

Team Roping: Also known as heading and heeling, is a rodeo event featuring a steer and two mounted riders. The event requires precise coordination between the two riders and their horses to catch and control the steer efficiently.
Header: The header’s job is to rope the steer’s head, which can include both horns, one horn and the nose, or the neck. After catching the steer, the header must dally (wrap the rope around the saddle horn) and turn the steer to the left, setting up the heeler for their turn.
Heeler: The heeler ropes the steer’s hind legs after the header has turned it. If only one leg is caught, a five-second penalty is added to the team’s time.
The event begins with the steer released from a chute and given a head start. The header and heeler start from separate boxes, one on each side of the chute. The clock starts when the steer crosses the Score Line and breaks the rope around its neck, which is part of the Barrier Rope that is stretched across the Headers box. Time stops only when both riders have roped the steer and their horses face each other with taut ropes. A 10-second penalty is assessed if the Header breaks the barrier too early (doesn't give the steer the proper head start). A "No Time" can be given for a "cross-fire", where the Header doesn't rope the steers horns/head properly.
Steers wear horn wraps to prevent injury from the ropes.

Barrel Racing: Barrel racing is a where a horse and rider navigate a cloverleaf pattern around three barrels as quickly as possible without knocking them over. The event tests both the horse’s speed and agility and the rider’s horsemanship skills, requiring precise control, balance, and coordination. The standard pattern involves circling the first barrel, then the second, and finally the third before sprinting back to the finish line.
Disqualification/Penalties: If the Barrel Racer breaks the cloverleaf pattern, a "No Time" Disqualification is given. There is a 5-second penalty for each barrel that is knocked over.

Now, the last Timed-Event in rodeo is, Breakaway Roping: A mounted rider (female) ropes a calf around the neck and the other end of the rope, which is tied to the saddle horn, "breaks away", to signal the end of the run.
A female rider on horseback chases a calf and throws a lasso (lariat) around its neck. Unlike tie-down roping, the rider does not dismount, and the calf is never tied down. The rope is attached to the saddle horn with a small string; when the rope tightens around the calf’s neck, the string breaks, signaling the end of the run with a small flag popping into the air to mark the time (typically around two seconds for top competitors).
The calf is loaded into a chute with spring-loaded doors.
The rider waits in a box beside the chute, with a rope barrier stretched in front to give the calf a head start (Score Line)
When the calf is released, the barrier breaks, and the rider’s horse charges after the calf.
The rider swings the rope and catches the calf around the neck.
The rope pulls tight, the string on the saddle horn breaks, and the clock stops.
"No Time"/Penalties: A "No Time" is given if the Breakaway Roper misses the calf. A 10-second penalty is given for breaking the Barrier Rope in front of the Breakaway Roper. IOW, leaving the box to early.

So, there you have it folks, all of the events in PRCA/WPRA Rodeo and how they work. Yes, I've been around PRCA rodeo since 1987, and wife and I together, since March 2000.

 

[Faye Fox]

BULL RIDING is PRCA's most popular event and most certainly considered rodeo. Pro bull riding is also considered rodeo, just as Pro barrel racing is considered rodeo. It is rodeo in the sense that rodeo means roundup or a gathering of cowboys and animals for competition. Bull riding as a single event, isn't PRCA rodeo, just one of 8 events that constitutes PRCA rodeo.

Key points are that the bulls are very intelligent and enjoy trying to dislodge the rider.

Scoring gives up to 50 points to the bull and also the rider and a perfect score is 100 points.

The rider must stay on the bull with his one hand only on the girth rope or the riders rope, for 8 seconds. These ropes have a leather handle to give the cowboy a better grip. The flank ropes are only slightly tightened to signal to the bull it is time for them to buck. Neither rope harms the bull in any way.

The set up in the chute gives the cowboy a chance to get in a good position. If a rider appears ready, to the judges eye, they are put on a 30 second clock. If they don't nod, the signal for opening the gate, then they time out and get no score. Setting the girth riders rope and getting the bull in a good position, can be tricky. Should the bull refuse to position itself correctly, then the rider gets another bull.

If the bull slams into the chute on exit and causes the rider to get out of position, then a re-ride will be called.

Riders get extra points for lifting a leg, showing more control. Should the riders free hand touch the bull or the rider at any time in the 8 seconds, it is a no score. If the rider is thrown forward and his head hits the bull, including horns, it is a no score.

Bull scoring is based on the bull performance, changing directions, heights of leaps, body rolls, continual bucking, with no running or stumbling.

If a rider can dismount the bull, after 8 seconds and stay on his feet, it is called a walk off ride.

 

[Cody Fousnough]

BULL RIDING is PRCA's most popular event and most certainly considered rodeo. Pro bull riding is also considered rodeo, just as Pro barrel racing is considered rodeo. It is rodeo in the sense that rodeo means roundup or a gathering of cowboys and animals for competition. Bull riding as a single event, isn't PRCA rodeo, just one of 8 events that constitutes PRCA rodeo.

Key points are that the bulls are very intelligent and enjoy trying to dislodge the rider.

Scoring gives up to 50 points to the bull and also the rider and a perfect score is 100 points.

The rider must stay on the bull with his one hand only on the girth rope or the riders rope, for 8 seconds. These ropes have a leather handle to give the cowboy a better grip. The flank ropes are only slightly tightened to signal to the bull it is time for them to buck. Neither rope harms the bull in any way.

The set up in the chute gives the cowboy a chance to get in a good position. If a rider appears ready, to the judges eye, they are put on a 30 second clock. If they don't nod, the signal for opening the gate, then they time out and get no score. Setting the girth riders rope and getting the bull in a good position, can be tricky. Should the bull refuse to position itself correctly, then the rider gets another bull.

If the bull slams into the chute on exit and causes the rider to get out of position, then a re-ride will be called.

Riders get extra points for lifting a leg, showing more control. Should the riders free hand touch the bull or the rider at any time in the 8 seconds, it is a no score. If the rider is thrown forward and his head hits the bull, including horns, it is a no score.

Bull scoring is based on the bull performance, changing directions, heights of leaps, body rolls, continual bucking, with no running or stumbling.

If a rider can dismount the bull, after 8 seconds and stay on his feet, it is called a walk off ride.

I just noticed that my reply for Bull Riding didn't show up. So, THANKS for including it here. Thing is Faye, way too many people think Bull Riding is a "rodeo", which it is not. It's an event in rodeo, but by itself, as in the old BRO and today PBR, it's just bull riding. I remember being told by an employee at South Point Hotel Casino that watched folks going into the one arena that held Team Roping, Cutting and Reining, that those folks thought they were watching a rodeo. Of course, these are folks that have no idea what they are watching! All they see is horses, cowboy hats and cattle.

 

[Cody Fousnough]

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.

Sorry folks, forgot about Bull Riding. Faye already talked about the event and I will include here what I had written, but didn't show up.

Bull Riding: High-risk rodeo sport where a rider attempts to stay atop a bucking bull for eight seconds, combining skill, strength, and courage.

Bull riding is where a competitor mounts a large, powerful bull and tries to remain on its back for eight seconds while holding onto a rope tied behind the bull’s forelegs with one hand. The rider’s free hand must not touch the bull or themselves, or the ride is disqualified. Scores are awarded based on both the rider’s performance and the bull’s bucking ability, with a perfect score totaling 100 points. Typical professional scores range from the mid-70s to high 80s, with exceptional rides scoring 90 or above.

 

[Faye Fox]

I just noticed that my reply for Bull Riding didn't show up. So, THANKS for including it here. Thing is Faye, way too many people think Bull Riding is a "rodeo", which it is not. It's an event in rodeo, but by itself, as in the old BRO and today PBR, it's just bull riding. I remember being told by an employee at South Point Hotel Casino that watched folks going into the one arena that held Team Roping, Cutting and Reining, that those folks thought they were watching a rodeo. Of course, these are folks that have no idea what they are watching! All they see is horses, cowboy hats and cattle.

I will respectfully disagree! As I explained, Pro bull riding is rodeo, but not PRCA rodeo or any rodeo that requires multiple events. The Pendleton roundup has 11 events and the Indian Relay Horse Races are considered rodeo. They are not PRCA rodeo, but rodeo none the less. We have single event rodeos here several times a year.

Rancher folks consider any gathering of contestants and stock for the purpose of competition, a rodeo. I grew up with this and never heard any different until the PRCA and newly formed pro bull riders, got into a fight over not paying bull riders more money since they were the event that drew the largest crowds.

Anyway, we won't argue about it since we come from different experiences and it really doesn't matter and the thread is about PRCA which requires 7 events to be a sanctioned PRCA rodeo. Other events can be added, but they aren't part of PRCA with the exception of breakaway roping, which most PRCA rodeos now include, but it isn't a requirement to be sanctioned. Breakaway has its on association, WPRA, but it works well with PRCA and is part of the NFR as the NFBR.

 

[Cody Fousnough]

Ok, Faye, we will "agree to disagree" about bull riding. Basically, all I was trying to point out is that there are folks, not necessarily rodeo fans, that will watch a Team Roping, Cutting or Reining event and tell folks they went to a rodeo. That is what stunned the South Point employee that, obviously, knows the difference.

It's really weird how a lot of the public love watching dangerous events, like bull riding. I remember attending a Norco (So. Calif) Mounted Posse PRCA Rodeo. My roping days were over, but I was helping Western Rodeo Company in the Timed-Event area. My wife was sitting close to that area. After I was done helping, I went up to where my wife was sitting and she told me, "Do you have any idea how many people were at the Beer Stand drinking/talking during most of the rodeo?" When bull riding started, we glanced over at the Beer Stand and nobody was there. These folks paid to go to a rodeo, but were only interested in the bull riding. Oh well, "money is money", the Rodeo Committee thinks.

 

[Cody Fousnough]

One of the things that has changed, since my old days in rodeo, and since meeting my wife, is, the clothes that many fans wore to a PRCA rodeo years ago. I think we have discussed this, but it still amazes us. Years ago, it was "Nightclub" attire, as in flashy Garth Brooks and Brooks & Dunn shirts. If I would've wore either and mounted my "heading" horse Red, that gelding would've bucked me off immediately!

And, what many on this forum don't know/realize is, PRCA has a "dress code" when competing in the arena. No short-sleeve shirts or baseball caps. No matter how hot it is, long-sleeve shirts and cowboy hats are required. The only place I could rope and wear a short-sleeve shirt and baseball cap was at a Jackpot Roping. A Jackpot Roping has money for winners, but Team Ropers also use it for practice.

 

[Cody Fousnough]

Another thing about PRCA rodeos, the Judges will give out a fine/fines for these two things:
Frustration/Mistreating Livestock: Tie-Down aka Calf Roping cowboys that get frustrated when a calf kicks at the "tie" and cost the roper time on the clock. I saw one cowboy kick dirt at his calf and the Judge called a "No Time" on his run, plus he got a fine.
Foul Language: Towards a Judge for a score. Just ask Rocker Steiner (Bareback Bronc Rider) how many fines he got a few years ago at the National Finals Rodeo in Vegas for using the "F" word at Judges. His dad talked to him and he now watches his language and since has won a World Championship. BTW, Rocker dad, Sid Steiner, is a Steer Wrestling World Champion and we have met him.

Actually, there are 252 pages in the PRCA Rule Book.

 

[Faye Fox]

One of the things that has changed, since my old days in rodeo, and since meeting my wife, is, the clothes that many fans wore to a PRCA rodeo years ago. I think we have discussed this, but it still amazes us. Years ago, it was "Nightclub" attire, as in flashy Garth Brooks and Brooks & Dunn shirts. If I would've wore either and mounted my "heading" horse Red, that gelding would've bucked me off immediately!

And, what many on this forum don't know/realize is, PRCA has a "dress code" when competing in the arena. No short-sleeve shirts or baseball caps. No matter how hot it is, long-sleeve shirts and cowboy hats are required. The only place I could rope and wear a short-sleeve shirt and baseball cap was at a Jackpot Roping. A Jackpot Roping has money for winners, but Team Ropers also use it for practice.

The rules also specify "cowboy boots." I don't consider the low heeled lace up roper boots as cowboy boots, but the PRCA does, To me, if it isn't a slip on with a substantial heel, at least 1 1/2," and a shaft half way up the calf, then it ain't no cowboy boot. Short booties and Wellington boots aren't cowboy boots.

Also rough stock riders must wear a helmet in the arena. I don't know if PRCA allows cowboy hats for those older riders that are grandfathered in. PBR does and a few wear them and never seem to get any head injury.

 

[Cody Fousnough]

The rules also specify "cowboy boots." I don't consider the low heeled lace up roper boots as cowboy boots, but the PRCA does, To me, if it isn't a slip on with a substantial heel, at least 1 1/2," and a shaft half way up the calf, then it ain't no cowboy boot. Short booties and Wellington boots aren't cowboy boots.

Also rough stock riders must wear a helmet in the arena. I don't know if PRCA allows cowboy hats for those older riders that are grandfathered in. PBR does and a few wear them and never seem to get any head injury.

As far as I know, Faye, the "must wear a helmet in the arena" isn't a PRCA rule. Most bull riders will wear a helmet, but it is optional (I think). However, Bareback and Saddle Bronc don't. In fact, I don't think we have ever seen a Bareback or Saddle Bronc rider wearing a helmet.

As far as boots go, when I roped, I always wore roper boots, even lace-up ones. Actually, I was told that roper boots were invented by a roper. I've seen a number of Rodeo Contractor guys wearing lace-ups in the arena. They definitely weren't new boots!

I remember wearing a new pair of roper boots, not lace-ups, and one of the guys I knew came over to me and kicked some dirt on them. He looked at me and said, "that looks better" and we both laughed.

I stopped wearing pointed cowboy boots years ago. Just like the way my ropers fit. When I first met my wife, she was wearing pointed cowboy boots and I bought her a pair of ropers (not lace-ups) and she loved them. Later, we got her a pair of lace-ups and she loved them. She got rid of her pointed boots.

 

[Faye Fox]

As far as I know, Faye, the "must wear a helmet in the arena" isn't a PRCA rule. Most bull riders will wear a helmet, but it is optional (I think). However, Bareback and Saddle Bronc don't. In fact, I don't think we have ever seen a Bareback or Saddle Bronc rider wearing a helmet.

As far as boots go, when I roped, I always wore roper boots, even lace-up ones. Actually, I was told that roper boots were invented by a roper. I've seen a number of Rodeo Contractor guys wearing lace-ups in the arena. They definitely weren't new boots!

I remember wearing a new pair of roper boots, not lace-ups, and one of the guys I knew came over to me and kicked some dirt on them. He looked at me and said, "that looks better" and we both laughed.

I stopped wearing pointed cowboy boots years ago. Just like the way my ropers fit. When I first met my wife, she was wearing pointed cowboy boots and I bought her a pair of ropers (not lace-ups) and she loved them. Later, we got her a pair of lace-ups and she loved them. She got rid of her pointed boots.

I always wore the more rounded toe cowboy boots, but insisted on a high "cowboy" heel and high shaft. That heel is handy riding on the ranch and also for standing roping in the corrals. You can dig it in for a solid stance. It is also nice in the stirrups, especially for gallop. The high shaft is great in rattlesnake country. I can see how the old features of cowboy boots, aren't necessary in rodeo, and with the running involved in tie down, that roper boots might be the thing.

I thought the PRCA required helmets, but the 2025 rules say, only those under 18 competing in rough stock have to wear them. I guess individual PRCA rodeos can impose a helmet required rule, but have to notify all rough stock contestants at entry time. PBR does for those born after Oct 1994., no exceptions. I am surprised PRCA hasn't made helmets mandatory for at least bull riding.