Rough Stock Events
Bull Riding
Historically the most dangerous event in Rodeo and is open to Men and Women contestants. The contestant uses an approved rigging with a flat braided rope and braided hand grip, a loop and a bell. This is wrapped around the chest of the bull and the rider’s hand is tied into the hand grip. The rope can be worked with rosin and saddle soap to provide a very sticky grip to assist with their hold. The Stock Contractor flanks the bull with a soft cotton rope around the back end that signals the bull to buck when released from the chute. When the contestant is tied in and ready, they signal for the chute gate to open. The rider must stay mounted and in control for six (6) seconds, may only use one hand to hold on, and the other hand must not touch the animal or themselves. The Rider is scored 50% on their ability and skill, and 50% on the skill of the bull.
Bareback Bronc Riding
A fast and powerful event between a Cowboy or Cowgirl and a specially trained bucking horse or “Bronc”. The contestant uses a rigging that is similar to a small saddle, but with only a hand hold. The rigging must include a pad. IGRA allows the use of either a one-handed or a two-handed rigging, and the contestant is scored accordingly. The stock contractor uses a fleece-lined flank strap on the rear of the horse’s flank, which signals the horse to buck when released from the chute. Once the contestant is rigged and ready to ride, they signal for the chute gate to be opened. They must ride the Bronc for six (6) seconds and are scored 50% on their skill in the ride, and 50% on the Bronc’s skill. Contestants may use spurs to enhance the performance of the bronc, but they must have loose rowels and they absolutely cannot be sharp. Judges inspect the rowels and spurs of every contestant prior to their ride to assure the safety of the Bronc.
Steer Riding
An entry level event for new Cowboys and Cowgirls. A steer is a less aggressive animal with a different skill set. The contestant uses an approved rigging with a flat braided rope and braided hand grip, a loop and a bell. This is wrapped around the chest of the steer and the rider’s hand is tied into the hand grip. The rope can be worked with rosin and saddle soap to provide a very sticky grip to assist with their hold. The Stock Contractor flanks the steer with a soft cotton rope around the back end that signals the steer to buck when released from the chute. When the contestant is tied in and ready, they signal for the chute gate to open. The rider must stay mounted and in control for six (6) seconds, may only use one hand to hold on, and the other hand must not touch the animal or themselves. The Rider is scored 50% on their ability and skill, and 50% on the skill of the steer.
Chute Dogging
A fast and skillful event of a Steer versus a Cowboy or Cowgirl. This event is designed to give even the novice a chance to compete in rough stock events. The steer and the contestant both start in the chute and face a 60-second time limit. The contestant will call for the chute gate to be opened and must lead the steer out into the arena to a 10-foot line in front of the chute gate, and then attempt to wrestle or “dog” the steer to the ground. The contestant will turn the steer’s head up and toward the steer’s shoulder, hoping it will fall over on its other shoulder, causing all four feet to point in the same direction as the head. If the steer falls the other way (dog-fall), the contestant may let the steer up and start over. This is a timed event with the fastest time winning.
