T Cross Ranch | View o' the Dude

Rodeo Events for Dummies: Bull Riding

April 27th, 2011

I sometimes find myself wondering, “Why exactly would someone do that?” But for many, bull riding is the premier rodeo event.

Here’s what happens. Before the competition even starts, the riders and bulls are matched randomly. Each bull has a unique name and number and are each judged to be of good strength, health, agility, and age.

Once the event begins, a rider mounts a bull and grips a flat braided rope. After he secures a good grip on the rope, the rider nods to signal he is ready. The bucking chute (a small enclosure, which opens from the side) is opened and the bull storms out into the arena. This is where I start holding my breath.

The rider must attempt to stay on the bull for at least eight seconds, while only touching the bull with his riding hand. His other hand must remain free for the entire ride.

The bull bucks, rears, kicks, spins, and twists in an effort to throw the rider off. This continues for a number of seconds until the rider bucks off or dismounts after completing his ride. A loud buzzer acknowledges the completion of an eight second ride. Exhale.

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dmxtHv6WpR0]Throughout the ride, bullfighters, also known as “rodeo clowns” stay near the bull aiding the rider if necessary. When the ride ends, either intentionally or otherwise, the bullfighters distract the bull to protect the rider from harm.

After the cowboy picks himself up and exits the arena, the bull is guided out as well. The ride is then scored from 0-100 points. Both the rider and the bull are awarded points. There are usually two judges, each judge scoring the bull from 0-25 points, and the rider from 0-25 points. The combined point totals from both judges make up the final score for the ride.

Scores of zero are actually quite common as a lot of riders lose control of the animal almost immediately after the bull rages out of the bucking chute. Many experienced professionals are able to gain scores of 75 or more. A score above 80 is considered excellent, and a score in the 90s exceptional.

When you join us this summer at the T Cross, we never miss the Friday Night Rodeo in Dubois. By the time you leave, you’ll be able to boast to your coworkers and friends how incredible (or incredibly scary) the bull riding rodeo event was for you and your family. Book today!

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Rodeo Events for Dummies: Mutton Busting

July 2nd, 2010

Tags: Kids, Mutton Busting, Rodeo, Rodeo Events

As every cowboy knows, getting bucked off only builds character. And rodeo cowboys start developing that character at a very young age. Lucky for mom, little cowboys start not on broncs or bulls, but sheep.

Mutton busting is pretty simple: a sheep is held in a small chute or by a handler while a child hops on top in riding position. The sheep is released and usually takes off on a mad dash across the arena.

Most sheep don’t buck or jump; but make no mistake—they are definitely trying to ditch the kid hanging on for dear life to its back!

Most children are required to wear a helmet, and are rarely injured as it’s only a foot or so to the soft arena dirt floor. Small prizes or ribbons are handed out to the child who can stay on the longest.

Be sure to check out our mutton busting event and many others at our Friday Night Rodeo in Dubois.

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Rodeo Events for Dummies: Barrel Racing

February 26th, 2010

Before you join the crowd of rodeo fans on Friday night in Dubois, here is a quick guide to the events. We figure it is more enjoyable when you understand the basics of when to cheer and when to boo.

Barrel Racing

“Barrel racing is a timed rodeo event, where the fastest time is what matters most. Cowgirls compete in the arena against each other and the clock.

Barrel racing is about cooperation between horse and rider. Because of the competition and money involved, finding a good horse is very important to the competitors. A top of the line barrel horse can cost up to $50,000.

For the barrel racing event, the arena is cleared and three barrels are set up at different marked locations. The riders then enter the arena at full speed, quickly rounding each barrel in a cloverleaf pattern and then exiting where they entered. A stopwatch or timer is used registering down to a hundredth of a second.

Speed is what it is all about in this event. The riders steer their horses as close as they can to the barrels trying to shave precious seconds off the clock. For each barrel they knock over (which happens sometimes) a 5 second penalty is assessed to their total time. Leaving the barrels standing and ripping through the course is every barrel racers goal.

13 to 14 seconds is generally a winning time in this event, but this will vary according to the size of the arena, as all rodeo arenas are not created equal.” (Summary from about.com.)

If you are planning a trip to the T Cross, barrel racing is part of the package. One popular activity at the T Cross is gymkhana: “games on horseback.” This is a great chance to test your own rodeo abilities with your trusted steed, compete against your new friends, or sit back and watch. Whether you are a first-timer or a returning veteran, gymkhana is great fun! Learn more about the T Cross gymkhana here.