On July 4, 1888, professional rodeo was born when a group of Prescott, Arizona, merchants and businessmen organized the inaugural "cowboy tournament" and offered cash prizes. Juan Leivas, a cowboy, clinched rodeo's first professional title, as reported in the subsequent edition of the Arizona Journal-Miner. These "Cowboy Contests" persisted and were orchestrated by a committee of local merchants. Since then, rodeo has evolved into a multimillion-dollar industry, with over 700 professional rodeos held across 50 states.
Rodeo, rooted in the centuries-old tradition of cattle raising and stemming from Spanish vaquero practices, has become a global phenomenon. However, it has found its pinnacle in America. Unlike any other sport available to viewers or participants, rodeo is intricately connected to the natural world. It uniquely mirrors the skills essential in ranching life—knowledge, determination, and athleticism—which are showcased in the competitive arena of rodeo.
A 1200 pound horse and a 175 pound cowboy. Their respective diverse skills are on full display in this Saddle-bronc ride.
Will the horse be successful in getting this cowboy off its back in less than 8 seconds????
"Bulldogging".....While it doesn't seem very wise to leap from a perfectly good horse at about 30 miles per hour on to the head of a runaway steer, leave it to cowboys to make a sport out of it.
Fastest takedown is the winner in this event.
Dust, adrenaline, and a whole lot of heart.....
The horse's powerful bucking movements are on full display in this Saddle-bronc riding event.
Talent is when the cowboy's moves are synchronized with the horse's movements.
A little "yee" and a lotta "haw"!
With Saddle Bronc riding being built around finesse, balance and agility, this cowboy demonstrates superior mastery of the sport.
Form and function are equally necessary in a good Saddle-bronc ride.