Welcome to Rodeo
Rodeo is an exciting and action-packed sport that celebrates the skill, strength, and courage of cowboys and cowgirls. With rough stock and timed events, rodeo showcases the partnership between riders and animals in thrilling competitions. Each event tests the agility, precision, and bravery of the participants, making rodeo a thrilling tradition at the Strathmore Stampede. Whether it’s the speed of barrel racing or the power of bull riding, rodeo is the heart of Western culture and entertainment.
Rough Stock Events
Bull Riding
Bull Riding is the ultimate test of bravery and skill in rodeo, where riders attempt to stay on a bucking bull for a full eight seconds. With only one hand holding onto their bull rope, riders must maintain their balance while the bull spins and jumps in every direction. Points are awarded based on the cowboy’s ride and the bull's performance. This high-energy event is a fan favorite, showcasing both the power of the bulls and the incredible courage of the riders.
Bareback Riding
Bareback Riding is one of the most physically demanding events in rodeo, where a rider competes to stay atop a bucking horse for eight seconds—without the aid of a saddle. The cowboy holds onto a rigging with one hand, showcasing incredible strength, balance, and determination as the horse bucks and twists beneath them.
Saddle Bronc
Saddle Bronc Riding is one of the most iconic events in rodeo, where a rider competes to stay on a bucking horse for eight seconds. Using a specialized saddle, the rider must maintain control while the horse bucks and twists, testing both the rider’s skill and balance. Points are awarded to both the rider and to the horse for one final score.
Novice Bareback & Saddle Bronc
These Novice events are exactly like the Saddle Bronc and Bareback Riding, except the participants are all 20 years old or younger. This is an excellent opportunity to catch some of the next generation of rodeo superstars in action!
Timed Events
Steer Wrestling
Steer Wrestling is an adrenaline-pumping rodeo event where a cowboy, on horseback, chases down a steer, jumps off their horse, and wrestles the steer to the ground. The clock stops once the steer is fully on the ground and under control. This event highlights the strength, agility, and timing of the cowboy, as well as the precision and teamwork with their horse. Steer wrestling is a thrilling test of both skill and speed, making it a must-see event.
Tie-Down Roping
Tie-Down Roping is a fast-paced rodeo event where a cowboy, on horseback, chases a calf, ropes it, and then dismounts to quickly tie three of its legs together. The clock stops once the calf is secured, with the fastest time winning. This event showcases the skill, speed, and precision of both the rider and their horse
Team Roping
Team Roping is a fast-paced rodeo event that requires two ropers to work together to catch and secure a steer. One rider, known as the "header," ropes the steer’s head, while the other, the "heeler," ropes its hind legs. The team must work in unison to complete the task as quickly as possible, with the clock stopping when both ropes are securely in place. Team roping demonstrates teamwork, precision, and speed, making it a fan-favorite.
Barrel Racing
Barrel Racing is a fast-paced rodeo event where a rider and their horse navigate a cloverleaf pattern around three barrels. The objective is to complete the course in the shortest time possible without knocking over any barrels. Precision, speed, and agility are key as competitors race against the clock. Barrel racing showcases the incredible bond between horse and rider, making it an exciting and highly anticipated rodeo event.
Breakaway Roping
Breakaway Roping is a timed rodeo event where a cowgirl ropes a calf from horseback, and the goal is to secure the calf with a rope that "breaks away" from the saddle horn once the calf is caught. Unlike tie-down roping, there’s no need to dismount or tie the calf. The event highlights the roper's accuracy and speed.
*Running with the Bulls
Running with the Bulls is a special tradition at the Strathmore Stampede which offers an exhilarating, once-in-a-lifetime experience for adrenaline junkies. Participants have the chance to run alongside Mexican fighting bulls in a controlled, exciting environment, testing their courage and thrill-seeking spirit. This popular event is an exciting tradition during the Stampede, drawing crowds and participants eager to be part of the action.
