Our First Rodeo Durango CO

You know how people say “this is not my first rodeo”? Well this was our first rodeo, that we attended while in Durango CO!

Our First Rodeo Durango CO

Both Steve and I have watched rodeos on television. But actually enjoying a rodeo in person was something that we both had on our bucket lists. We were thrilled to learn that there was one going on right in Durango CO while we were there so we could finally go to our first rodeo.

We arrived at the stadium in the late afternoon on a glorious day. The bleachers were sparsely filled, but that changed as the day wore on. At first we thought we would probably only stay for a short while. You know. Just long enough to see the bull riding. But riding the bull wasn’t on the schedule until the last event. Plus we were having so much fun that we didn’t leave until the last rider came out of the gate!

The rodeo started off with an introduction to horseback riding. There were riders towing saddled horses by their reins, groups of flag carrying cowgirls on horseback as well as trick riders. All of that was very entertaining but not really what we were looking for at the rodeo.

And then the real competition began!

The Events starting with Chute Dogging

First up was the Chute Dogging which allows novices to practice wrestling a 400 – 500 pound steer in the chute as opposed to on horseback.

Ranch Bronc

That was followed by Ranch Bronc, rooted in tradition, this event shows off horsemanship and pride. Honoring working ranches a standard working saddle must be used. No hobbling of one or both stirrups is allowed. The horse must be saddled just like he would be for everyday use on the ranch. Points are given for the difficulty of the bronco and for the degree of aggressiveness, control and exposure shown by the rider.

Steer Wrestling

The 3rd event was Steer Wrestling which starts out in the pen, or as it’s commonly known in rodeo circles, the box. The steer wrestler and his horse wait patiently behind a rope barrier right next to a steer chute. Then, when the chute gate opens, the steer charges forward. That’s when the timer starts and the barrier is dropped. That’s when the steer wrestler starts chasing the steer. In a well choreographed dance one rider keeps the steer moving in a straight line while the steer wrestler ropes it. Then the cowboy jumps off his horse and wraps his arms around the steer, flipping it on its back. The clock stops when the steer is completely flat on the ground with all four legs pointing in the same direction.

Mutton Bustin

One of our favorite events was the Mutton Bustin. In this event the youngest cowboys and cowgirls have the opportunity to climb aboard a sheep. Children under 7 years old are challenged to ride the sheep for 6 seconds. The only thing the kids have to hold on to is the animal’s fur. It’s the cutest thing you ever saw.

Roping

There were three more roping events, Tie-Down Roping, Breakaway Roping and Team Roping.

Saddle Bronc

In between we watched Saddle Bronc which has its roots in the Old West. Back then cowboys would throw saddles on wild horses to break and train to work the cattle ranches. In the event the cowboy must stay in the saddle and keep a free hand in the air.

Barrel Racing

Next to last was the Barrel Racing which was fun and fast paced. The really fun part was watching the Rodeo Clown pop out of the barrel he was hiding in.

Bull Riding

And the came the event we had staying for – Bull Riding. Talk about fast and furious! This event really puts the cowboys strength and ability to the test. The cowboy and 2,000 pound bull face off with one goal in mind. The cowboy hopes to stay on the bull for as long as possible. The bull wants to throw said cowboy ASAP. What truly amazed Steve and I was that none of the cowboys were injured when the bull pushed the button on the ejection seat.

Our first rodeo was fun and very entertaining. We learned quite a bit about life on a ranch. And got to draw a line through another item on our bucket list. YEEE HAAAA!!!