The Cody Stampede

Cody, Wyoming hosts a nightly local rodeo in the months of June, July and August.  In the past, I wanted to haul horses out there for the summer just to get them seasoned or at least get them ready to hit the road.  As of now I have not made use of this idea.  On July 1-4 Cody’s arena hosts The Stampede, a PRCA sanctioned rodeo.  While some locals may be entered, the entry fees are higher and the card holding members get first dibs.  These contestants are not only running for larger purse payouts, but they are looking to add points for the year end championship title.  They are also vying for a spot in the Finals Rodeo held in Las Vegas. Before some of the events created their own association the PRCA was the highest level one could compete in rodeo events.  Now there are the USTRA (team roping), PBR (bull riding), Barrel racing futurities and NBHA, IBRA and so on. 

I have attended The Cody Stampede 3 times and yes, I have only ever been a spectator at this event.  I do not really get into watching activities, that I would rather be a competitor in.  My niece, (again) was the reason for my attendance.  “Aunt Maria, I am so excited to the rodeo with you,” followed by a high little squeal.  Yep, I will have fun going if for no other reason than to please this special young lady.  My nieces have a way of motivating me to do things I otherwise might not do.

Last year my husband and I had only arrived in the area a few hours before the rodeo was scheduled to start.   We were coming off a 2-day road trip, and I received several phone calls that afternoon wondering how close we were. 

At last we arrived with the excited little lady to the rodeo grounds.  Here is a look at the events we enjoyed. 

Saddle Bronc Riding

These riders attempt to NOT hit the ground or touch the horse with their free hand for 8 seconds. Using a special ‘bronc’ saddle and halter. They are judged on how the horse bucks and how they ride it.

Bareback Bronc Riding

In this event the riders use a bareback rigging which is like a suitcase handle strapped to the back of the horse. The horse also wears a bronc halter with a thick rope attached. 

Judges look for a few different details compared to the Saddle Bronc Riding, but the basic idea is similar. Riding the 2 different styles is not the same.

Calf Roping or Tie-down Roping

A horse rider gives a calf the head start, chases after it while swinging a rope. Then (if) when caught, the rider jumps off the horse, runs to the calf, flips it on its side and ties 3 of the legs.  During this time the horse has been trained to keep the rope (that is attached to the saddle) tight so the cowboy can work. The tie then has to hold for 6 seconds. The winner is determined by the time the fastest time.

Steer Wrestling

A mounted rider chases a steer that again has a head start, leans off his horse to grab the horns and wrestle the steer to the ground.  All this while they are running 30 plus miles per hour.

Halftime Show

The clowns provide entertainment throughout the rodeo in between events. But just before the intermission at this event they put on a special show.  This was a new to me clown act.

Barrel Racing

Warm up time for the ladies almost always happens during the intermission.  Intermission follows the Half time show and the barrel racing follows that.  Three barrels are set up in triangle or also called a cloverleaf pattern.  If you look a horses set of tracks after a clean run, it would look similar to the drawing of a cloverleaf.  Here it is simple: the fastest time wins with all barrels still standing.  Five or ten seconds are added to the time for each barrel knocked over.  Also the horse must continue in a forward motion and correctly execute the pattern with the choice of going to either the left or right barrel first.

Team Roping

Two mounted cowboys chase a horned steer (or cow) which is given a head start.  One rides slightly ahead for the purpose of roping the horns.  The second rider hangs back a little and when the header (first rider) turns the steer, rides in and ropes the heels.  The header pivots his horse and the heeler (second rider) slows his horse down.  This action pulls the ropes taut.  At this point the timer is stopped.  The fastest times wins.  There are penalties for only catching one hind leg instead of two or not giving the steer its head start (breaking the barrier).

Bull Riding

Almost always the last event in a rodeo and seemingly the most trilling.  The announcer builds the excitement saying, “Are you ready for the buuulllll riding?”  There have been serious injuries in the other events, but the bull riders have been known to say, “Its not if I get hurt, but when.”  A rope tied around the circumference of the bull just behind the shoulders, a bit of rosin to help the hand stick and a flank strap in front of the back legs with a nod of the head, the chute opens. Let’s see who can stay on for 8 seconds.  Of course, these cowboys get a score too, also based on how the bull bucks and how the rider rides. Two judges score up to 25 points for the bull and up to 25 points for the rider bringing the total possible points to 100.  Highest score wins.  There are ways to be disqualified such as touching the body of the bull with a free hand, not marking the bull out, and falling off before 8 seconds are over.

Yes, this was an exciting rodeo to watch.  Certainly not your average rodeo compared to the ones I have competed in.  Instead of the same old jokes, the clowns had new material to entertain or new to me. Want to see the Cody Stampede Rodeo? Visit their website.