22 rodeo terms
you should know

Spurs act as a way to encourage the stock to perform or speed up (in the timed events.)

In barrel racing, the rider has to go around all three barrels in the arena. But, sometimes riders will knock barrels over.

This refers to the category that bronc and bull riding events fall into. All of the other events are called timed events.

This is a type of suitcase hold, customized to a rider’s grip.

If a rider receives a low score due to poor performance from the bull or bronc, they will be given the chance to do a re-ride.

After each ride, these men will help direct or catch stray stock and lead them to the exit.

This occurs when the rider falls off the stock before eight seconds in roughstock events or misses the steer or calf in timed events.

When the cowboy gets caught on one of the bull’s horns during bull riding.

This is the cowboy that ropes second in team roping, aiming for the steer’s hind legs.

This is the cowboy that ropes first in team roping, aiming for the steer’s horns.

This is the cowboy that helps keep the steer running straight for the steer wrestler to catch in steer wrestling.

Cowboys must have one hand holding on to the animal and their other hand up in the air.

A sheepskin-lined or padded leather strap that encourages the roughstock to buck.

Indicates to the judge to start the clock and/or open the chute gate.

The name of the pattern riders have to run in barrel racing.

A pen that holds bulls, horses, steers, and calves before each rodeo event.

Made of sturdy leather, they are designed to protect the cowboy’s legs during a ride.

After each bull ride, this person distracts the bull so the cowboy can escape the arena safely.

Otherwise known as a steer wrestler, this is the cowboy who wrestles the steer to the ground.

The rodeo word for a bull or bronc “kicking” in roughstock events.

An untamed horse that habitually bucks.

Ensures that cowboys don’t get a head start as they chase after the calf or steer.