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July 2007: St. Johns Rodeo |
Welp, I guess I done gone country... The St. Paul Rodeo is an annual tradition on July 4th every year. The grandstands were packed on this hot day. |
The first event was the bareback riding... In all the roughstock riding events, the rider has to stay on a minimum of 8 seconds to get a score. Beyond that, he's awarded points by judges for overall style. It's an interesting balance - if the ride is too rough, the rider can't stay on, too mellow and the points will be low. |
Another contestant breaks out of the gate at the St. Paul Rodeo |
In the steer-wrestling event, the cowboy has to jump off his horse, grab a steer by the horns, bring him to the ground and tie him up. Each contestant is timed. |
Bull riding is probably the most famous rodeo event. It's certainly the most dangerous and difficult. Staying 8 Seconds on a bucking bull isn't easy! |
Bull Riding is generally a young man's sport. |
In the Tie-Down roping event, the cowboy first lassos a calf, then has to tie up any 3 of its legs. This is a timed event. |
Saddle Bronc Riding is another "stay at it 8 seconds, then get judged" event. The horses kick because of a strap that's allowed to dangle over their back ends (you can see it in this photo). They just don't like it hanging back there... |
8 Seconds isn't so easy... |
This contestant tied a Bronc Riding record score! |
In Team-Roping, one cowboy ropes the horns, and the other the back legs. |
Barrel Racing is the only women's event. The riders have to go around 3 barrels then over the finish. The event is timed. Knocking over a barrel is a 5-second penalty, and usually knocks a rider out of competition. |
Chaos best describes the wild horse race. A bunch of wild (unbroken) horses are let loose in the arena, and the cowboys (in teams of 2) have to mount a horse and ride it out of the arena. It's not easy, and many contenstants get thrown off their horses and drug through the dirt. |
Where is it? The St. Paul Rodeo happens in St. Paul, Oregon on July 4th each year. |
Before you go... The rodeo actually runs over the course of a few days - ending on July 4th. The rodeo is accompanied by a fair with food, rides and games. |