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Rodeo History 101

Above - Meghanne Davis, Miss Rodeo Washington 2004, with ProRodeo Hall of Fame Inductee Bob Tallman at the 2004 Hall of Fame Induction Ceremonies.

While many rodeo queens can give fact after fact about current rodeo stars, arena records and other information readily available from the PRCA's media guide and current editions of the Rodeo SportsNews, few are well versed in the legends that came before today's headliners.   I'm not necessarily talking about the legends from way back when the Turtle Association was first formed, but rodeo legends from the 80's and 90's.  This is especially disappointing at the state and national level pageant where rodeo queens truly are expected to have a good grasp of rodeo's history.

On the first of every month I'll be providing a list of cowboys and cowgirls who have made their mark in rodeo history so much so that they have been selected for induction into the ProRodeo Hall of Fame.  You'll find a bio on each at the ProRodeo Hall of Fame website.  But don't stop your studying with just one source as there are many other sources of information on these and other rodeo legends including Western Horseman's "Rodeo Legends" book and rodeo historian Gail Hughbanks Woerner's website.  For ease of studying I'll be listing rodeo legends according to the category in which they were inducted into the Hall of Fame.

On July 16 the ProRodeo Hall of Fame will induct the class of 2011.  They include Burel Mulkey, Lan LaJeunesse, Keith Martin, War Paint, J.W. Stoker and the Deadwood (S.D.) Days of '76 rodeo.  The bios of the new inductees are now available on the ProRodeo Hall of Fame website and I suggest you begin delving into rodeo's rich history by learning about the Class of 2011

I hope you'll use these prompts as a way to increase your knowledge of how far the sport of rodeo has evolved and to appreciate those who entered the arena before you.  Without their efforts your job wouldn't be needed.  Best of luck to you as you pursue your rodeo queen dreams!

~ Bobbie

 

Rough Stock Event Questions

The following questions have been compiled to help you study for interviews, impromptu questions and general conversation. It is up to you to answer these questions, you'll learn the material better if you do your own research.  A variety of sources have been used to compile these questions.  If you are running for a title which is affiliated with a PRCA rodeo then you'll need to study materials put out by the PRCA (all can be found on their website), and the same goes for a pageant affiliated with the IPRA, the NHSRA or any other rodeo association. The majority of the information is the same other than records and standings.  Make sure you are familiar with who is leading the standings in each event for the association affiliated with your pageant.

Which rough stock event is known as rodeo's "classic" event?

Describe the "mark-out" rule.

Which rough stock event does not have a mark-out rule?

What is a "suitcase handle"?

What piece of equipment is used to enhance a horse's natural ability to buck?

Name three ways in which a bareback rider can be disqualified during their ride.

Explain how points are distributed in the rough stock events.

How can a rider in the saddle bronc riding enhance his score?

Name five ways in which a saddle bronc rider can be disqualified.

What is the length of time a rough stock rider must ride their animal for a qualified ride?

What is the purpose of the bell in the bull riding?

When does the secretary begin the time for a rough stock ride?

How does the rodeo judge signify to a rough stock rider they have failed to mark a horse out?

In which rough stock event is the rider not required to spur during their ride?  If, during this event, the rider does spur the animal what will happen to their score?

What does the term "over his hand" refer to and which event is this style of riding found in?

Name three ways a bull rider can be disqualified.

Where is the well.

Name and describe the piece of equipment a saddle bronc rider uses for balance during his ride.

What is the history of the "Association Saddle"?

Name the cowboy(s) with the most consecutive world titles in each of the three rough stock events.

Name the cowboy(s) with the most world titles in each of the three rough stock events.

Name the three brothers who qualified in the same event in the same year including the year and the event.

For each of the three rough stock events name the cowboy(s) with the highest scored rides including the number of points, year of the ride, location of the ride, name of the stock the ride was on and the owner of the stock.

Name the cowboy and horse featured on the statue outside of the ProRodeo Hall of Fame in Colorado Springs, CO.

What materials are the flank straps made from?

Describe the rope used in the bull riding event.

What protective gear may a contestant wear in the bull riding event?

What type of spurs are allowed to be used in each of the rough stock events?

Study Materials

If you're like us you're probably stuck inside due to blizzard conditions and bitter cold.  There are many activities you can do during these down times to prepare for your next title.  One of those things is to study.  When judging or watching pageants I am often disappointed at the lack of basic equine science knowledge demonstrated by even the most experienced riders.  I've put together a few links with information that you'll find helpful not only in preparing for your next interview or test but also helpful to you in becoming a better horsewoman.

This first link may be my favorite.  It is coordinated by state extension services and is filled with all sorts of information from tack to breeding to diseases and more.

Extension Services

The American Quarter Horse Association's website has its 4aHorse section.  They have a resource directory area that you can access PDF documents on anatomy, a conformation chart and more.  You'll need to register for that area but no membership or fee is required to do so.  And don't pass over the "Horse Health" link on the left side of the page.

4aHorse

Under the "Guidelines" link on the American Association of Equine Practitioners website you'll find information on equine welfare, disaster preparedness, vaccinations and more.

American Association of Equine Practitioners

When talking to people who are not familiar with rodeo queen pageantry I always let them know what a great opportunity our competitions are for young horsewomen to gain knowledge about themselves and their horses.  Not only will you have more success in pageants by knowing and understanding the many facets of equine science but your horse (and your veterinarian!) will appreciate it as well.

Best of luck to you as you pursue your rodeo queen dreams!

~ Bobbie