Attending Your First Rodeo in Austin

Attending Your First Rodeo in Austin

What started in the 1800s as a way for vaqueros, or Mexican cowboys, to show off their ranching skills in friendly competitions has grown into an important cultural aspect of the American West. Rodeos are thrilling competitive events, especially in Texas, where they are the state's official sport. If you plan to attend your first rodeo soon, read on to learn more about what to expect.

What Happens at a Rodeo?

A rodeo is a competitive sport made up of several different events. Events may vary across locations, but most professional rodeos recognize eight standard events. These events have their own rules and competition styles, and they fall into one of two categories — roughstock or timed. Novelty acts, such as trick roping or clown shows, are common between the major events.

Roughstock Events

Roughstock events are the more wild, dangerous and adrenaline-filled ones. Contestants must ride a bucking horse or bull for at least eight seconds to receive a score. Riders and their bulls or horses receive a score on a scale of zero to 50, combining for a score out of 100. Riders are evaluated on how well they move with the animal, while bulls and horses are scored on how effective their bucking is.

Each event has its own set of rules:

• Bareback riding: Contestants ride a bucking horse, also called a bronc or bronco, while holding onto a small piece of leather rigging. They must keep their boot heels above the horse's shoulders before the horse's front legs hit the ground.
• Saddle bronc riding: Riders sit in a saddle on a bronc and try to synchronize their movement with the horse's. They must stay in the saddle and ride with one hand free without touching themselves or the horse to receive a score.
• Bull riding: Contestants can only use one hand to hold onto a rope and stay on a bucking, twisting, jumping bull. Riders will be disqualified if they touch the bull or themselves with their free hand.

Timed Events

In these events, contestants race against the clock to achieve the fastest time:

• Steer wrestling: Contestants chase a steer while riding their horse. Once they catch up to the steer, the rider needs to slide off their horse, grab the steer by the horns and wrestle it to the ground so that it is on its side with all four feet pointing in the same direction.
• Team roping: Two riders, known as the header and the heeler, chase a steer while on horseback. The header's role is to expose the steer's hind legs by roping them around the head, neck or horns, while the heeler ropes the hind legs. The riders need to move so that there is no slack in the line and their horses face each other.
• Barrel racing: This predominately female event requires riders to race around three barrels in a cloverleaf-shaped pattern. Barrels are allowed to tip, but if they fall over, the rider will get a five-second penalty. Times are often measured by an electric eye device that uses lasers to record exact times.
• Tie-down roping: Similar to steer wrestling, riders chase down a calf and wrestle it to the ground. Contestants then have to tie any three of the calf's legs together, remount their horse and ride forward to give the rope slack. The calf needs to remain tied for six seconds to receive a score, but if the calf kicks free, the contestant gets no time.
• Breakaway roping: This is another competition primarily for women. While it is a form of calf roping, the calf is not tied or thrown — rather, the rope is tied to the horn of the saddle by a string. Since the calf is running, it will eventually run out of rope, and the string is designed to break when the calf is caught. The rider aims to rope the calf as quickly as possible.

What Should You Wear to a Rodeo?

Comfortable clothing is key to enjoying a rodeo. You will be walking a lot, so be sure to wear comfy clothing and shoes. Rodeos can take place indoors or outdoors, so wear layers and plan accordingly to ensure you are comfortable in any type of weather. Most rodeos, such as Rodeo Austin, are held in the spring before the weather gets too hot.

You can wear whatever you would like to a rodeo, but if you want to embrace the rodeo's rich history and culture, seize the opportunity to dress up in your best Western wear. Denim jeans, plaid shirts and large belt buckles are common sights at a rodeo, as are classic cowboy hats and boots. 

Whether you decide to go with a Western-themed outfit or your personal style, be sure to bring a hat and sunglasses to enjoy any outdoor events. Closed-toe shoes and clothes you do not mind getting dirty are best since rodeos tend to stir up a lot of dust and dirt.

What Should You Bring to a Rodeo?

Permitted items at a rodeo will depend on the venue. Some rodeos allow you to bring your own food and drink, while others prohibit it. Some allow bags of any kind, while others have more strict clear bag policies. Check the specific event details beforehand to determine which items you can bring.

Rodeo seating usually consists of wood or metal benches. To make your experience more comfortable, see if you are allowed to bring blankets or stadium chairs. You might also consider bringing:

• Food and drinks, or money to purchase them at the event.
• Sunscreen, sunglasses and hats if the rodeo takes place outdoors.
• Jackets if you will be outdoors on a chilly day.
• Strollers and other necessary items for a child's comfort.

What Else Can You Do Besides Watching Events?

While the rodeo events may be the main attraction, many rodeos offer other entertainment opportunities. Depending on the rodeo, you may get to watch parades, see live concerts and enjoy several family-friendly activities, such as mutton busting, where kids get a chance to ride a sheep for as long as they can. These events usually have a wide variety of tasty fair foods and vendors who sell unique gifts and cowboy gear.

Austin's fair and rodeo includes many fun events, such as:

• Carnival rides and games
• A petting zoo
• Pony rides
• Barbecue cook-offs
• Livestock shows

Get Ready for a Rodeo in Austin, Texas

Ready for your first rodeo? Choose Austin East KOA Holiday as your home base for all your rodeo-going Austin adventures. Conveniently located within a couple of minutes from Rodeo Austin, Austin East KOA Holiday is the perfect place to stay to enjoy the city's popular fair and rodeo while experiencing everything else that Austin has to offer.

Enjoy a pet-friendly campground with many convenient amenities and fun family-friendly activities to make your stay worthwhile and comfortable. Whether you are traveling with your kids or a group of friends, you are sure to find a comfortable resting stop at Austin East KOA Holiday. Book your stay today!