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Loading ...THE TUCSON RODEO 2008
The first major, outdoor rodeo of the year takes place in Tucson, Arizona on February 16-24, 2008. All you “wannabee” cowboys and cowgirls should join the other 11,000 expected spectators and head for the sunshine and blue skies in Arizona, at the Tucson Rodeo grounds for the eighty-third Tucson Rodeo.
650 contestants from Canada and the United States will compete and demonstrate their abilities developed in real-life work skills.
The events over the nine day fiesta include bull riding which involves fearless (and foolhardy?) cowboys climbing on the back of an animal weighing over a ton equipped with dangerous horns. The rider may only use one hand to stay on board for the 8 second ride. If he touches the bull or himself with the free hand the score is zero. There is also bareback and saddle bronc riding and steer wrestling. In this event, the quickest in the rodeo, the wrestler or bulldogger uses strength and technique to wrestle a steer to the ground. The animal weighs twice as much as the cowboy who starts on horseback with the two coming together at almost 30mph. To catch the running steer another mounted cowboy or hazer stops the animal from veering away from the bulldogger. The timed event is complete when the steer is on its side with all four feet pointing in the same direction.
Tie down roping has its roots on ranches where cowboys had to rope and immobilize sick calves. The calf is given a head start and the cowboy chases it on horseback, ropes the animal, dismounts and throws it by hand. He must tie any three legs with a short loop of rope he clenches with his teeth during the chase. Meanwhile his horse must pull back to eliminate any slack in the main rope. When finished he remounts and walks forward to create slack in the rope, waiting six seconds to confirm that the calf remains immobile.
Women’s Barrel Racing involves one woman, 3 barrels and a horse riding a cloverleaf course around the 3 barrels against the clock. Many of the competitors have invested large sums of money in the skillful horses they ride.
The fun events for the kids are the daily Dodge Mutton Bustin’ where 4-6 year olds display their riding skills on sheep and the Justin Junior Rodeo for the young cowboys (and girls) aged 5-12.
The highlight of the fiesta is the Tucson Rodeo Parade, which lasts 2 hours and claims to be the world’s longest non-motorised parade. It features themed floats and buggies, historic horse-drawn coaches, Mexican Dancers, marching bands and outfitted riders.
All proceeds from the Tucson Rodeo benefit local and Arizona charities. Head for the sunshine and blue skies of Arizona with all the family for this wonderful event.
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