About the Rodeo
It is belived that rodeo began as a competition between neighboring ranch hands to see who could complete daily livestock tasks the fastest and most efficiently. Over the years, rodeo has evolved into "America's sport". With its roots in the old west, it continues to reinforce and celebrate the western heritage of this country. The rules may have changed and the equipment may look a bit different, but it still involves just as much skill and horsemanship as before.
The Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association is the oldest and largest rodeo-sanctioning body in the world. Every rodeo that is sanctioned with the PRCA must abide by all of their standards and rules regarding not only the sport, but also the animals’ health and wellbeing. This includes equipment regulations to ensure that both contestant and stock are in no intentional danger.
Rodeo events fall into two categories: roughstock or timed events. Roughstock events refer to: bareback, saddle bronc and bull riding. The main goal of these three events is for the rider to stay on for eight seconds using only one hand. Two judges are used for roughstock events. Both judges are scoring the rider’s technique as well as the animal’s performance. Points for both the rider and the animal’s efforts range from 0-25 points per judge and then combined, making 100 a perfect score. Timed events include: steer wrestling, team roping, tie-down roping, and barrel racing. Each contestant not only competes against the clock, but also each other for the win. The fastest time posted takes home the prize, however the rules of each event vary slightly.
The San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo enters its 64th year with eight awards as the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association’s “Large Indoor Rodeo of the Year”. With six PRCA events, and one WPRA event, rodeo fans are sure to see the best-of-the-best in the industry. Intertwined in the competition are our classic Grand Entry, Mutton Bustin’ and Calf Scramble.
The rodeo lasts just over 2 hours. After the last bull is bucked, there is a brief intermission (approx. 20 minutes) followed by the entertainment. The concert lasts between 1-1 ½ hours.
The events occur in the following order:
- Grand Entry
- Bareback Riding
- Steer Wrestling
- Mutton Bustin'
- Team Roping
- Saddle Bronc Riding
- Calf Scramble
- Tie Down Roping
- Barrel Racing
- Bull Riding
View the rodeo entertainers.