Rodeo Today
The sport of rodeo today offers spectators a window into America’s rich rural
ranching past, with all the excitement and electricity that today’s major modern
sporting events have to offer! Rodeo goes with America like Apple Pie and
Baseball. Rodeo exemplifies grit and determination - the spirit of American ideals.
Standardized events are designed to test the skill and speed of the human cowboy
and cowgirl athletes who participate.
Professional rodeos generally comprises the following events: tie-down roping,
team roping, steer wrestling, saddle bronc riding, bareback bronc riding, bull
riding, and barrel racing.
Events are divided into two basic categories: the rough stock events and the timed
events. Depending on sanctioning organization and region, other events such as
breakaway roping, goat tying, and pole bending may also be a part of some
rodeos.
In North America, professional rodeos are governed and sanctioned by the
Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) and Women’s Professional Rodeo
Association (WPRA), while other associations govern children's, high school,
collegiate, and senior rodeos. Associations also exist for Native Americans, and
other minority groups. The traditional season for competitive rodeo runs from
spring through fall. The traditional peak time for the largest number of rodeos is
the July 4th weekend. The modern professional rodeo circuit runs longer, and
concludes with the PRCA Wrangler National Finals Rodeo (NFR) in Las Vegas,
Nevada, which is now held in December.
The Canby Rodeo presented by the Clackamas County Fair, held traditionally the
3rd week in August, is sanctioned by the PRCA. A rodeo with deep traditions and
strong volunteerism, it is a coveted stop by the PRCA’s top Cowboy talent.
