#3. Calf Roping
The goal of this calf roping is for the rider to catch the calf by throwing a loop of rope from a lariat around its neck, dismount from the horse, run to the calf, and restrain it by tying three legs together, in as short a time as possible. This is one of the few rodeo events which actually has a use in the everyday work of a ranch horse. This timed event is done in teams of two, or individually. Although not as intriguing as watching grown men be thrown of 1000lbs animals, it still holds it's own in this competition. The horse and rider go from a complete stand still, to an all out gallop in less than a few seconds in a race against the clock to catch the nimble calf. If the horse breaks the "barrier" before the timer goes, the team is given a "cowboy speeding ticket" which adds a ten second penalty to their final time. Speed and agility play a huge role in this event. The horses ability to pick up a gallop and catch up to the calf is crucial, and the rider must be able to accurately throw and rope the calf successfully from horse back. Top professional riders and able to rope and tie a calf in 7 seconds. The world record is just over 6 seconds. #2 Barrel Racing
Barrel racing is a rodeo event in which a horse and rider attempt to complete a pattern around three barrels in the fastest time. This event requires serious athletic ability of both the horse and rider, and excellent horsemanship skills from the rider. The horse must be able to manouver around the three 55 gallon metal drums quickly, and extremely carefully, with only the ques from the rider guiding him. Hitting the barrels at the speed the horse is going can lead to many serious injuries, and a potential time penalty.
#1. Bull Riding
Bull riding is a rodeo sport that involves a rider getting on a large bull and attempting to stay mounted for at least 8 seconds while the animal attempts to throw the rider off. The rider tightly fastens one hand to the bull with a long braided rope. It is a risky sport and has been called "the most dangerous eight seconds in sports." A rider mounts a bull and grips a flat braided rope. After he secures a good grip on the rope, the rider nods to signal he is ready. The bucking chute is opened and the bull storms out into the arena. The rider must attempt to stay on the bull for at least eight seconds, while only touching the bull with his riding hand. His other hand must remain free for the duration of the ride. Bull riding also has the highest rate of injury of any rodeo sport. It accounts for approximately 50% of all injuries to rodeo contestants, and the bullfighters have the highest injury rate of any non-contestant group.
