​This event requires control, attention to detail, and a close partnership between horse and rider. Competing against the clock, contestants circle three barrels in a cloverleaf pattern and race back across the scoreline. Time is measured with an electronic eye timer, and a hundredth of a second can determine who wins. A rider may touch a barrel, but if she knocks one over a five-second penalty is added to her total time. It requires a combination of the horse's athletic ability and the horsemanship skills of a rider in order to safely and successfully maneuver around the three barrels places in a triangle pattern

Saddle bronc is a rodeo event involving a rodeo participant riding a bucking horse that attempts to throw or buck off the rider. Originally based on the necessary buck breaking skills of a working cowboy, the event is now a highly stylized competition that utilizes horses that are specially bred for strength, agility, and bucking ability. The standard riding equipment consists of a hornless saddle and a plain halter with a 6-foot (1.8-metre) braided rein. To make a qualifying score, the contestant must leave the chute with their spurs above the shoulders of the horse; the contestant’s feet must remain in the stirrups, and the contestant’s free hand cannot touch the horse, the saddle, or the contestant’s body. The cowboy holds on to a braided rein that is connected to the horse’s halter, using it to help balance himself. Event scoring combines a total of up to 50 points a piece for horse and rider; winning scores typically exceed 80 combined points, while 85 or above represents a superior ride.

Bareback riding is a horse riding event adopted into rodeos in the 1950’s. The rider must stay on 8 seconds and the event scoring combines a total of up to 50 points a piece for horse and rider; winning scores typically exceed 80 combined points, while 85 or above represents a superior ride.

The main difference between saddle bronc and bareback, is in bareback there is no saddle. The cowboy holds onto the standard Bascom rigging, a single riveted handhold, or “suitcase handle.” The cowboy must move with the rhythm of the horse. The stress on the cowboy’s arm is the most intense, as it absorbs most of the horse's power. The contestant must spur the animal over the shoulders as it leaves the chute. He then pulls his feet back up toward the rigging in a spurring motion. The higher the spurs, the higher the score. The contestant’s free hand must not touch the animal, the rigging or the contestant’s own body. 

This event uses horses who are specially bred for strength, agility, and bucking ability.

In bull riding, cowboys engage in a test of nerves against a bull.

A thick braided bullrope, complete with handhold, is wrapped around the bull and weighed down by a cowbell that allows the rope to fall when the ride is over. The rope is only kept tight by the bull rider’s grip.

Bull riding has been called "the most dangerous eight seconds in sports." To receive a score, the rider must stay on top of the bull for eight seconds with the use of one hand gripped on a bull rope and the other free hand held above the riders head. Touching the bull or themselves with the free hand, or failing to reach the eight-second mark, results in a no-score ride.

A perfect score is 100 points. In general, most professional riders score in the neighborhood of the mid-70s to the high 80s.

The cowboy isn’t required to move his feet—staying on is hard enough—but if he does spur, he gets higher marks.

A crowd favourite! 

In mutton bustin, a sheep is held still, either in a chute or by an adult handler while a child is placed on top in a riding position. Once the child is seated atop the sheep, and holding on, the sheep is released and usually starts to run in an attempt to get the child off. Prizes are given out to the children who can stay on the longest. 

The majority of children participating in the event fall off in less than 8 seconds. Age, height and weight restrictions of participants prevent injuries to the sheep, and spurs are banned from use. Children are required to wear helmets and appropriate gear, while having a guardian present. 

We start young in rodeo and that is how we keep the interest and sport alive

Come see a passionate and professional group of cowgirls open the rodeo. This grand entry team is a founding partner of the Valley West Stampede