Listen, we aren’t gatekeepers around here and more than anything, we want to share all the ways how you can get into rodeo. And the best thing? You don’t even have to ride a bull to do it. If that’s what you want to do then we have you covered there, but hang tight and keep reading!
What is Rodeo?
We all start somewhere and if you’ve landed here because you’re interested in getting involved in rodeo then you’ve come to the right place! Rodeo is a sport that brings together traditions of the old west and the athleticism of today’s cowboys, cowgirls, and livestock. Rodeo is a sport that consists of 8 main events, bull riding, saddle bronc, bareback bronc, barrel racing, tie-down roping, team roping, breakaway roping and steer wrestling. These events typically take place during a performance which can take place in anywhere from two days to two weeks. Each rodeo has its own format and payouts, then most rodeos are sanctioned by an overhead association that keeps track of money earned and points for the cowboys and cowgirls. If you want to learn more, please visit this article. At the end of the day, there is a ton of ways to get involved in rodeo and we are going to cover a few of those today.
Join a Rodeo Committee
One of our favorite ways to get started in rodeo is by joining a rodeo committee. It can be as simple as Googling your local rodeo and then emailing them to ask how to get involved. There are many different jobs within rodeo committees and coming from experience, we can guarantee they will take any help they can get.
Attend a Rodeo
Attending a rodeo is probably the easiest way to not only support rodeo but also learn about what goes into them. Whether you are attending to learn about the sport or you want to start competing, attending is a great way to get started! Did you know that most rodeos raise money as a non-profit organization to give back to their community? It’s true! Rodeo Houston is one of the largest rodeos in the country and gives millions of dollars back to charitable organizations and scholarships.
How much does it cost to get into the rodeo?
Great question! These days, attending a rodeo has many options. You can normally buy tickets online, but some rodeos still only offer their tickets in person at local stores or ticket booths. We always recommend checking out the rodeo’s website before attending to find the best option for you and your family. Tickets prices for rodeos usually range from $12-$20 for adults, sometimes more for the larger rodeos and usually $8-$10 for children under 12. Typically rodeos do allow children under 2 in for free, but once again, make sure to check their social media or website more for information before you go. Some other options that rodeos offer for tickets are military, senior and family discounts. All rodeos are different and offer different discounts depending on their area and demographics!
Find an Event Near You
Finding a rodeo near you is pretty easy these days. There are several great websites available that post weekly about upcoming events across the country or you can always Google, “Rodeos Near Me” to see what’s coming up in your area. Here at Rodeo Heritage Foundation, we keep ongoing articles about rodeos in different states, so if you are looking for rodeos in your state, let us know and we will add them to our list. Other sites you can check are:
Become an Athlete
One of the last ways you can start getting into rodeo is by becoming an athlete. Now, this might be the toughest place to start out, but it can really rewarding. Regardless of what event you want to compete in, you will want to figure out if you want to go pro or just compete as a hobby. Depending on what you decide on will determine the route you go for joining an association. Keep an eye out as we post more about this process for new athletes. In the meantime, if you have questions about where to get started, feel free to contact us for a free call on how to get started or if you just want to be pointed in the right direction. Below are some items to get you thinking about how to get into rodeo and start competing.
- What event will you participate in? (Barrel racing, team roping, tie-down, bull riding, saddle bronc, bareback, breakaway or steer wrestling)
- What capacity do you have to travel every weekend? (In-state or out of state)
- Are you doing this as a hobby or do you want to start a career in this sport?
- How else can you make money while also rodeoing?
- What connections do you have for sponsorship?
- Do you have a social following to produce a media kit to pitch to sponsors?