SECOND ANNUAL
COY LUTZ MEMORIAL PRCA RODEO
BAREBACK RIDING
A bareback rider uses a rigging, which resembles a suitcase handle, placed on the horse's withers and secured with a cinch. When the chute opens, the rider must mark out the horse. If the cowboy fails to do this, he is disqualified. A cowboy can also be disqualified if he touches any part his body or the horse with his free hand. A rider must remain on the horse for eight seconds in order for a qualified ride. A bareback rider is judged on his spurring technique, body control and the horse’s bucking action.
SADDLE BRONC RIDING
Similar to bareback riding, saddle bronc riders must also mark out their horses. While a bareback rider has a rigging to hold onto, the saddle bronc rider only has a thick rein attached to the horse's halter. If he touches any part of the horse or his own body with his free hand, he is disqualified. The cowboy must remain in the saddle for eight seconds for a qualified ride.
BULL RIDING
A bull rider grasps a flat braided rope called a bull rope. The rider then wraps the rope around his hand to further secure his grip. A rider must remain on the bull for eight seconds in order for a qualified ride.
Timed Events
TIE-DOWN ROPING
Tie-down roping can be traced back to the working ranches of the Old West when calves were sick or injured and had to be roped and immobilized for veterinary treatment. When the cowboy nods, the calf is released from the chute. When the calf reaches its advantage point, the barrier is released. The horse is trained to come to a stop when the cowboy throws his loop and catches the calf. The roper must remount his horse and ride forward to create slack in the rope. The calf must remain tied for six seconds. (Also called Calf Roping)
STEER WRESTLING
Steer wrestling requires the help of another cowboy, who keeps the steer lined out. Like tie-down roping and team roping, the steer gets a head start. Once the cowboy nods, both the cowboy and hazer* run after the steer. It is the job of the hazer to keep the steer traveling in a straight line while the cowboy gets close enough to jump from his moving horse onto the back of the steer. The contestant must grasp the horns and pull the steer to the ground. (Also called Bull Dogging)
TEAM ROPING
This is the only true team event between two ropers: a header* and a heeler*. The event originated on ranches when cowboys needed to treat or brand large steers and the task was too difficult for one person. Similar to tie-down roping and steer wrestling, the steer gets a head start and a ten second penalty is assessed if the barrier is broken. The header ropes first and must make a legal catch. He turns the steer to the left and the heeler attempts to rope both hind legs. After the cowboys catch the steer, the clock is stopped when there is no slack in their ropes and their horses face one another.
BARREL RACING
The horse and rider pair completes a cloverleaf pattern around three barrels (set in a triangle) either by going to the right barrel first (most common) or the left barrel. If a contestant runs to the right barrel first, they make one right handed turn and two left handed turns around the other barrels; vice versa if the contestant goes to the left barrel first. The fastest time wins and winners are usually determined by hundredths, if not thousandths, of a second. Contestants are allowed to touch, wiggle or move barrels, but not knock them over.