The rodeo

The rodeo (from the Spanish word for a cattle ring) originated in the American West as informal contests of skill held after the big cattle drives. Later formal rodeos were organized with prize money, and today these events attract large numbers of contestants and spectators; there are also professional rodeo organizations such as the Rodeo Cowboys' Association and the Girls' Rodeo Association. There are five traditional rodeo events: bronco riding, saddle bronco riding, bull riding, steer wrestling and calf roping. In this event, a calf is released into the ring from a chute and the cowboy gallops after to lasso it. Part of the Western horse's basic training to come to a sliding halt when the calf is roped and to back away, keeping the lariat, which is secured to the horn, taut. The cowboy then dismounts, turns the calf over on its side and ties three of its legs together. The rider who accomplishes this in least amount of time wins the event.