The Events
Seven thrilling disciplines that make up championship rodeo
Roughstock Events
Man versus animal. These judged events pit cowboys against bucking horses and bulls in an 8-second battle.
Bull Riding
Often called "the most dangerous 8 seconds in sports," bull riding challenges cowboys to stay mounted on a 2,000-pound bucking bull using only a flat braided rope wrapped around the bull's chest.
Saddle Bronc Riding
Considered the most classic rodeo event, saddle bronc riding requires cowboys to ride a bucking horse while maintaining a rhythmic spurring motion synchronized with the horse's movements.
Bareback Riding
With nothing but a leather rigging and raw athleticism, bareback riders endure the most physically demanding rodeo event. Cowboys must make clean, rhythmic spurring strokes while fighting extreme centrifugal forces.
Timed Events
Speed and precision rule these events where cowboys race against the clock and each other.
Steer Wrestling
Also known as "bulldogging," steer wrestling is the fastest event in rodeo. A cowboy leaps from his horse onto a running steer and wrestles it to the ground by twisting its horns.
Tie-Down Roping
Requiring incredible precision and speed, tie-down roping showcases the working ranch skill of roping and restraining a calf. Cowboys must rope, dismount, throw, and tie three legs of a calf.
Team Roping
The only true team event in rodeo, team roping features two cowboys working together: a "header" who ropes the steer's horns and a "heeler" who ropes the back legs.
Women's Event
Speed, precision, and horsemanship combine in one of rodeo's most exciting events.
Barrel Racing
A high-speed display of horsemanship, barrel racing features cowgirls navigating a cloverleaf pattern around three barrels at breakneck speeds. Split-second timing and exceptional horse-rider partnerships make this event a crowd favorite.
How Scoring Works
Understanding the points behind the performances
Roughstock Events
Bull Riding, Saddle Bronc, and Bareback are all scored the same way
What Judges Look For:
- Rider: Control, spurring technique, body position, style
- Animal: Power, speed, drop, kick, spin, direction changes
- The Mark Out: Rider's spurs must be above horse's shoulders on first jump
Timed Events
Speed wins! Fastest time takes the prize money.
Common Penalties:
- Broken Barrier: +10 seconds
- Knocked Barrel: +5 seconds
- Single Leg Catch: +5 seconds (team roping)
- Tie Comes Loose: No time recorded
Automatic Disqualifications
Rodeo Terms
Talk like a cowboy with this essential rodeo vocabulary
Bullfighters
The brave athletes who protect bull riders from the bull after they dismount. Not to be confused with rodeo clowns who entertain.
Chute
The narrow enclosure where the animal and rider wait before the event begins. "In the chute" means ready to compete.
Go-Round
One complete round of competition where every contestant competes once. Most rodeos have multiple go-rounds.
Hazer
In steer wrestling, the cowboy who rides alongside the steer to keep it running straight while the bulldogger makes the leap.
Header
The team roper who ropes the steer's horns first, then turns it for the heeler.
Heeler
The team roper who catches the steer's back legs after the header makes the turn.
Hooey
The half-hitch knot used to tie three legs of a calf in tie-down roping.
Mark Out
The required starting position in bareback and saddle bronc where spurs must be above the horse's shoulders when it leaves the chute.
No Time / No Score
When a competitor is disqualified or fails to complete the event successfully.
Pick-Up Men
Mounted cowboys who help bronc riders dismount safely and remove the flank strap from bucking horses.
Re-Ride
A second opportunity to compete, granted when the animal performs poorly or equipment fails.
Rigging
The leather handhold that bareback riders grip. It's all that keeps them on the horse.
Rank
Describes a particularly difficult, aggressive bucking animal. Being "rank" is a compliment for livestock!
Slack
Additional competition rounds held outside the main performance, usually in the morning, to accommodate all contestants.
Spurring Licks
The rhythmic leg motion that bronc riders use to score points, moving from the horse's neck to the back of the saddle.
Stock Contractor
The company or person who provides the bucking horses, bulls, steers, and calves for competition.
Rodeo Culture
The traditions, values, and spirit that make rodeo America's heritage sport
A Living History
Rodeo evolved from the everyday working skills of cattle ranchers in the Old West. What started as informal competitions between ranch hands became organized events by the 1800s. Today, rodeo preserves these traditions while honoring the courage and skill of the American cowboy.
The PRCA
The Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association is the premier sanctioning body for professional rodeo in North America. PRCA rodeos follow strict rules and standards, ensuring fair competition and animal welfare. Music City Rodeo is proudly PRCA-sanctioned.
Animal Athletes
Rodeo livestock are elite athletes, bred and raised specifically for competition. A top bucking bull can be worth over $500,000 and receives premium care, nutrition, and veterinary attention. These animals often have fans and followings of their own!
Code of the West
Rodeo embodies timeless values: integrity, grit, respect, and helping your neighbor. Cowboys tip their hats, shake hands firmly, and compete with honor. Win or lose, respect for fellow competitors and livestock is paramount.
Family Tradition
Rodeo is often a family affair, with skills and traditions passed down through generations. Many top competitors come from rodeo families, learning to ride and rope almost before they can walk. It's not just a sport—it's a way of life.
Music City Meets Rodeo
Nashville's first and only PRCA rodeo brings together two great American traditions: country music and championship rodeo. Expect world-class competition, live music, and that unmistakable Nashville energy—all under one roof at Bridgestone Arena.
2025 Rodeo Highlights
Relive the action from Music City Rodeo 2025
Ready to Experience Championship Rodeo?
Now you know the events, the scoring, and the culture. There's only one thing left to do—see it live!
