Bareback riding is considered to be one of the most physically demanding events of rodeo. The rider must stay aboard a bucking horse for 8 full seconds, using only a bareback rigging consisting of a leather piece attached to a suitcase-like handle. The event is judged by two field judges each allowed to allot 50 points; 25 are assigned to the rider’s technique and 25 to the quality of the bucking horse. The rider can receive a disqualification for failing to mark-out, which means having his heels over the rough stock’s point of shoulder. The rider can also get disqualified for not riding the full eight seconds or touching self, horse or tack.

Bull Riding has one of the largest growing fan bases because it is the roughest and toughest sport on dirt. A rider has to ride a bucking bull for a full eight seconds. This is considered the most dangerous event in rodeo. The cowboy receives a no time if he does not ride for the full 8 seconds or if he touches his equipment, the bull, or himself with his free hand. He is judged by two judges; fifty points on the cowboy’s technique and fifty points on the bull’s ability to buck. The cowboy receives a higher score for spurring the bull.

Barrel Racing is a heated race against the clock. When the cowgirl is ready she shoots through the ally way headed toward the first barrel, or the money barrel. She then makes a sharp turn and heads to her second barrel, turns again, and heads to the third, to form a cloverleaf pattern. If she knocks over a barrel it will cause a five-second penalty to be added to the time which could put her out of the winnings.

Tie Down Roping is the only event where the horse is required to work independently of its rider. Much like other events involving cattle, the calf is ran down a chute with a barrier in front of it to give the calf a head start. At the cowboy’s confirmation, the chute is opened and the calf is let loose. The cowboy must rope the calf with his lariat and then jump off of his horse who simultaneously starts backing to ensure that the rope is held tight. The cowboy must then flank, or lay the calf on its back where all four feet are facing upwards. He has to tie three of the calves’ legs together using a piggin’ string and the calf must stay tied for six seconds. After the cowboy ties a hooey, a knot consisting of two wraps and a half hitch knot, he throws his hands up to signify for the timer to stop.

Saddle bronc riding is rodeo’s classic event. It evolved from the task of breaking and training horses to work the cattle ranches of the Old West. During this event, riders must mount a near 2,000-pound powerhouse that was bred to buck. At the nod of the cowboy, the chute gate is opened and the rider must mark out. The mark-out rule means the cowboy’s heel must be above the horse’s point of shoulder when the horse’s front feet hit the ground. No mark out results in a no score. Other disqualifications include touching his equipment, horse, or self with his free hand, not riding the full eight seconds, dropping the reins, or losing a stirrup. The event is judged by two field judges each allowed to allot 50 points; 25 are assigned to the rider’s technique and 25 to the quality of the bucking horse.