77th Annual Ute Stampede Rodeo
July 14, 15, & 16, 2011
Nephi, Utah
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Bareback Riding
A bareback rider begins his ride with his feet above the break of the horse's shoulder. If the cowboy's feet aren't in the correct position when the horse hits the ground on its first jump out of the chute, the cowboy has failed to "mark out"
the horse properly and is disqualified. Throughout the eight-second ride, the cowboy must grasp the rigging
(a handhold made of leather and rawhide) with only one hand. A rider is disqualified if he touches his equipment
himself, or the animal with his free hand or gets bucked off. The rider is judged on his control during the ride and on his spurring technique. The score is also based on the rider's "exposure" to the strength of the horse. In addition, the horses performance accounts for half the potential score
Steer Wrestling (Bulldogging)
Steer Wrestling requires more than just brute strength. The Successful steer wrestler, or bulldogger, is strong to be sure, but he also understands the principles of leverage. The steer wrestler on horseback starts behind a barrier, and begins his chase after the steer has been given a head start. If the contestant leaves too soon and breaks the barrier, he receives a 10-second penalty. The steer wrestler is assisted by a hazer, another cowboy on horseback tasked with keeping the steer running in a straight line. When the contestants horse pulls even with the steer, he eases down the right side of the horse and reaches for the steers horns. After grasping the horn's he digs his heels into the dirt. As the steer slows the cowboy turns the animal, lifts up on it's right horn and pushes down with his left hand in an effort to tip the steer over. After the catch, the steer wrestler must either bring the steer to a stop or change the direction of the animals body before the throw or is disqualified. The clock stops when the steer is on his side with all four legs pointing the same direction.
Saddle Bronc Riding
Saddle Bronc riders must begin their ride with their feet over the bronc's shoulders, If the cowboy's feet aren't in the correct position when the horse hits the ground on its first jump out of the chute, the cowboy has failed to "mark out" the horse properly and is disqualified. The cowboy must keep both feet in the stirrups and keep the rein in his hand throughout the 8 second ride. Changing hands on the rein is not allowed. The cowboy is not allowed to touch the horse, himself or any of his equipment with his free hand during the ride. A rider who synchronizes his spurring action with the animal's bucking efforts will receive a high score. Other factors considered in the scoring are the cowboy's control throughout the ride, the length of his spurring stroke and how hard the horse bucks.
Tie Down Roping
Success in calf roping depends largely on the teamwork between a cowboy and his horse. The luck of the draw is also a factor. A feisty calf that runs fast or kicks hard can foil a roper's finest effort. After the calf is given a head start, horse and rider give chase. The contestant ropes the calf, then dismounts and runs to the animal. After catching and flanking the calf, the cowboy ties any three of the animal's legs together using a "piggin string" which he carries in his teeth until needed. If the calf is not standing when the contestant reaches it, the cowboy must allow the animal to stand, then flank it. When the cowboy completes his tie, he throws his hands in the air as a signal to the judge, then remounts his horse and allows the rope to become slack. The run is declared invalid if the calf kicks free within six seconds. As with any timed event, a 10-second penalty is added if the calf roper breaks the barrier at the beginning of the run. Though calf roping involves the incorporation of several distinct skills, the action is incredibly fast and very exciting to watch.
Team Roping
Team Roping is unique in that two cowboys work together for a shared time. The first Cowboy, known as the "header" ropes the steer by the horns, around the neck, or half head" which is one horn and the neck. after this catch is made, the header wraps his rope around his saddle horn, commonly known as dallying, and turns the steer in a wide arc to the left.
The second Cowboy is known as the "heeler." trails behind the steer and ropes the back feet, dallying his rope to his horn. If he only manages one hind foot, the team receives a penalty. Time is stopped when both cowboys' horses are facing each other with the steer streched out and both ropes are tight.
Women's Barrel Racing
The contestant and her horse enter the arena at full speed. As they start the pattern, the horse and rider trigger an electronic eye that starts the clock. Then the racer rides a clover leaf pattern around three barrels positioned in the arena, and sprints back out of the arena, tripping the eye and stopping the clock as she leaves The contestant can touch or even move the barrels with no penalty, but receives a five-second penalty for each barrel that is over turned.
With the margin of victory measured in hundredths of seconds, knocking over one barrel spells disaster for a barrel racing competitor.
Bull Riding
Unlike the other rough stock events, contestants are not required to spur in the Bull Riding event. No wonder, It's usually impressive enough just to remain seated after eight seconds on an animal that may weigh more than a ton and is as quick as he is big. Upper body control and strong legs are essential to riding bulls. The rider tries to remain forward, or "over his hand," at all times. Leaning back could cause him to be whipped forward when the bull bucks.
Judges watch for good body position and other factors, including use of the free arm and spurring action. Although not required, spurring will add points to a rider's score. As in all the riding events, half of the score in bull riding is determined by the contestant's performance and the other half is based on the animal's effort. A bull rider will be disqualified for touching the animal, himself or his equipment with his free hand or being bucked off.