How to Dress to Compete in a Rodeo

A rodeo cowboy just isn't a rodeo cowboy without his or her traditional lasso and pair of Wrangler's. Below are some tips on how to ride the bucking bronco in style.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Spurs
• Cowboy Hats
• Jeans
• Long-sleeved Shirts
• Riding Boots

1. Wear long pants every time you ride a horse, no matter what the event. Western competitions require riders to wear jeans to protect their legs should they fall.

2. Cover your arms with a long-sleeved shirt for added protection.

3. Grab a hat. All Western riding events require riders to wear cowboy hats.

4. Slip your boots on. Cowboy boots or other riding footwear is required. The low heel keeps your foot from sliding through the stirrup, and the narrowness of the boot prevents your foot from getting caught in the stirrups if you fall off the horse.

5. Attach spurs to your boots. A well-trained horse should not need to be spurred, but when necessary, they can be used to nudge a horse along.

Tips & Warnings

• Cowboy hats are typically made of either tan straw or black felt. The choice is up to you.
• Riders' attire for most Western riding events is typically rather plain. Riders taking part in events such as Western Pleasure, Halter or Showmanship, however, often coordinate their riding wardrobes with their horse's accessories.
• Spurs should never be used with force stronger than that of a gentle tap on the horse's shoulder, belly or flank.

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[horseluver]

on 8/8/2008 hey. I dont wear a helmet and never have i've never fallen and have been riding for 10 years. I hope that rodeos never require a helmet because it just looks bad and interfears with movement I an a 2 time champion barrel racer and champion header. so ya thats my opinion. people who fall off and get hurt. hey thats ur fault become a better rider and take some lessons
thank you.

oh ya and mabey think about getting your horse trained or get a new one

[funchy]

on 2/27/2008 Some Western events are slowly starting to wise up and require helmets. Please consider wearing one next time you ride, even if it doesn't look "cool". I almost lost a good friend to a bad fall. I also had a show day ruined at a western event due to some hotdog western rider who "didn't need" a helmet. She left on the medevac helicopter to shock trauma not breathing. Thank you!

[turnnburndad]

on 6/12/2007 Spur of the moment - Each horse is different as is each rider. Communicating with your horse and understanding one another is vital to bonding with your horse. Any type of physical pain to your horse should never be used. If your horse is not giving to your command, then he is trying to tell you something. If you are an inexperienced rider, find someone that has the ability to help you communicate with your horse and you both will be happier. I agree, do away with the spurs, crops, whips, long shanks, etc... Think about what you're asking of your horse and how you would respond.
Any horse trained properly and with respect will be a loving companion and have a willing heart to please in any job you give him. Good Luck!

on 9/18/2006 Be sure that in Rodeo Events, if you use spurs, that you have the Western Style not the English Style. Western Style has the little rubber blades at the end and the English does not. When you go shopping for your spurs, make sure that the blades are rubber. When you get the steel spur it will cut into your horse when you squeeze.

on 8/12/2006 In fact, the low heel boots called ropers are very dangerous because they can and have gone through the stirrup. I know of at least two people that have had this happen, and one was killed. The traditional cowboy boots or any higher heeled riding boots are much safer. I know ropers are in style, but keep them in the truck until after the event. And no, they are not made for roping either.