How to Attend Local Rodeos

Rodeos used to be found only in rural areas, but now you can find a rodeo to attend in virtually every large city in America. In some areas, rodeo is even a high school sport, so you can visit high school rodeo meets on a regular basis. Read on to learn how to attend rodeos.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Jeans
• Hat
• Boots
• Rodeo schedule

Dress Appropriately for the Rodeo

1. Wear jeans for function and fashion. Jeans are a popular look with the rodeo crowd. Jeans are also well suited to the dusty conditions most rodeos are held in.
2. Don a hat to keep the sun off your head and neck when you attend the rodeo. Wide-brimmed hats are the most effective sun protection.
3. Wear boots. Rodeos are full of animals and mud, so you want to wear boots that can weather these conditions.

Research Local High School Rodeos

4. Contact your local high school and ask whether they hold rodeos. Request a rodeo schedule.
5. Check the Internet for a high school rodeo association in your state. Many states have student- and state-run organizations which oversee and sponsor local high school rodeo events. These websites will also provide you with a list of member high schools.
6. Check out the National High School Rodeo Association website (see Resources below). Click on the "Schedules" button to see a list of high school rodeos occurring around the country.
7. Attend your local high school's rodeo. Tickets are typically inexpensive, and are sold at the gate just prior to the rodeo.

Check Out Professional Rodeos in Your Area

8. Visit the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association website (see Resources below). You can find a complete schedule of all PRCA-backed rodeos by clicking on the "Schedule" link on the home page. Links to specific rodeos are included in the listings when available.
9. Decide which events you want to see. Many different events will run simultaneously, so you will need to do a bit of planning. Events at professional rodeos include bronc riding, bull riding, calf roping, barrel racing, steer wrestling and team roping.
10. Stick around for the rodeo beauty pageant. Professional and high school rodeos typically elect a "Rodeo Queen" near the end of the event. Contestants must model, announce some of the events and ride around the rodeo on horseback.

Tips & Warnings

• High schools usually post rodeo results on their websites within a day or so of the event.
• Remember that the contestant's families are sitting in the stands with you. Be compassionate if a contestant is injured to avoid upsetting people.