How to Become a Professional Rodeo Cowboy

Bareback riding, steer wrestling, team, saddle bronc riding, calf roping and bull riding are main components in a rodeo. The sport is governed by two major organizations; Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) and the Women’s Professional Rodeo Association (WPRA). There are about 2,000 rodeos held each year in the United States and Canada. Top contestants compete in about 100 rodeos each year. The total prizes awarded annually are in excess of $12 million. Some PRCA riders earn over $150,000 per year. The PRCA has about 10,000 members.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Cowboy attire
• Gloves
• Practice with mock rodeo bulls
• Rope
• Practice with calves
• Cowboy hat (optional)

Become a professional rodeo cowboy

1. Exercise until you are in top form. Always try to be in very good shape physically because it takes a lot of strength and endurance to compete in rodeo events effectively. You’ll probably also need a new wardrobe. You can find some good cowboy attire at your local western wear store.

2. Learn to compete in rodeo events. This is made easier if you attend a rodeo school. There are many good rodeo schools such as Rope Meyers Rodeo School in Van, Texas or Sankey Rodeo School in Branson, Missouri.

3. Enter amateur rodeo competitions in your local area to prepare for a rodeo career. You should spend a reasonable amount of time in the local circuits before you try to compete with the pros.

4. Join the PRCA or WPRA and pay membership fees as your next stepping stone towards seriously competing in rodeo events. Your membership fee includes medical insurance coverage.

5. Compete in PRCA or WPRA “open” events (which are events open to new riders) which can help you take the final step for rodeo stardom; competing in all PRCA or WPRA events.

Tips & Warnings

• Read trade publications such as Rodeo News, Pro Rodeo Sports News and Canadian Rodeo News to stay fully informed about current events and follow news about the pro rodeo circuit.
• Riding bulls is a dangerous sport. Many rodeo participants have suffered serious injuries. In order to join the PRCA, you must waive your ability to make a legal claim for any injury suffered while you are competing.

Resources

• This is the official website for the PRCA.
• This is the official website of the WPRA.
• Here’s a website for one of the leading agencies representing individual rodeo cowboys, Cowboy Sports Agents, Inc.
• This is another rodeo cowboy agency.

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