Saddle Up! Bulls, Broncs, and Texas' Oldest Rodeos
What is it about rodeos that has captured the spirit of Texas for generations? From the roar of the crowd, to the thundering hooves, to the daring feats of skill from the cowboys and cowgirls, rodeo is about as Texan as you can get. So, just in time for rodeo season, here's your Texas rodeo primer along with a look at the history behind Texas' oldest and most celebrated rodeos.
The Origins of Rodeo Tradition
Dating back to the 16th century, rodeo has deep roots in the American Southwest. The origins of rodeo trace back to the Spanish conquistadors, vaqueros, and settlers, who introduced horses and cattle to the Southwest and shaped the region’s ranching traditions. After the Civil War, the open ranges of Texas and beyond became a hub for cattle drives and large ranches, with cowboys honing skills that defined the frontier lifestyle. Over time, these everyday tasks turned into spirited competitions, paving the way for the thrilling rodeo events we enjoy today.
The 1800s marked the rise of the American cowboy and the blending of Anglo and Spanish-Mexican ranching traditions in Texas. After the Civil War, an abundance of wild cattle and the Eastern market fueled cattle drives and the growth of large ranches like the JA, XIT, and Four Sixes in West Texas and the Panhandle. Once fencing crisscrossed the open range, cowboys had to showcase their skills during community events, especially Fourth of July celebrations. These events evolved into annual rodeo competitions. By the 1890s, rodeo had transformed into a popular spectator event, showcasing the enduring legacy of cowboy culture.
Texas was the epicenter of cattle culture since the historic trails such as the Chisholm Trail, the Goodnight-Loving Trail, and the Butterfield Overland Trail all wove through the state. And as a result, rodeos and cowboy culture flourished.
In the early days, participating in rodeo events was limited to men. But not to be outdone by the cowboys, women have been showing off their own skills in rodeo events since 1904. Though they faced challenges and hardships, women's rodeo rules were finally formalized in 1948 with the formation of the Women's Professional Rodeo Association.
Rodeo Events: Bulls, Broncs, and More
As entertaining as rodeos are, they exist for more than pure enjoyment reasons. Since rodeo is based on the cowboy lifestyle, each rodeo event demonstrates a skill that cowboys used in their everyday work. Today there are eight official pro rodeo events that highlight the abilities of both the animal and the cowboy or cowgirl in the competition. The eight events are broken into two categories: roughstock and timed events. Keep reading for a short description of each rodeo event.
Roughstock Events
- Saddle Bronc Riding: A rider must stay on a bucking horse using only a specialized saddle and rein for eight seconds, showcasing skill and control.
- Bareback Riding: A rider grips a rigging with one hand and tries to stay on a bucking horse for eight seconds without a saddle.
- Bull Riding: Riders attempt to stay atop a bucking bull for eight seconds using just one hand on a rope tied around the bull.
Timed Events
- Steer Wrestling: Also known as bulldogging, this event involves a cowboy leaping from a horse to wrestle a steer to the ground as quickly as possible.
- Tie Down Roping: A rider ropes a calf, dismounts, and ties three of the calf’s legs together as fast as possible.
- Team Roping: A two-person event where one cowboy ropes the steer’s horns (header) and another ropes its hind legs (heeler) in a coordinated effort.
- Barrel Racing: A fast-paced event where riders guide their horses around three barrels in a cloverleaf pattern, aiming for the fastest time.
- Breakaway Roping: A rider ropes a calf, and the rope breaks away from the saddle horn to signal the end of the run.

Grab Your Boots! How To Plan Your First Rodeo Experience
If you're a newcomer to Texas or if you're a Texan but this is literally your first rodeo, we've put together some tips to help you enjoy your day and look the part while you're at it.
- What to wear: Comfort is key. Rodeo events are held in large areas, so you may need to walk quite a distance between events. Keeping comfort in mind, feel free to dress the part. You can't go wrong with a good pair of jeans, cowboy hats, and a pair of boots.
- Watch the weather: Texas weather is often unpredictable, but that's specially true in the Springtime. A thunderstorm or cold front could pop up seemingly out of nowhere. And the Texas Summers are H-O-T.
- What to bring: Since rodeos are outdoor events, you'll want to be prepared. So, bring a jacket and some rain gear for those Spring rodeos, and a hat and sunscreen if your rodeo is in the Summer. Don't forget your camera!
- Don't skip the animal exhibits: Between the rodeo events, be sure to visit the livestock area where you can see bulls, cows, sheep, horses, and other animals.
Experience Texas' Oldest Rodeos for Yourself
Are you ready to rodeo? Well pardner, you're in luck! Rodeo season gets underway in the early Spring and typically lasts through the Summer. Plan your trip to a rodeo near you and immerse yourself in Texas’ rodeo heritage.
Check out one of the featured rodeos below and witness the history, culture, and excitement firsthand.