Rodeo, with its spectacular events and electric atmosphere, fascinates as much as it divides. Rodeo may be a widely popular entertainment sport today, but it has its roots in the daily lives of cattle farmers. This blend of tradition and modernity tells a rich story of physical challenge, cultural evolution and controversy.
Article and photographs by Svetlana Markoff / Edited by Alex C.
At the Roots of Rodeo and Its Legacy
The word ‘rodeo’ has its origins in the Spanish word rodear, meaning ‘to encircle’, which was originally an essential practice for Spanish and Mexican ranchers, consisting of herding cattle together to mark them or care for them. Imported into the western United States in the 18th century, the practice quickly became a means of demonstrating the skills of cowboys. Ranches organised friendly competitions, which eventually attracted spectators and laid the foundations for modern rodeos.
Bull riding was not a skill required for the cowboy profession. This discipline was born from the desire to take on ever more daring challenges. Initially, it was perceived as a marginal activity, often reserved for novices. It was only in the 1950s that some herders began to turn this practice into a real spectacle. In the 1980s, bull rodeo enjoyed its golden age, before the Professional Bull Riders (PBR) was founded in 1992, marking a new era for the sport.
Did you know?
Rodeo, while an iconic American tradition, also has its roots in Spanish and Mexican bullfighting. These influences are found in the techniques used by cowboys.
Trials That Challenge Body and Spirit
The sport rodeo is made up of several disciplines reflecting the traditional skills of breeders. Among the timed events, we find:
- Roping: capturing a calf with a lasso.
- Steer Wrestling: catching a calf by jumping on it from a galloping horse.
- Barrel Racing: a race against time around three barrels, reserved for women.
The Roughstock events include bareback riding on a wild horse and bull riding, the latter being particularly appreciated for its spectacular nature and its dangerousness. Riders must hold on to a bull for at least 8 seconds, a performance assessed on the participant’s technique and the animal’s power.
Did You Know?
Barrel Racing is an exclusively female event where the speed and precision of the rider are essential. The bond with your horse is often decisive for achieving a good time.
Adrenaline and the Rules of Bull Rodeo
Bull Riding is the flagship event of rodeo and also the riskiest. To succeed, the rider must hold on to the bull’s back for 8 seconds. The rope used, called a bullrope, is tied around the animal’s torso and allows the rider to hold on with one hand. The free hand must under no circumstances touch the bull or the rider himself under penalty of disqualification.
Each duel in the arena features a collaboration between rider and bull, where both are judged: the rider for his style and technique, and the bull for his energy and kicks. To ensure the safety of participants, rodeo clowns intervene to distract the animal’s attention after the participant is ejected.
Did You Know?
Some bulls, true stars of the rodeo, have their own name and generate significant income through their participation in competitions. The best specimens can be worth up to 400,000 euros.
Between Tradition and Animal Ethics
While the rodeo celebrates the skill of riders, it also raises animal welfare concerns. The horses and bulls used are subjected to high levels of stress, which has sparked widespread criticism from animal welfare organizations.
To address these concerns, strict regulations have been introduced. For example, spurs must be blunt to avoid injuring the animals, and the presence of a veterinarian is mandatory during competitions. In addition, rodeo bulls are often fed a careful diet and have regular medical checkups. These efforts aim to preserve their health while ensuring their performance in the arena.
However, the rules vary by country. In Australia, for example, the use of electric prods is regulated and prohibited in certain states, while it remains authorized elsewhere. These disparities are fueling debates, and associations like PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) are calling for a total ban on these practices.
Did you know?
Rodeo bulls are sometimes compared to professional athletes because of their specific training and intensive care they receive to maximize their performance.
The Rodeo Between Passion and Controversies
This sport is an emblem of rural lands and the spirit of cowboys, but the activity is going through a phase of transformation in the face of contemporary expectations. In seeking to preserve its heritage, it also responds to growing concerns over animal welfare, an increasingly debated topic.
Ultimately, the challenge remains significant! How can we reconcile animal shows with respect for traditions and current ethical requirements? This quest for balance reflects the tensions of our modern societies, shared between the valorization of cultural heritage and the adoption of new values. Rodeo continues to evolve, finding its place between past and future, adrenaline and responsibility. And you, what do you think?
For more information: https://www.australianrodeofederation.com.au/History-of-Australian-Rodeo-12/
This article may interest you: https://terra-cultura.com/en/toraja-funeral-rites-traditions-and-ancestral-symbols/
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