OK, so it isn't hockey or soccer or basketball, but personally, I consider rodeo a sport. I am a big fan of rodeo as well as an avid competitor in the roping events (breakaway roping and team roping).

There are a lot of folks on here who like basketball, Nascar and other sports, so I just thought I would see who all on here is into RODEO?

If you like rodeo tell me why and what events you like best. Also, if you are a competitor like me, don't forget to tell me that as well as what events you compete in. If you've got horses tell us what breed they are and what their names are and why they are your chosen rodeo mount...or perhaps, if you are a bull or bronc rider, tell us the name of the toughest outlaw bull or bronc you ever matched wits with and what the outcome was.

I just thought this would be something a little different and fun to throw into the "Sports" category...so let's see what everyone has to say!

-LJ

I don't know if I can like it or not. I haven't been able to ask the animal if it likes being rode. Wait its trying to kick you off. I'm guessing no!

Indeed.

How could rodeo not be considered a sport?

I'm just a city boy that spends just enough time outside the city limits. Have been kicked, and fallen off of a horse before, though. Same farm, different horses. LOL

Anyway. I make it a point to make it to the high school championship rodeo every year in Harrisburg. I watch every event and enjoy the competitive spirit. Have also been to the weekly competitions at Cowtown on several occations. Bull riding, team roping, and steer wrestling being the favorites.

To those bashing the rodeo. The bull has every opportunity to show his displeasure. Then again, the bulls lead a pretty good life as it is. The other animals in rodeo cometition also lead much better lives than those relating to the other sides of agriculture.

Rodeo skills are one of the great catylists responsible for the expansion of our country. Keeping them alive is integrile to establishing a national culture.

That's cool that some people aren't into rodeo because they consider it cruel or unfair to the animals. Everyone has a right to their own opinion...which is why MY opinion is that people who think that way are WRONG! LOL...

Seriously, though, the roughstock (broncs and bulls) get their fair share of revenge on those cowboys, make no mistake. Sadly, there are countless numbers of injuries inflicted and sometimes even deaths caused by those bulls and bucking horses when things go wrong for the cowboys.

Things can even go wrong for us timed event competitors. I've seen barrel racers have their horses stumble and fall down going around a barrel, tie-down calf ropers get tangled in their ropes or hung up in their stirrup while trying to dismount and many a team roper has fallen victim to losing a finger and/or a thumb in their dallies. Then there are our mounts. Our horses are supposed to be broke and seasoned but sometimes things still go wrong and we get bucked off somehow. Now, when things go right and it all comes together for a smooth, clean, quick run--or a good, high-scoring ride for you roughstock riders out there--it sure is a good feeling!

do you ask the fish if it wants to be hooked too?

or the cow if it wants to be eaten?

considering that the bull weighs about 2000 lbs and the cowboy about 180 I think the bull prlly has the advantage

I think Rodeo is a great sport! I enjoy going to them and watching the competition. My favorite to watch is of course bull riding, followed by bare back bronc riding. I was fortunate enough to live with a family for awhile that had some acreage and horses and cows and other farm animals when I was younger. I learned to ride horses and did barrels, pole bending. I raised a steer for F.F.A. and it was a great learning experience. It is probably one of the best times of my life that I remember. I really enjoyed just getting on the horse bareback with just the hackamore and taking off for a trail ride in the mountains. It was and is one of the best experinces I will treasure always. Nothing like being out in the mountains... no phones, no motor vehicle noises, just being out there.