What Do You Call A Rodeo Rider? A rodeo rider is usually called a cowboy (male) or cowgirl (female), although they are also called rodeo athletes, competitors, or their specific discipline, such as bull riders, bronc riders, or barrel racers. They are professional competitors who demonstrate skills in riding, roping, and horsemanship.
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Specific titles for rodeo riders based on their event are:
- Bronc Rider: Specializes in riding bucking horses (saddle bronc or bullback).
- Bull Rider: Bull riding, one of the most dangerous, high-scoring events.
- Barrel Racer: Competes in a designated event, riding a horse in a cloverleaf pattern around three barrels.
- Roper (Header/Heeler): Competes in team roping to catch a steer.
- Steer Wrestler/Bulldogger: Jumps off a horse to take down a steer.
- Pickup Rider/Man: A key safety rider who helps roughstock riders dismount after a ride.
While generally referred to as a cowboy or cowgirl, a rodeo rider’s specific title usually depends on the event they compete in:
Roughstock Riders
These athletes participate in competitions that are judged on the rider’s style and the ability to ride the animals.
- Bull rider: A rider who attempts to stay on a bull for eight seconds using only one hand.
- Bronc rider: A rider who competes in either saddle bronc (using a special saddle and reins) or bareback riding (sitting directly on the horse using a leather handhold called a rig).
- Scoring: 0-100 points. 50 points for rider control/spring technique; 50 points for animal difficulty (“how to rank“). A 93-point ride is almost legendary (Clayton Biglow, 2019)
Timed Event Competitors
These riders compete against the clock rather than against judges’ points.
- Barrel racer: Primarily female, these riders ride a horse in a cloverleaf pattern around three barrels.
- Bulldogger (steer wrestler): A rider who jumps off his horse to wrestle a steer to the ground by its horns.
- Roper: Depending on the specific event, they may be called:
- Tie-down Roper: Holds a calf and ties three legs together.
- Header and Heeler: Two partners in team roping; the header ropes the steer’s head/horns, and the heeler ties the hind legs with the rope.
- Breakaway Roper: Usually female or young, they tie a calf with a rope and “break away” from the saddle once the rope is tight.
- Scoring: Fastest time wins. Penalties (e.g., breaking a barrel, 5 seconds added) kill placements.
Specialized Arena Roles
- Pickup Rider: A mounted rider who helps rough stock competitors dismount safely after riding and leads the cattle out of the arena.
- Heiser: A rider who stays on the opposite side of the steer during steer wrestling to keep the animal running straight for the bulldogger.
- Genital Contact: A widespread myth is that the strap is tied around the bull’s testicles. Experts and anatomical studies confirm that this is false. The strap is placed around the lower abdomen and does not touch the genitals.
- Pain vs. Irritation: While organizations like PETA argue that the gear causes torture, the professional rodeo industry (including the PBR) maintains that the flank strap acts as a “cue” or mild irritant, similar to a belt or dog lead, and not a pain device.
Original Insights & Case Studies
The Rookie Who Became King
Riley Webb won the WrestleMania Rookie of the Year award in 2022 at the age of 19. By 2024, he was the world champion tie-down roper. By 2025, he held the #1 world ranking. His secret? “I don’t think about the buckle, I think about the rope.
The 68-Year-Old Champion
Mary Burger won the WPRA World Championship in barrel racing at the age of 68. She proved that rodeo is not specifically a young person’s sport. Experience beats youth when the horse knows the pattern.
The Family Rancher Perspective
Tellstool, a Wyoming barrel racer and ranch operator, emphasizes: “People think we just show up and ride. They don’t see the 4 a.m. feedings, the veterinary bills, the trailer tires blowing out in the Wyoming winter. We do it because we can’t imagine doing anything else.”
Expert Opinions – What Do Insiders Say?
Bo Vocu, President of INFR & Retired Bull Rider:
“Rodeo is one of the few opportunities in Indian country to get out, make a living, get an education.
John Kent, Idaho Rodeo Fan (Interview Excerpt):
“The term Wild West comes from the frontier region west of the Mississippi. Winters get below 40. These men and women carry on that legacy – but these are professional athletes, not relics.”
Bun B, Houston Rapper & Rodeo Advocate:
“Black people have contributed to cowboy culture since its beginning. With this surge in interest, people will finally know that they were always a part of this story.”
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Frequently Asked Questions: What Do You Call A Rodeo Rider?
What do you call a female rodeo rider?
A female rodeo rider is primarily called a cowgirl. These athletes compete in a variety of events, including barrel racing, breakaway roping, and rough stock events such as bronc riding. Although “cowgirl” is the standard term, they are sometimes simply called rodeo riders or, in the context of professional ranching, cowboys.
What is the most dangerous rodeo event?
Widely recognized as the “most dangerous eight seconds in sports,” bull riding is the most dangerous event in rodeo. It accounts for approximately 50% of all rodeo-related injuries, with risks ranging from concussions to fatal trampling.
What do you call a rodeo rider who rides bulls?
A rodeo rider who rides bulls is simply called a bull rider. These athletes, often referred to as cowboys, specialize in staying mounted on a bucking bull for eight seconds to earn a score, a feat that requires immense skill, balance, and bravery, sometimes referred to as a “rank” ride when the bull is difficult to manage.
Do rodeo riders keep the animals they ride?
No. These animals are owned by specialized stock contractors, not riders.
How much does a rodeo rider make?
Rodeo riders typically earn between $23,700 and $45,900 annually, with an average of about $37,000–$39,000, although top professionals can earn from $100,000 to over $1 million. Income depends heavily on skill, the type of event, and success in winning prize money, which must cover high, out-of-pocket expenses such as travel, entry fees, and equipment.
What is a rodeo rider on a horse called?
A rodeo rider on horseback is usually called a cowboy or cowgirl, but specific titles depend on the event. Those who ride the bucking horses are known as bronc riders (especially saddle bronc or bareback riders), while those who assist them on horseback are called pickup riders or pickup men.
How long must a rodeo rider stay on the animal?
In roughstock rodeo events – specifically bull riding, bareback riding, and saddle bronc riding – a competitor must remain on the animal for eight seconds to earn a qualifying score. The clock starts when the animal’s shoulder or hip breaks the plane of the gate and stops when the rider touches the animal with his free hand or falls.
Do rodeo riders wear helmets?
Yes, many rodeo riders wear helmets, although this often depends on the specific event and age of the rider. The trend toward protective headgear has grown significantly due to safety concerns and rule changes.
Are rodeo riders considered professional athletes?
Yes, rodeo riders are widely considered professional athletes. While their sport has deep roots in traditional ranch labor, the modern rodeo circuit operates as a high-end professional industry with specialized training, world championships, and significant media coverage.
What is the oldest rodeo?
The title of “oldest rodeo” is a subject of historical debate, with different towns claiming the honor based on specific criteria such as continuous operation, official documentation, or the first person to enter.
Who has won the most rodeo world championships?
Trevor Brazile holds the record for the most Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) World Championships with a total of 26 titles. Known as the “King of the Cowboys,” he achieved these championships in multiple events, including tie-down roping, steer roping, team roping, and a record 14 all-around titles.