Calgary Stampede Rodeo Tickets

The Calgary Stampede is an organization which aims to keep alive the Western culture and rich heritage of their ancestors. It is an annual event that is held in Canada in July. It showcases many exciting events ranging from bull riding to steer wrestling. There are a total number of nine events held over ten days. The competitors not only seek the high prestige associated with the winning the event, but also the two million dollars in prize money. The Calgary Stampede has nine events lined up which all depend on two things; the quality of the four legged animals and the skills of the competitors. The cowboys and the cowgirls, all compete to win the praise of the judges. Showing grit and determination they try to fulfil the requirements of the demanding events. Get Calgary Stampede rodeo tickets and watch the riders try to show their control over horses and bulls.

The thrilling events

The bareback and the saddle bronc are essentially the same but with slight differences. The riders hold on with one hand to the horses who shoot out of their chutes trying to buck the rider off. The horses kick and jump, with their hooves pointing towards the sky. In bareback the rider holds on to a leather handhold and spurs the horse to make it buck in order to get more points. In saddle bronc the rider sits on a saddle and holds on to a braided reign. He has to move his feet with the rhythm of the horse, from the horse’s neck to the back of the saddle, while making sure he does not lose the hold of a stirrup. It boils down to the riders having to last eight seconds on the horses, maintaining their pose and making sure that their second hand does not touch the horse. Generally horses in the saddle bronc are heavier as compared to the horses in the bareback competition. As a result bareback horses are quicker and more agile.

The bull riding event is perhaps the most awaited event of the Calgary Stampede. It is a test of nerves between the rider and the bull. The powerful bulls try their best to throw the rider off from their backs, as the riders hold on with one hand to a thick bull rope. The muscular bulls are surely a sight to watch, especially when they come leaping down from their chutes, with flared nostrils and thundering hooves.

Steer wrestling is another event which requires presence of mind and physical strength. A steer is released from its chute and given a head start. The competitors riding on horses, chase the steer and try to bring it to its side. They drop from their horses and get a hold of the steer’s horns before rolling it to the ground. This competition is a test against time in which the competitors who take the shortest time to stop the steer, win.

Tie down roping involves a rider on a horse, who attempts to rope down a calf. The calf is given a head start and the rider chases after him. After roping the horse, the rider is required to tie three of its legs after turning it on its side. Marks are cut for unnecessary roughness and a penalty is given if the calf isn’t given a fair head start. The timer is stopped once the cowboy raises his hands in the air and remounts his horse.

The past years

In 2007 the event came to be called the Calgary Stampeded, with the word ‘exhibition’ getting dropped from the title. In 2012 the Calgary Stampede celebrated its hundredth show and it broke all previous records for attendance. The centennial show was seen by more than one point four million people. Even in 2014 more than one point two million people showed up in the ten days the event was held. The event has a history of attracting many high profile people to the event, which includes notable politicians as well. Get Calgary Stampede rodeo tickets and enjoy the western heritage through the many events.