Lets Rodeo!
Rocky Mountain Regional Rodeo
Gay rodeos are quite different than regular rodeos. Money is not the object, in fact the highest purse is only $200. It's all about cowboys, cowgirls and having fun. These are some mighty tough cowboys, and cowgirls too, just look at the videos. One major difference from regular rodeo is that every effort is made to ensure the safety of both the contestants and the animals. Another difference is you will see cowboys performing in events such as barrel racing, and cowgirls riding bulls and other rough stock events. It is very unlikely you will see that in regular rodeo.
More than 75 rules and references in the International Gay Rodeo Association (IGRA) Rodeo Rule Book pertain to the treatment and welfare of animals used in the IGRA circuit.
IGRA reviews and updates these rules and regulations annually. The organization currently holds the position that IGRA endorses and adopts the promotion of animal welfare and the humane, responsible treatment of animals in their housing, feeding, training, exercising and competition.
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Barrel Racing. A group of 3 barrels and a looping pattern for the horse and rider.
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Chute Dogging. The object is to get the cow to fall over by twisting its head.
If you hear the video but don't see it, look at your task bar for the "Chute Dogging" button. It's behind this window.
Following strict IGRA rules, ASGRA requires that all livestock have appropriate health certificates and be certified by officials prior to their performance.
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Goat Dressing. Get a pair of men's briefs on the goat in the shortest time.
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Pole Bending. A winding course between 5 poles.
Spurs may be used by contestants, but the type and use is strictly regulated. No sharp spurs are allowed; and since the animal's skin is many times thicker than that of a human, the spurs do not cause any injury to the bull or horse.
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Steer Riding. Stay on for 8 seconds without your free hand touching yourself, your hat or the animal.
IGRA contestants are generally of an amateur ability, so the health of the livestock is a necessity for contestant safety. Only healthy animals perform well in the arena, and there are provisions for removing any animal from competition which does not meet stringent guidelines.
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Team Roping. The first person, or header, lassos the head and the second person lassos the rear feet.
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The Wild Drag Race. Three people, a cowboy, a cowgirl, and a third person in drag (women's clothing). Once the cow is over a line, the person in drag must mount the animal and ride back across the line. It's all in fun, and is probably the most humorous event to watch in gay rodeo.
Rodeo animals are bred for the purpose of performing in rodeo arenas and it has been shown that, due to the high quality of care, rodeo livestock outlive those animals which do not engage in the sport.
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As well as the rodeo events, entertainment was on throughout the day. This ropin' cowboy's nickname is Pearly May. This is the same guy seen above in the white dress on the Wild Drag Race.
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Robert Jordan entertains us with a song.
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Be sure to check out the Atlantic States Rodeo page further on for detailed descriptions of all the events and more videos.
