The six main sections of a rodeo

Bareback

The rider attempts to stay on the back of his horse using only his balance and a suitcase-type handhold, known as rigging. There is no saddle.

Steer wrestling

Steer wrestling, or bulldogging as it is sometimes known, has the objective of the steer wrestler using his technique and strength to wrestle the steer to the ground, in the fastest time possible.

Barrel racing

A female-only event, the objective is to ride a cloverleaf pattern around three barrels as quickly as possible. The time starts when a barrel racer crosses electronic timers on her horse. She then heads for the barrels and makes sharp turns around them.

Team roping

This is the only team event in a rodeo. There are two ropers, a header and heeler. They aim to rope a steer and start on the back of their horses in the timed event.

Saddle bronc

This is the event that started rodeo. It originated from the necessary job of breaking in and training horses to be used on ranches in the days of the Wild West. The rider holds on to a braided buck rein which is attached to the horse's halter. Like in other rough stock events he can hold on with only one hand, as touching anything with his free arm will get him disqualified. He holds on to this rein while trying to keep himself squarely and securely in the saddle while the horse bucks.

Bull riding

This is usually the last event to be held at a rodeo, and is the most dangerous. The rider holds on to a flat braided rope with one gloved hand, this rope is known as a bull rope. It is wrapped around the bull's chest, just behind the bull's front legs. The rope has a bell attached to it which helps the rope come loose and fall off after the rider has dismounted. Bull riders may wear helmets, and some do.

Calf riders

You have to be under 40kg and those who weigh more but are under 15 years, may move on to junior steer or junior bull riding.

GENERAL

There are divisions for rodeo contestants.

Rookie is for beginners; Second division is for those who have earned less than $2500; Open is for those who have earned more than that.

Total earnings for a good rodeo winner in New Zealand might be $12,000 to $13,000 in a season, which runs from October to March.

The costs of competing and the gear, usually exceed what is won. Chaps cost about $500; Spurs $80; Gloves $80; Bronc saddle $3000; Bull rope $500; Boots, hats, and western shirts, cost whatever you want to spend on looking right.

Then there is the cost of getting horses to rodeos, or paying someone if their horse is used. It has to be housed and fed. Then there is accommodation for contestants.

Some contestants go to rodeos in both the North and South islands and transport is not cheap.

Competing in rodeos is an expensive business, so they are not in it for the money.

- © Fairfax NZ News