Bronze Category Definitions

The following event descriptions are presented for your edification and
clarification on what is being represented and celebrated in bronze for our
champions.
Rodeo:
Saddle Bronc Riding
Rodeo’s Classic event has been a part of the Calgary Stampede since 1912.
Style, grace and rhythm define rodeo’s "classic" event. Saddle Bronc riding is a true test of
balance. It has been compared to competing on a balance beam, except the "apparatus" in
rodeo is a bucking bronc. A saddle bronc rider uses a rein attached to the horse’s halter to
help maintain his seat and balance. The length of rein a rider takes will vary on the bucking
style of the horse he is riding – too short a rein and the cowboy can get pulled down over
the horse’s head. Of a possible 100 points, half of the points are awarded to the cowboy for
his ride and spurring action. The other half of the points come from how the bronc bucks
and its athletic ability. The spurring motion begins with the cowboy’s feet over the points of
the bronc’s shoulders and as the horse bucks, the rider draws his feet back to the "cantle,"
or back of the saddle in an arc, then he snaps his feet back to the horse’s shoulders just
before the animal’s front feet hit the ground again. A bronc rider will receive no score if he
is bucked off; if he touches his equipment, himself or the horse with his free hand; or loses
a stirrup during the ride.
Bareback Riding
Bareback has also been a part of the Stampede since 1912.
In this event, the cowboy holds onto a leather rigging with a snug custom fit handhold that
is cinched with a single girth around the horse — during a particularly exciting bareback
ride, a rider can feel as if he’s being pulling through a tornado. Although bull riding looks
more dangerous, bareback riding is more physically demanding of a cowboy’s strength. The
riding arm absorbs most of the horse’s power. Horse and rider combine for a total score out
of 100 possible points. The rider is judged on his control during the ride and on his spurring
technique. The bareback rider tries to reach as far forward as he can with his feet, then rolls
his spurs back up towards the rigging. At the same time, he must keep from being pulled
away from his handhold. Higher marks are awarded to the rider who is best able to
coordinate his spurring with the bronc’s action. A cowboy will be disqualified in bareback
riding for failing to make the eight-second horn, or for touching his horse, himself or his
equipment with his free hand.
Bull Riding
Originally called Steer Riding at the 1923 Stampede – this event has always tested cowboys
against bucking and spinning bulls since very early on.
Holding on to only a braided rope looped around the bull’s girth and held tight by the rider’s
hand, the contestant tries to stay aboard an animal weighing roughly ten times more than
he does. A cowbell attached to the rope serves as a weight that pulls the rope free once the
rider has released his grip. Bull riding requires exceptional balance, upper body strength
and strong legs. There is no requirement to spur as staying on top and close to his hand is
challenge enough for the ride on these loose-hided animals. A bull rider will be disqualified if
he is thrown before the eight-second whistle or if he touches his equipment, the bull or
himself with his free hand during the ride. Bull riding is the adrenaline rush of rodeo
excitement.
Tie-Down Roping
Tie-down roping is the most technical event in rodeo. It requires a unique partnership with
a working horse and excellent hand eye coordination on the part of the cowboy. The calf is
always given a head start and releases the barrier with a breakaway cord when it reaches
the end of that head start. If the roper leaves the box too early, he breaks the barrier and
will be assessed a ten second penalty. Once the calf is roped, the contestant relies on his
horse to stop in a stride as he dismounts on the run to reach the animal, flank and tie three
legs in a cross-bone tie. While the roper makes the tie, his horse works independently to
keep the rope taught. Time is called when the roper throws his hands into the air signaling
he is finished. The calf remains tied while the roper re-mounts his horse and the time
becomes official. A great run is a well choreographed ballet. Any unnecessary roughness
will result in disqualification. The Calgary Stampede does not require the calf to stay tied
for 6 seconds – only until the cowboy regains his seat in the saddle.
Steer Wrestling
Timing, co-ordination and strength make for a successful steer wrestler. The steer is given
a head start and must cross the score line before the wrestler leaves the box or the barrier
will be broken and a ten second penalty assessed. Although Steer Wrestling is not a team
event; the contestant relies heavily on his hazer - another rider tasked with keeping the
steer running in a straight line. During the run the contestant rides along side the steer and
eases off his horse and reaches for the steer’s head. He catches the right horn in the crook
of his right arm and reaches under the jaw of the steer with his left. As his feet hit the
ground he uses them to dig into the dirt and slow the steer’s momentum enough to turn the
steer as he wrestles the animal to its side. Time is called when the steer is on its side with
all four feet extending in one direction. Contestants are disqualified at Calgary for a dog
fall. This is the fastest of the timed events – so don’t blink.
Ladies Barrel Racing
The Ladies Barrel Racing is a horse race timed to the 1/100th of a second using an
electronic eye. In turn, each rider circles three barrels in a cloverleaf pattern. The tighter
the turns on the barrels the faster the time, but be careful – if a barrel is knocked over a
five second penalty is added to the running time – virtual elimination. If a contestant
breaks the pattern a no-time is awarded. The partnership between horse and rider is just as
key as having a fast horse. The Quarter horse is the preferred breed, but any horse that
excels at fast speed in the short term and sharp turns can make a good barrel horse. The
difference between winning and losing is in tight turns that almost graze the barrel.
Novice Saddle Bronc Riding
The Novice Saddle Bronc riding is governed by the same rules as the open Saddle Bronc and
closely resembles that event. The only difference is the age of the riders. Novice contestants
must be 20 years of age or younger. This event is where the young cowboys meet the
young horses, so watch for some wild action.
Novice Bareback Riding
Cowboys 20 years of age and under match up with the young, up and coming horses from
the Stampede Ranch. Novice Bareback riders follow the same rules as the open Bareback
competition, but with all the youthful eagerness involved – this can be wild and exotic to
watch.
Junior Steer Riding
This event is the training ground for future bull riders. Young cowboys aged 11 to 14
compete on wily bovines – often heifers. As with the other roughstock events one half of the
score is awarded for the contestant’s ability to ride and the other half is for the stock’s
ability to buck. The cowboys are allowed to ride with one hand or two. If they elect to ride
with only one – they must abide by the rules for bull riding – whereby they will be
disqualified for slapping the animal, themselves or double grabbing with both hands during
the eight seconds.
Champion Saddle Bonc Horse, Champion Bareback Horse & Champion Bull
The four legged superstars of rodeo are champions in their own right. The best Saddle
Bronc, Bareback Bronc and Bull of the Stampede are chosen by the judges as the animal
best typifying the bucking style and the best test of the riders’ ability. They are rank and
tough to ride. These three separate awards and the bragging rights that go with them are
coveted by the stock producers who bring us their animals annually. These animals will join
the list of champions declared since 1979.
Guy Weadick Award
Named for the founder of the Stampede – this coveted award is presented to the contestant
who best combines outstanding accomplishments in rodeo or chuckwagon racing with
personality, sportsmanship, deportment and is involved in furthering their sport. The
successful contestant also represents western lifestyle and values. The winners receive an
individual bronze and their name is inscribed on a permanent display in the Rodeo &
Chuckwagon Office of the Calgary Stampede.
Rodeo Daily Awards
Each day of the first eight days of competition, the top ride or fastest time in the six major
rodeo events is rewarded with a small bronze during our rodeo finale where the day’s
champions are presented on stage. So watch for these winners each performance as they
receive unique and iconic Calgary Stampede bronzes that represent more of a western or
rodeo feel than their actual event.
Chuckwagons:
Safety Award
The safety award was established in 1998 to encourage safety and sportsmanship among
chuckwagon drivers while racing but also in the barns. The driver with the fewest penalty
seconds is the winner. In the event of a tie, the driver with the fastest cumulative running
time will receive the award.
Outstanding Outrider
The outstanding Outrider Award is presented to the outrider with the most points
accumulated over the first eight days of racing. Points are awarded for racing success –
every driver is given a ranking for each night of racing and the ranking points are awarded
to each outrider racing for that driver. Outriders also receive points for sportsmanship and
conduct on and off the racetrack.
Chuckwagon Championship
This is the big one and it is presented to the winner of the final heat of the GMC Rangeland
Derby – the Champion of the meet. This is where all the preparation of the season and 10
days of racing come together. The winning team of four thoroughbreds pulling a highly
refined racing wagon being driven by a wily teamster is closely tracked by two mounted
outriders as it thunders across the finish line to claim victory. There is nothing quite like the
thunder of Rangeland Derby.
Chuckwagon Aggregate
The driver of the wagon with the fastest cumulative running time (including penalties) for
the first eight days of the Stampede is the Aggregate Champion. This is where fast running
and clean racing pays off.
Chuckwagon Advertiser
The Calgary Stampede sells the rights to advertise on the tarps of its 36 wagon drivers at
an annual Auction. These lucky corporations are integral to the excitement and continuation
of the sport by proving the drivers with some much needed funds and support. Often
advertisers invest time and manpower to help the drivers during the 10 day show – they
aren’t afraid to grab a pitch fork or a set of BBQ tongs and help out. The Championship
wagon’s advertiser receives a bronze in recognition of their contributions to the driver and
the sport of chuckwagon racing.
Champion Outriders
Each of the two outriders with the champion wagon receives an individual trophy marking
the prestigious win. These tough competitors are athletes, jockeys, horsemen and
daredevils all rolled into one.
Chuckwagon Daily Awards
The fastest wagon on each of the first nine days is presented with a small bronze to
celebrate the event. They are invited onto stage the next night for the presentation that
celebrates their race in video and gives them some much deserved applause.
Novice Tour Categories:
The Calgary Stampede is proud to promote youth in rodeo. One initiative is the Calgary
Stampede Novice Tour. Competitors in Novice Saddle Bronc, Novice Bareback & Junior
Steer Riding gain points at selected CPRA sanctioned rodeos and the Calgary Stampede
through the season. The champions are the cowboys with the highest number of points in
each category at the end of the last tour rodeo.