 There are a total of 108 PRCA (Professional Rodeo Cowboy's Association) sanctioned events in the state each year, more than in any other state, and finding one near you is about as easy as finding a corner Dairy Queen store in Texas. In most of the major cities, the week-long or month-long rodeo and stock show process starts with classic trail drives - reenactments of the golden years of cattle drives across the state when brave cowboys would risk all for a chance to move those 'doggies' down the trail and to markets north in Kansas and Nebraska.
San Antonio and Ft. Worth are noted events where trail rides (drives) from every corner of the state converge on opening day, and opening parades are held in downtown streets - most notably in San Antonio where schools dismiss classes for an entire day and many employers close the doors early to allow workers the chance to attend the opening festivities.
 At just about every major rodeo in the state, big-name entertainers take to the dozens of stages and venues to perform for rodeo enthusiasts. Country-western singers, rock stars, pop divas, comedians - they are the highlight of the half-time show at coliseums and stockyards all across the state.
This year's entertainment lineup includes performers like Alan Jackson, Reba McEntire, Willie Nelson, Asleep At The Wheel, 3 Doors Down, Switchfoot, Bill Cosby, Alicia Keys, Jeff Foxworthy, Clint Black, Maroon 5, Steve Miller - and dozens more.
But the real action is on the dirt on the floor of the arenas where man and beast demonstrate their skill and stubborness at an All American sport, The professional cowboys and girlgirls have come to compete for big prizes and points and there's no single event that won't take your breath away.
EVENTS
 Saddle Bronc RidingThe cowboy must remain on a horse with a regulation saddle for eight seconds. During the ride, the cowboy must spur the animal as much as possible to get a good ride. He must also keep one hand free from touching the bronc or his equipment. Points are awarded for riders who stay on the bronc for the full count.
Bareback Bronc Riding
This event is similar to saddle bronc riding except there are no saddle, stirrups or reins. The cowboy holds on to a cinch with one hand.
Bull Riding
Also similar to bronc riding, a bull rider attempts to stay on a 2,000 pound plus bucking bull for eight seconds.
Calf Roping
Calf roping is an event patterned after the cattle round-up. During the spring and fall, calves are roped to be branded and worked. A rope called a lariat is used by a cowboy who rides a specially trained horse. The cowboy ropes the calf; and while the horse tugs on the calf, the cowboy dismounts and throws the calf down and ties three legs together with a string called a piggin string. The cowboy competes against the clock for the best time.
Steer Wrestling
Steer wrestling was invented by Bill Picket in Buffalo Bill's Wild West Show. A cowboy chases down a steer on horseback , jumps on top of the steer, grabs his horns, and with a twist throws him to the ground. The event is scored by the best time.
Team Roping
This event is a realistic demonstration of the cowboys' skills. Two Cowboys chase down a 400 pound Longhorn steer. The cowboy called the header ropes the horns, then the Cowboy called the heeler ropes the hind legs. The ropes are wrapped around the saddle horn and drawn tight with the calf between the ropers. This is a timed event.
Barrel Racing
This event is reserved for cowgirls. The cowgirl mounted on her horse races against the clock around three barrels set in the arena in a triangle pattern.
Regardless whether you're native or a visitor, you'll enjoy the fair-like atmosphere of stock shows and rodeos all across Texas. Rodeos are staged all throughout the year of course, but February and March are highlight months with most of the larger cities staging events in the late-winter early-spring season.
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Rio Grande Valley
