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Every summer, the Steamboat Springs Pro Rodeo Series lights up the Brent Romick Arena with the grit, skill, and excitement of a true Western tradition. From June 21st to August 24th, including special events on July 3rd and 4th, you can witness the electrifying performances of cowboys and cowgirls as they compete in classic rodeo events every Friday and Saturday night.

Event Details

Under the arena lights, clouds of dirt and cries of victory tell the gripping story of the West in a time-honored tradition that has been a staple in Steamboat Springs for over a century. The roots of rodeo in this modest Northwest Colorado ranch town trace back more than 100 years, with the first organized competitions mentioned in the Steamboat Pilot as early as 1898.

Rodeo Events

Bareback Riding Cowboys grasp a leather rigging with one hand, staying on a saddle-less bucking horse for a physically demanding eight seconds. They are judged on their spurring technique and the bucking action of the horse. Higher scores are achieved by turning the toes of their boots outward and leaning back.

Team Roping This event demands close cooperation between two cowboys – the header and the heeler – and their horses. A steer is given a head start before the header chases it down, secures a loop around the horns, neck, or head, and ties their rope onto the horn of their saddle. The heeler then ropes the steer’s hind legs.

Tie-Down Roping A horse and rider chase down a calf, with the cowboy roping it and the horse skidding to a stop. The cowboy dismounts, runs to the calf, and ties any three legs together with a pigging string. The calf must remain tied for at least six seconds for the ride to be successful.

Steer Wrestling Known as bulldogging, this event requires courage, timing, and balance. The steer wrestler chases down the steer on horseback, jumps from the horse to the steer, and hooks his arm around the steer’s horn to throw it to the ground.

Saddle Bronc Riding In this event, a cowboy grips a thick rein attached to the horse’s halter. As the horse bucks, the rider synchronizes his spurring with the horse’s movements, bending his knees to pull his heels back and then snapping his feet back to the horse’s shoulder.

Barrel Racing Barrel racing involves running a cloverleaf pattern around three barrels in the fastest time possible. Horses pivot on their haunches at high speeds, executing each turn with only inches to spare.

Bull Riding For what is hoped to be an eight-second ride, the rider holds a flat braided rope in his glove hand. Each bull has a unique bucking style, some spinning, circling, or throwing in jumps and kicks. The cowboy waves his free hand to counter the bull’s gyrations.

Why Attend?

The Steamboat Springs Pro Rodeo Series offers an authentic glimpse into the Western lifestyle, celebrating the skills and traditions of the past. Enjoy a delicious BBQ, live music, and the thrill of rodeo events that showcase the incredible talents of both riders and animals. This family-friendly event is a must-see for anyone visiting Steamboat Springs during the summer.

Plan Your Visit

Make the most of your trip by staying with Nomadness Rentals, offering a range of luxurious vacation homes to suit every need. Enjoy the breathtaking views and easy access to local attractions. Book your stay today and experience the best of Steamboat Springs!

For more information, visit Steamboat Springs Pro Rodeo Series.