History of Western & Spanish Rodeos

The horse and bull rodeo origins can be traced back to when bull-fighting began in ancient Rome and southern European areas. Its roots stem from the ideas of bull worship and sacrifice, which was at the core of the Mithras religion of Rome. Mithraism was a secret religion practiced by some in the Roman military between 100AD and 400AD. Many initiates had to go through trails to prove themselves worthy of joining the Mithras religion, the majority of these tests were to slay powerful animals. One of these animals was the bull, which was a prominent figure in the religion. Angra Mainyu (the destructive one) slayed Gayo Maretan (the first one) who is represented as a bull. The oldest depiction of a man fighting a bull is located at the Celtiberian tombstone from Clunia and a cave painting “El toro de hachos”, both are located in Spain.

Bull fighting can often be linked back to Rome, where many gladiators faced animals in the arena. During these fights, the bull was often fought on horseback using a long spear. Bull fighting was also used to warm up solders for war and at religious or cultural festivities, such as the running of the bull seen today in Spain (encierro). Since its beginning it has spread to numerous south European countries like Portugal and the south of France, where it has developed into numerous styles and variations.

At first one may think that the rodeo bull riding that is seen in America, somehow has its origins in Spain. However, this is not true, rodeo bull and horse riding originated in Deer Trail, Colorado. A disagreement between two groups of cowboys over who was the best at ranch tasks. This simple competition led to what is now a world renown sport. The idea is for the cowboy to be able to stay on as long as possible, however it is not that simple. Scores are out of 100, they are based on the cowboys rhythm and smoothness of their motions. If the rider is constantly off-balance or struggling then he or she will score poorly, the rider must also remain on the bull for at least eight seconds in order to be awarded any points. The bull also influences the amount of points a rider can score, basically the more difficult the bull is to ride the more points are awarded. If the bull scores more points than any of the riders can, the ranch from which the bull comes from receives great prestige. The honorary bull is often coveted as a breeding partner for cows and the ranch could receive alot of money from breeders.

In order to successfully ride a bucking bronco bull, you must be in tune with the bulls movements and adjust your balance swiftly. The faster you can switch your balance to counteract the bulls bucks and spins, the longer you will stay on. Riders should not see it as competing with the bull, but actually becoming one with the bull and working together. This results in the ultimate affinity of man with animal, and can be seen as a terrific piece of art. It is not only bulls that are used in the western rodeo, but also horses. A bucking horse is significantly different to a bucking bull, the movements are much different but the same principal of union exists. To successfully feel and interpret the animals movements will lead to success.

The western rodeo differs greatly from European games. In the western rodeo games, there are significantly less injuries to both man and beast. However, injuries and fatalities are still a possibility. Animal rights activists oppose all forms of rodeo and bull fighting, the former being less gratuitous although still considered to be cruel as the bull still experiences significant levels of stress.

The bucking bull machine is an attempt to simulate the rough and wild ride experienced provides a great deal of fun and laughter without any injuries to the ride or animal. Mechanical rodeo machines are often used by young would be riders during their training, which begins in high school.