Last week we took in the Los Fresnos Rodeo with friends Marg, Harvey, Linda and Al. The cost was 12.00 per person if you got the tickets in advance or 15.00 at the gate. Parking was extra. The program started at 7pm so the 6 of us went to Brownsville for dinner.
The seats were full and the event well worth the time and money if you are down here at the right time of year. There was a carnival on the grounds as well, so if you were to go earlier in the day you partake in a total day out.
This year the rodeo was held on Feb 6,7, and 8th. The program consisted of:
"Bareback Bronc Riding", where the rider hugs the horses neck with his legs to stay on, aims to make it through and 8 second ride without falling off. The judges award up to 50 points each for the horse and rider.
"Bull Riding", is the most dangerous of all. 100 points is a perfect score, and like bronc riding the rider has to stay on for 8 seconds. It is a long time when you are watching and see how the rider is tossed about!. Its a wonder there aren't more broken backs lol.
"Team Roping" is the only time 2 cowboys compete as partners. The "header" ropes the steer's horns, and the "heeler" ropes both the front and hind legs of the steer. There is a 5 second penalty if the heeler only catches one hind leg.
In "Steer Wrestling" the cowboy (and yes, they were cute ladies) catches up to the steer, it having a head start, and jumps off his horse, grabs the horns, and wrestles the steer to the ground. The time stops when the steer is on its side and all 4 feet and pointing in the same direction.
"Saddle Bronc Riding" The rider must also stay on the horse for 8 seconds.
There were some female riders as well, who rode a figure 8 around barrels. Speed was a factor in winning. Cameras were set up to time the riders.
They also had children from a local middle school there to see who could catch the tail ribbon of tiny calves. They looked like they were having a blast. I know as a spectator it was cute to watch.
And last but not least is "The Down Roping" where the rider catches a calf and ropes 3 legs.
A big part of the rodeo show were the clowns keeping the crowd entertained while changes were set up for the next event. They were so funny!! Their job is
to 
keep the riders safe, but they were a big, big part of the show.There were sponsors, kind of like commercials on horseback, so 3 of the female riders rode out a few times with the flags.
All in all, the night was a huge success!!. I can't wait till next year.
... Anyhow, if you ever have the chance to see one, its worth it.
As you can see, not too many pictures.......they wouldn't stay still long enough :o) So, even though they aren't very clear, I am posting a just a few...till next time..
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