Did you know Vegas started as a western town and has a long cowboy history? After the pandemic gap, the Las Vegas Days Rodeo (formerly Helldorado Days), returns to the Plaza on November 12 and 13. Count on Vegas VIP Limousine and its incredible vehicles for an experience of a lifetime when going to the rodeo!

The rodeo will feature attractions like bull riding, barrel racing, breakaway, team roping, tie-down roping, steer wrestling, saddle bronc riding, and bareback riding. The prize will total $40,000 and the champions will receive custom belt buckles.

The Core Arena at the Plaza Hotel & Casino is the first and only permanent outdoor equestrian center in downtown Las Vegas. Paying homage to Vegas’ western roots, the Core Arena features 200 stalls, 80 of which remain available for year-round use. Core Arena has the largest stalls in the city along with 24-hour onsite security and veterinarian services. 

But… What Happens in a Rodeo?

Do you know what rodeo is, how it came about, and what are the rules that govern competitions? It has also become a stage for shows and lots of joy. Read on to better understand how this competition works.

The tradition of rodeo is celebrated in many parts of the world, bringing joy, emotion, and entertainment to the public. It originated from the country’s people’s culture. It involves farm animals and the rural atmosphere, both in the clothes and in the food served. It is also present in the music, dance, and in performances that take place on that day.

From the main rules of rodeos, it is possible to understand what this recreational competition of rural origin is all about. The competitor is challenged to hold for 8 seconds on a wild horse or ox.

The test is evaluated by two referees, one gives a score from 0 to 50 for the performance of the competitor, while the other referee gives a score from 0 to 50 for the performance of the animal. Therefore, the assigned score can be from 0 to 100.

Rodeos are very popular in the United States, Brazil, Canada, Mexico, and Australia.

The Origin of Rodeos in America

It is necessary to go back a little in history to explain the origin of the rodeo. The United States came out victorious in the 1846-1848 war against Mexico. It ended up adopting some Spanish traditions, especially parties and animal taming. 

There are no accurate records of in which US city the first rodeo in the world would have taken place. During this period, rodeos happened on farms and ranches, resembling western movies. Those offered the best Western-style visuals for spontaneously organized races.

Between the 1890s and 1910s, rodeos turned into entertainment events for the public, mainly in the western states. In the first decades of the 20th century, rodeos began to be considered a competitive sport and annual events began to be held. At the beginning of the 20th century, rodeo became a competitive sport. It became a championship in Boston and New York, attracting national attention from admirers of this lifestyle and sport.

Rodeo Profit 

During the 20th century, rodeo became a sport capable of moving a significant amount of money and this led to the professionalization of its organization in the United States. Entrepreneurs from the entertainment world saw in this modality the opportunity to transform the rodeo into a major American event.

With their skills, they popularized the party beyond the borders of the country. This way of managing the business carried over to other countries where rodeo has a strong presence, such as Mexico, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and Brazil. Across the globe, rodeos form a perfect ensemble of animals, competitors, and professionals in search of sustenance, fame, and recognition.

The professionalization of rodeos is evident when looking at the 1950s to 1970s era. Some organizations were created for the management of this sport, such as the National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association (NIRA) and NFR – National Rodeo Final. Currently, the main rodeo organizer worldwide is the PBR (Professional Bull Riders), which improved the professional championship.

Most Famous Rodeos Around the World

 If you are a cowboy or a cowgirl, this list is a must. Check out the festivities spread around the world! Do you know which ones are the most traditional? Are you curious? Below, check out the rodeos that have been riding bulls and horses for years and attract thousands of visitors every year.

Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo

Located in the United States, the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo is one of the most traditional rodeos in the world and welcomes the best athletes from all over the planet every year. This year, the party turned 80 and brought more than 153,000 visitors to the arena in just one day, and more than a million in total. It earned US$ 1,283,419 in 20 days.

Calgary Stampede

Above all, the Calgary Stampede is the largest rodeo in the world. Located in the city of Calgary, Canada, the event has been in existence for over 100 years. To give you an idea of ​​its greatness, the world-riding championships do not hold important stages when this event is happening. It has a casino and a real amusement park. Every year, it attracts more than one million tourists.

Cheyenne Frontier Days

Without a doubt, the largest open-air rodeo venue in the United States is a must-visit place for any serious cowboy or cowgirl. It has been in existence since 1897. The infrastructure of Cheyenne Frontier Days is home to an American-style village, a western town called the Wild Horse Gulch”, as well as a museum and numerous other attractions. In total, it offers more than $1 million in prizes.

PBR World Finals Las Vegas

Considered the final stage of the world championship, where the 40 best riders in the world compete for the international title of bull riding, the PBR World Finals Las Vegas is, without a doubt, one of the most traditional rodeos in the world. So far, Brazil has won six championships in the American city.