You may be vaguely familiar with the rodeo because you’ve seen it on television or in a movie. However, it’s more than just a competitive sport; it also has a fascinating history. If you’re thinking about booking a hotel so that you can catch a professional event, here’s a little more about what you can expect from the experience.

A Brief Look at the Rodeo

You might imagine a cowboy or cowgirl riding a horse. That’s a good starting point and introduction to the fine art of the rodeo. However, you may not realize that you’re in for more than just a sport involving a horse; you’re also likely to witness plenty of action, thrills, and talent all in one place.

Rodeo involves several roping and riding competitions that draw on the general skills that 19th-century American cowboys possessed. In the earliest days of the sport, these events were not contests but rather opportunities for cowboys to show off their moves.

By the late 19th century, tournaments started to take place, and they were often organized by small towns that hoped to draw large crowds. These were influential in the eventual development of major competitions, like Cheyenne Frontier Days and the Calgary Stampede.

What Events to Expect

Modern rodeos typically consist of five main portions. These include saddle bronc riding and calf roping, both of which draw their influence from work performed by cowboys of the 19th century.

Early 20th-century cowboys inspired the other events, including steer wrestling, bareback bronc riding, and bull riding. Depending on the type of event, it may be scored by a judge, or the competitor may be timed to determine how quickly they can perform the task.

When you book your hotel and start to revise your daily agenda, you may want to be mindful that the average rodeo follows a specific schedule. It usually begins with bareback riding, then calf roping and saddle bronc riding, followed by steer wrestling and bull riding. The winner receives prize money, along with the ultimate prize: a rodeo belt buckle.

If you’re going to be in Levelland, TX, for the ABC Rodeo at the Mallet Event Center and Arena, you may want to book your stay at the Best Inn Texas. This charming family-owned hotel is designed with your comfort in mind. You’ll find the amenities you expect, including free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, and coffeemakers. Book your overnight stay on the inn’s website or call (806) 894-7335 to speak with a representative.