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CALF ROPING
As the cowboy nods for his calf, his horse must wait
behind a score line till the calf passes. The horse then
leaves at adjusted speed, stops on cue as the roper
catches, and must work the rope as the cowboy ties any
three legs of the calf.
Calf roping is a timed event in which many variables can
lead to an outstanding run, or a "speed jam." A highly
trained horse, one which is able to run and stop, a good
draw (calf), and a little good luck can turn this into
one of the most pleasurable events in rodeo to watch.
STEER WRESTLING
Of all the events in rodeo, is it said that steer
wrestling offers the greatest amount of eye appeal to
the spectator. It is a display of strength and an
exhibition of finesse and skill.
With the aid of a hazer, the contestant jumps from a
horse running around 30 mph, reaches for the steer's
sharp horns, slides him to a stop, and lays him on the
ground. It is a controversy among many as to which is
the most important in this event: timing, strength, or
leverage. Can you decide?
STEER ROPING (Already Covered Above)
TEAM ROPING
This event takes two cowboys. One cowboy known as the
header and the other cowboy, the heeler. As in other
timed events, the header must start behind the barrier
string. If the header's horse breaks the barrier before
the line judge drops his flag, there is a ten-second
penalty assessed to their time.
The heeler can also cause a penalty to the run by only
roping one leg. If that happens, there will be a penalty
of 5 seconds added to their time.
As the header catches up to the steer and ropes him, he
dallies his rope around the saddle horn. He changes
directions with the steer by turning left, bringing the
steer behind him. The heeler follows the steer around
the corner and is allowed to rope the heels at this
time. As the header and the heeler come tight with their
run, the header then "faces his horse," indicating their
run is complete and time is to be stopped.
If the heeler throws his rope and catches the heels
before the steer is turned, it is called a "Cross-Fire,"
which is illegal and the team then receives a no-time.
There are three legal head catches in team roping: a
clean horn catch, half head, and neck catch. Team roping
has always been a part of a cowboy's work. It is a way
two people can handle cattle without getting off their
horses. They can doctor them, brand them or do just what
needs to be done. It is the cowboy's way...
RACES
Among the races each day at the Pendleton Round-Up are:
Indian Races - Relay
Club Races - Pony Express and Baton Relay
Open Race - Free for All Race
Wild cow milking is also considered a race.
INDIANS
Dancing is a component of almost all Indian celebrations
and the Pendleton Round-Up is no exception. A sample of
the dancing is included midway through each afternoon
performance, including competitive war dancing and the
social (circle) dance.
The main event for Indian dancing occurs on Saturday at
9 a.m. in the Round-Up arena. Dances performed for
competition on Saturday morning include the War Dance,
the Rabbit Dance, the Circle Dance and the Swan Dance.
Special exhibition dancing, such as the Hoop Dance, also
may occur.
The winners of the dance competition receive the honored
Pendleton blanket. While the Pendleton blanket has been
a traditional award among the local Indian community,
the awards presented during the Saturday dances have an
additional meaning. The dances held on Saturday morning
are in the memory of Clarence Bishop.
BRAHMA BULL RIDING
The element of danger plays an important part of the
concept of bull riding, This alone perhaps makes this
the most exciting even to the spectator.
The rider slips his hand into a split in the rope that
fits snugly around the bull, right behind the bulls
shoulder. To qualify the cowboy must stay on 8 seconds,
careful to keep his free hand in the air. Today's bull
rider is a trained athlete, known mostly for his balance
and gymnastic ability needed for success and survival.
BARREL RACING
Barrel racing returned to Pendleton Round-Up in 2000.
Because of the layout of the round-up grounds, this race
is conducted on grass, with the barrels situated on the
dirt track surrounding the arena. The first and second
barrels are on the opposite sides of the track,
approximately 290 feet apart, and 21 feet off the arena
walls. The start/finish line is 60 feet behind the line
that connects the first two barrels. The third barrel is
aproximately 288 feet from the start/finish line. It is
not your typical barrel race, but then again the
Pendleton Round-Up isn't your typical rodeo.
WILD COW MILKING
A flurry of action, once the critter is caught, marks
the wild cow milking contest. It's a wild and wooly
event staged at every Round-Up performance. The first
contest was in 1922.
PENDLETON ROUND-UP PARADES & ACTIVITIES
DRESS-UP PARADE
The Dress-Up Parade, otherwise known as the Kick-Off
Parade, makes its way through the town of Pendleton the
Saturday morning before Round-Up week.
Anything goes at this parade including rodeo courts,
horses, floats, marching bands, car clubs, local
businesses and civic organizations riding, driving and
marching from one end of town to another. It is also the
opportunity for the town and visitors of Pendleton to
get in the Let'er Buck spirit for the week of Round-Up
fun to come.
US BANK/PENDLETON PBR CLASSIC
The US Bank/Pendleton PBR Classic features the world's
best cowboys mounted on the meanest bulls on the Monday
and tuesday before Round-Up. Held in the more intimate
confines on the Happy Canyon Arena, this action-packed
event was named the PBR's Touring Pro Division event of
the Year in 1999 and 2000. With laser lights, fireworks
and driving music the Classic takes bull riding to
another level, thrilling the crowds under the cool
evening sky. For for information, call 1-800-457-6336,
or 541-276-2553 in the Pendleton local area.
WESTWARD HO! PARADE
The unique Westward Ho! Parade is held Friday morning of
Round-Up week. Beginning with a big bang. The Westward
Ho! Parade begins its trek through the town of
Pendleton.
Here you will see most of the Indians who are camped at
the Round-Up grounds, dressed in their tribal finery
from grandmother to the tiniest tot.
This parade is unique in that no motorized vehicles are
allowed in the line of the march. All types of early
transportation are featured, from mules with a jerk line
to oxen-drawn covered wagons, Mormon carts, buggies,
surreys, and much more plus riding groups and music
furnished by numerous marching bands from surrounding
communities.
The Westward Ho! Parade pays tribute to the early days
in the West and to the pioneers whose descendants are
participating in the Round-Up.
HAPPY CANYON The Night Show of the Pendleton
Round-Up...
Our colorful night pageant takes you into the past to
relive the experiences of our forefathers. The show
begins with the portrayal of the early American Indian
culture. Emigrants, seeking a new life, come to the
frontier and soon the two cultures clash. Fighting
breaks out, then peace comes and the scene changes to
that of a wild frontier town.
Following the pageant, everyone is invited to enter the
"Happy Canyon Dance Hall." There is no extra charge for
the pageant ticket holders . Adults can enjoy the live
music of Ricky and The Red Streaks out back in the
sawdust, while in the main dance hall deejay Andy
McAnnally will play everyone's favorite music. A giant
screen TV will be set up showing bull-riding action, and
live cameras will also be flashing pictures of the crowd
enjoying the party on the the big screen. In the
backroom those over 21 can also gamble against the Happy
Canyon dealers and wet your whistle with your favorite
beverage.
Don't forget that these fall nights under the stars can
be chilly - bring a coat or a sweater.
Round-Up Foundation Memorial Golf Tournament.
The tournament is held at the Wildhorse Resort Golf
Course.
Main Street Cowboys Free Main Street Show
Boasting the "Greatest Free Show in the West" the Main
Street Cowboys provide entertainment for all ages from
noon until midnight during Round-Up week.
Commercial and Food Vendors line up on all four
blocks of Main Street opening at noon in downtown
Pendleton. There are also Stages on each block with a
variety of family entertainment beginning at 6:00 pm.
each night of Round-Up week starting Tuesday evening. At
the large parking lot near the Chamber of Commerce there
are Carnival Amusement rides for children of all ages.
There is something for everyone at the Main Street
Cowboy's "Greatest Free Show in the West."
Indian Beauty Pageants
The Junior American Indian Beauty Pageant is held
Thursday morning of Round-Up week at Roy Raley park.
Come see some of the areas most beautiful American
Indian girls ages 12 and under in their finest leather
and beaded outfits. The American Indian Beauty Pageant
is held Friday morning a hour before the Westward Ho!
parade on Main Street. Girls 13 and older compete for
cash and prizes dressed in all of their Native American
finery. Many of these girls can be seen in the parades
and during the Indian Dancing portion of each daily
Round-Up performance.
Native American Arts & Crafts
Peruse and purchase exquisite jewelry, quill and
beadwork, dolls and other items from Northwest and
Southwest tribes - plus enjoy Indian fry bread with
huckleberry jam! Located at Roy Raley Park adjacent to
the Round-Up grounds.
Round-Up Hall of Fame
A very special place to visit is our own Hall of Fame.
The history of the Pendleton Round-Up, and the people
and animals involved, is told through fascinating
displays of Round-Up history, past Royalty, Presidents,
Champions, and even rodeo stock. Many Round-Up artifacts
can be enjoyed in the Round-Up Hall of Fame. Admission
is free -- and guided tours are available throughout the
year by appointment. It is also open during the summer
months Monday through Saturday.
Children's Rodeo - A PRCA Special Event
Exceptional Rodeo, A Professional Rodeo Cowboys
Association special event, has become a part of the
Pendleton Round-Up.
Members of the PRCA pair up with handicapped children in
this unique show, which was initiated in 1983.
The volunteer cowboys and their new young friends
compete in several events that are designed to fit the
needs of these special children.
The events in the 45 minute performance include a goat
relay, steer roping, riding a hand-rocked bull, and a
flag race on horseback.
At the conclusion each child is given a trophy and an
autographed photograph with the PRCA cowboy.
Funding for the Children's Rodeo is provided by the
Umatilla-Morrow Educational Service District and is
coordinated by the Pendleton Chamber of Commerce.
FOR TIMES & DATES CONTACT THE:
THE PENDLETON ROUND-UP ASSOCIATION
1205 S.W. Court -- P.O. Box 609 -- Pendleton, OR 97801
PHONE: (541) 276-2553 -- FAX: 541-276-9776
1-800-45-RODEO
(1-800-457-6336)
eMail: info@pendletonroundup.com
Pendleton Chamber of Commerce, (541) 276-7411 or
1-800-547-8911, 501 S. Main, Pendleton, OR 97801. Or
email the Pendleton Chamber of Commerce at pendleton@pendleton-oregon.org. |