Top Rodeo

PRCA #1/10

Wrangler National Finals Rodeo - Las Vegas, NV

This is what the cowboys and cowgirls have been competing for all year. This is their Daytona, many men and women dream and compete all their life trying to get here but only a few ever achieve it. This is where the Champion of the World will be crowned at the end of the weekend. With $5.75 million dollars to be won at the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo you can see why the men and women try so hard all year to make it here. With only the top 15 being taken in each event it is a tight competition. With first place paying $17,139 a round and first in the average paying $43,954. If you are on a role you can pay off a lot of bills that have collected throughout the year and have a great start to next year. The Finals are being held from December 3-12, 2009 at the Thomas and Mack Center. There will be 10 rounds of heart pounding non-stop action.

Being held in Las Vegas, NV there is plenty to do from gambling to shopping to just relaxing at the side of a pool. Also one of the biggest Western Trade Shows and Art Shows is held here every Year.

The official website of the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo is - http://www.prorodeo.com/

CPRA #1/10

Canadian Finals Rodeo - Edmonton, AB

This is their sword in the stone once they achieve the championship gold buckle that is their "Lucifer."All year the rodeo competitors have been putting on kilometers. Wearing out pickups, dealing with injury and illness but it all seems trivial when you are in the top 12 within your event and only 56 rodeos to do it in, it makes for a tight competition. Once you back in the box or adjust your rigging at Rexal Place that indescribable feeling overwhelms you. With being able to win close to $10,000 a round for first place and $11,000 for first in the aggregate. This is where championships will be lost and new champions made. The official website of the Canadian Finals Rodeo is - http://www.rodeocanada.com/

Second of Top Ten Rodeo

PRCA Rodeo 2/10

Houston Rodeo and Livestock Show - Houston, TX

Home to the Super Series Format, Rodeo Houston competitors compete in a tournament style bracket. Each Super Series has three rounds, and each event crowns a Super Series champion. The top four competitors from each of the five Super Series advances to the one of the Semifinal Rounds. From the Semi Final Rounds, the top four in each event automatically advance tot eh Championship Round, and the remaining six have one more chance by competing in the Wild Card. Twelve competitors in each event vie for two spots to advance to the Championship Round, the top two competitors in each event will go head to head in the Championship Shootout for the chance to win $50,000 and the Rodeo Houston Champion Title. Rodeo Houston has been honored as the PRCA Indoor Rodeo Committee of the Year nine times. Was winner of Top Rough Stock Remuda in 2007 and was included in PRCA's Winter Tour Promotion in 2008.

Well you have seen the Rodeo part of the Houston Rodeo and Livestock Show now how about the Livestock Show Part. While the rodeo is going on so is two different shows; livestock and horse. The livestock portion of the show brings producers from Texas and across the United States vieing for the championship titles. The same is with the horse show but there is three different shows. They are the American PAint Horse Association Show, American Quarter Horse Association Show, and Palamino Horse Breeders of America Show. Showing for championships in conformation, horsemanship and horsepower. Ohter events you can take part in is Black Heritage Day, ConocoPhillips Rodeo Run, Downtown Rodeo Parade, Salutr to Our Troops, and World's Championship Bar-B-Que Contest. There is many concerts to attend with an impressive line up of musicianss allready; Jonas Brothers, Tim McGraw, Darius Rucker, Brad Paisley, and Brooks & Dunn.

The official website of the Houstorn Rodeo and Livestock Show is - http://www.hslr.com/

CPRA Rodeo 2/10

Wrangler Tour Finals - Calgary, AB

This is the Finals to the Wrangler Canadian Rodeo Tour, which is made up of 11 high-profile rodeos in Canada. The tour adds excitement and an added bonus to contestants who compete in it. At the Wrangler Tour Finals the top ten in the six major events at the completion of the tour come and compete for added money to their year and an added way of making it to the Canadian Finals Rodeo.

The official website of the Wranglerr Tour Finals is - N/A

Third of Top Ten Rodeos

PRCA Top 3/10

Cheyenne Frontier Days - Cheyenne, WY

Cheyenne's world-class rodeo is truly the "Daddy of 'em All. Known for its fast pace and huge number of contestants, the CFD rodeo ensures that visitors see more rodeo action (over 40 bulls and 70 saddle and bareback broncs daily) than they can see at any other rodeo. Every event is performed in each of the nine daily performances, so any day at Cheyenne Frontier Days is a good day to see an exciting, action-packed rodeo. The rodeo consists of at least ten rodeo events and three track acts (trick riders, matched horse racing, and mare and colt racing) in a fast- paced display of athletics, heroics and good- natured fun. At the Cheyenne Frontier Days rodeo it is known by the cowboys for the style of score it has. The cowboy sits in the box and the steer or calf comes from behind and other cowboys are yelling full, three-quarters, half, quarter, GO! GO! GO! telling the cowboy where and and when his stock is coming.

Other than the rodeo there is all sorts to get into. There is the many concerts including this year Brooks and Dunn, Aaron Tippin and Neal McCoy, Clay Walker, Sugarland, Alan Jackson and other to be announced. You can go for a refreshing beverage at the Buckin' A Saloon or down to the Wild Horse Gulch. You can go enjoy he rides at the Carnival Midway or give a helping hand at the Challenge Rodeo an event for special needs kids. If you are into history you need to go for a tour of CFD Old West Museum, the Indian Village and Fort D.A. Russell Days. There is a service offered by the Cowboy Church Service. If you are into art and sculpting then Walk on over to the Western Art Show and Reception. Watch one of the Grand Parades or ho the cooking was done on the trail at the Chuckwagon Cookoff.

The official website of the Cheyenne Frontier Days is - http://www.cfdrodeo.com/

CPRA Top 3/10

Ponoka Stampede - Ponoka, AB

In 2007, the Ponoka Stampede changed the format of their rodeo by adding the "Showdown." The top competitors in each event compete in the Finals by being in the top ten on two headed of stock. From there the top four cowboys in each event, advance to the evening "Showdown" competing for a $10.000 BONUS!! Also the top 36 wagons from the WPCA Dodge Tour and the Tommy Dorchester $50,000 Dash for Cash follows. Since the change there has been sold out crowds every year. Ponoka Stampede is very much known for bringing in only the best stock for the cowboys to compete on. With this comes the best cowboys in the World many World Champions and Canadian Champions alike will be present competing to make it back to the final round and then into the showdown. This make for extremely exciting action for the viewer. Another aspect that Ponoka is known for is the one of a kind long score that timed event cowboys run out of. Here the cattle are given a bigger head start down an 4o foot alley so once the cowboy and stock hit the arena they are both at a dead run. The rodeo is held over the first week in July during Cowboy Christmas.

There is nightly cabarets with live music and one evening there is a live performance by one of countries greats. The Long Score Saloon is open nightly allowing spectators to socialize and meets some of the contestants. West Coast Amusements brings over 25 carnival rides and games for the young and old to enjoy. There is also the downtown mile long parade to attend where there is floats, local dignitaries and marching bands. During the rodeo there are specialty acts ranging from the One Arm Bandit, to Jerry Diaz trick roper. Also, there are small fireworks displays nightly and then on huge one on July First to celebrate Canada Day. Daily pancake breakfast around town will get you out and about to meet the locals and there is a Farmers Market to buy fresh produce.

The official website of the Ponoka Stampede is - http://www.ponokastampede.com/

Fourth of Top Ten Rodeos

PRCA Top 4/10

Reno Rodeo - Reno, NV

The "Wildest, Richest in the West," the Reno Rodeo is a 10-day event. The Reno Rodeo is a PRCA sanctioned sporting event. Over 140,000 fans will be in attendance for the 4Th richest PRCA tour rodeo. The event impacts the Reno/ Sparks area economy with $42 million going to hotels, casinos, restaurants, and retail. The Reno Rodeo has been nationally televised on CBS Sports, Fox Sports Net, Versus, ESPN, ESPN2, and ESPN Classic. The Reno Rodeo is a non-for-profit organization. In 1986 the rodeo established the Reno Rodeo Foundation as the giving arm of the Reno Rodeo and has donated over $5.1 million to educational scholarships, special children's charities, high school rodeo programs, and literacy programs. The past year the Reno Rodeo Foundation donated over $400,000 back to the community.

The Reno Rodeo, dating June 17-26, 2010, starts off with the Cattle Drive arriving at the grounds on the Thursday morning. With an PRCA Xtreme Bulls Event kicking it off in the arena, followed by a One Night Only - PRCA Special Event- $40,000 purse that night. After the Xtreme Bulls and PRCA Special Event there is the Million Dollar Gold Tour Performance nightly at the outdoor arena. The Championship Finals and Final Performance will then be held where the top cowboys will comeback and compete for the gold buckle.

While the cowboys are competing for the gold buckle there is a whole lot of other activities going on. Like the Bob Feist Team Roping celebrating 32 years that gives away an estimated $680,000 in CASH and AWARDS. Alongside with the Worlds Greatest Roper and the Reno Rodeo Invitational Team Roping. There is the ever popular Businessman Steer Undecorating - an event where businessmen and women ignore their suits and don a big hat and fight for the right to compete at the Finals on Saturday. There are accountants, lawyers, salesman, retailers and even judges. There are also cutting, cow horse, and sorting events being held during the rodeo week. There is also the Reno Rodeo Parade and the western States Drill Team Competition for you to enjoy.

The official website of the Reno Rodeo is - http://renorodeo.com/

CPRA Top 4/10

Wainwright Stampede - Wainwright, AB

During the Cowboy Christmas run starting at the end of June and going into the beginning of July there is a rodeo that all the cowboys want to be entered at. That rodeo is the Wainwright Stampede. Here at the Wainwright Stampede the cowboys are trying to be the quickest on not one but two head of stock. Unlike other rodeos where competitors come make a run and then go on to the next rodeo. Every cowboy runs or rides their first animal on the Wednesday of the rodeo. They then have to come back and take their second animal on another day that they have been randomly drawn for. The prize money is awarded in first and second round but also for the average on two head. This makes for an exciting rodeo as leaders can be moved and bumped run by run or ride by ride.

There is also the World Professional Chuckwagons running here at the Wainwright Stampede. Running daily heats for the top spot and to reach the leader spot in the standings. You can go over and check out the Agricultural Fair and see how the year is progressing for the farmers. Or you can go enjoy yourself with a day at the midway taking the smells of cotton candy and mini doughnuts and go till you are dizzy on the rides.

The official website of the Wainwright Stampede is - http://www.wainwrigthstampede.ca/

Fifth of Top Ten Rodeos

PRCA Top 5/10

National Western Stock Show and Rodeo - Denver, CO

The National Western Stock Show and Rodeo is a fifteen day event that is held in January. This year it is going to be on January 9 - 24, 2010. This event started off as just a stock show and has evolved into something bigger and better with each year. It is now an all around event and has just about everything imaginable to do with horses and livestock. The rodeo part of the weekend is all over the place with different times and days. It starts off with qualifying rounds leading into the rodeo performances themselves. Every performance there is the rodeo and then a feature like mutton bustin, catch a calf contest, or Westernaries. This feature varies from performance to performance and can be matched with any other feature.

Along with the rodeo there is the Mexican Rodeo Extravaganza featuring bull riding, bareback riding, trick roping, mariachi, and the daring Paso de la Muerte or "Death Jump." There are the Wild West Shows patterned after the great Buffalo Bill shows of yesteryear which include a six-horse stagecoach holdup, dance hall girls and a moving tribute to the American Indian. For an elegant evening with horse you may want to check out, An Evening of Dancing Horses. This show is designed to thrill the most discriminating horse enthusiast, the evening will be packed full of formal dressage, freestyle reining, and drill elements. For the corporate spectator a trip to the the Auction of NWSS Junior Livestock Champions just might be what you need for that tax write off you were looking for this year and what a better way than to be helping out one hard working individual. Here the champion livestock and the individuals who raised and handle then are auctioned off to the highest bidder. Or if you are looking for a piece of artwork to hang on your wall then you may want to go take a look at the Coors Western Art show and see if you can not find a piece you like. Other events at the National Western Stock Show are the National Western Grand Prix- a horse jumping event, USEF and Dodge Freestyle Reining, Super Dogs- an amazing event with dogs and their handlers doing obstacle courses and other tricks, the Martin Luther King Jr. African American Heritage Rodeo- tribute to African Americans in rodeo and their accomplishments, catch a calf contest, and a sheep shearing contest. So with all these events and shows you are surely not to be bored in Denver from January 9- 24, 2010. For a complete set of events take a look at the schedule provided on the website.

The official website of the National Western Stock Show and Rodeo is - http://www.nationalwestern.com/


PRA Top 5/10
Strathmore Heritage Days Stampede - Strathmore, AB

Are you tough enough to wear Pink? How about wear pink while running away from 2000 pounds of angry bull? If you want to take your chances against the bulls, call the Strathmore Stampede board of directors and they can sign you up. Running from a bull not your thing? do not worry, the Strathmore Heritage Days has something for everyone! The rodeo starts off half way through the last week in July and the last calf will be roped, the last bull will be bucked that Sunday and the champions will be crowned. World, Canadian and Calgary Stampede champions are among over 400 contestants competing in six major rodeo events including: Saddle Bronc, Bareback, Bull Riding, Calf Roping, Steer Wrestling, and Barrel Racing. They are here trying to make an attempt at being crowned the champion and winning the gold buckle. Many of these top ranked competitors and rodeo stock will also appear at both the Canadian and National Finals Rodeos. Not to long after the dust settles for the day after the rodeo is over the thundering sound of hooves can be heard from the chuckwagons racing around the track. Here money is won and lost heat after heat on different wagons and favorite drivers.

While at the Strathmore Heritage Days Stampede you can be entertained by the Dog and Reptile shows. Or go on over to the Pig Races and Petting Zoo and take a ride on the Monster Truck. During the day to get out of the heat or rain whatever the weather may be like you can go over to the County Fair and Trade Show which is located close to the Daily Farmers market. You can be taken back in time with a walk through the Indian Village or watch the Jousters battle it out horseback. After eating dust all day on Saturday you can wet your whistle with a cold one at the Cabaret with live entertainment and concerts. There is also a livestock show to see how the local producers are doing and a Midway with Interactive Games for the little ones. If you are really adventurous you can actuality join with in the Running of the Bulls, that has actual live bulls like the ones used in Spain. This is both entertaining for the viewer and the participant.

The official website of the Strathmore Heritage Days Stampede is - http://www.strathmorerodeo.com/

Sixth of Top Ten Rodeos

PRCA Top 6/10

Greeley Stampede - Greeley, CO

Listed in the top 10 rodeos according to purse size, the Stampede is notorious for having the top Pro Rodeo athletes compete during the Pro Rodeos held in Greeley. The Stampede finals on July 4Th have been telecast on Altitude Sports & Entertainment, ESPN and Outdoor Life Networks. It has also been featured on the Japan Public Television Network, various documentaries on the sport of rodeo and has found its way into a multitude of magazines and newspapers across the globe. So what does this all mean, well it means that it is one heck of a Pro Rodeo for contestants and spectators. Bringing a crowds from near and affair and from all walks of life. Some of the spectators have been coming the Greeley Stampede for over 45 years. Now that just shows how good of a rodeo the committee puts on for these people to keep coming back year after year. The heart of the Greeley Stampede is the Pro Rodeo; but even the most dedicated rodeo fan needs a little entertainment.

Having something fun to do easy at the Greeley Stampede, and has been for more than 85 years! Every day of the western celebration has something for the Northern Colorado community to do. Starting with opening night & July 4Th fireworks, watch as an amazing light show is performed above your head and comes dancing down upon you. The Western Art Show, gaining recognition by from the national art publications, artist's and collector's alike. You will see some wonderful pieces of art and those who created them all for a low price of, free admission. The Daily Parade in the Park, where a longhorn parade rumbles slowly through the park daily at 6:00 p.m. The on July 4Th there is the Independence Day Parade that is enjoyed by more than 80,000 people and starts at 9:00 a.m. So from this list you can see that you will be kept busy and entertained at the Greeley Stampede.

The official website of the Greeley Stampede is - http://greeleystamepe.org/

Daines Ranch Pro Rodeo - Innisfail, AB

The 50Th Annual Daines Ranch Pro Rodeo will be held the second weekend in June at the Daines Ranch 4 miles North of Innisfail, AB. The rodeo grounds here offers an up and personal feel for all rodeo fans, rookie or veterans. It has some of the best cowboys in the world competing and entertaining the crowds. Last year eight-time world champion cowboy Trevor Brazile showed up and competed. Trevor had never worked a Canadian event before other than the Calgary Stampede. So if the Daines Ranch Rodeo is good enough for Trevor it shows what kind of rodeo event this really is. But it is such a great rodeo because it is put on by cowboys for cowboys. Jack Daines, Canadian Pro Rodeo Hall of Famer, is the backbone behind this event along with his boys and family who have all been part of rodeo for years.

Other entertainment at the Daines Ranch is the nightly concerts put on by some the top musicians and entertainers in the country music industry. They perform on the Budweiser stage alongside the ever so good looking Budweiser girls who are there to serve you beverages and your eye appeal. There is a parade in the downtown Innisfail organized by the Innisfail Rotary Club and is on the Saturday of rodeo weekend.

Hope to see you at the Rodeo!

The official website of the Daines Ranch Pro Rodeo is - http://www.innisfailautionmarket.com/rodeo.htm

Seventh of Top Ten Rodeos

PRCA Top 7/10

Pendleton Round-Up - Pendleton, OR

The first Pendleton Round-Up was "a frontier exhibition of picturesque pastimes, Indian and military spectacles, cowboy racing and bronco busting for the championship of the Northwest." It turned out to be that and more. For the initial show, all stores closed. "The largest crowd in Pendleton's history," 7,000 strong, showed up for the first show on September 29, 1910, a newspaper writer reported. Today it is the 7Th largest PRCA approved rodeo in North America and world known. Pendleton Round-Up has the six major events in rodeo; Bareback Riding, Saddle Bronc Riding, Barrel Racing, Team Roping, Tie-Down Roping, and Steer Wrestling. There is also another professional event that is usually held at separate events except for a few select rodeos, Steer Roping. Pendleton Round-Up is also host to two local events; Indian Relay Racing and Wild Cow Milking. Not only does the rodeo have these events is an element at the Round-Up that is unique to the rodeo, competitors compete on grass turf.





While there is lots to watch at the Pendleton Round-Up there is even more to take in. Before the Round-Up begins Happy Canyon Arena hosts the world's best cowboys mounted on the meanest bulls the Monday and Tuesday before the real event begins. There is also the Happy Canyon Night Show which begins promptly at 7:45 p.m. each night of the Round-Up with dance, games and a saloon opening from 9:30 p.m. to 2 a.m. The colorful night pageant takes you into the past to relive the experiences of our forefathers. The shows begins with the portrayal of the American Indian culture. Emigrants, seeking a new life come to the frontier and soon the cultures clash. Fighting breaks out, then peace comes and the scene changes to that of a wild frontier town. There is a unique Westard Ho! Parade that is held Friday morning of Round-Up week. Beginning with a big bang at 9a.m. 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 Rodeo-Up grounds, dressed in their tribal finery from grandmothers to the tiniest tot.

For accommodations while attending the Pendleton Round-Up there are 7 bed and breakfast, 52 hotels and motels, and 5 RV Parks. There are many restaurants ranging Chinese Cuisine, and many steak and BBQ houses.

The official website of the Pendleton Round-Up is - http://pendletonroundup.com/

CPRA Top 7/10

Williams Lake Stampede - Williams Lake

Located in the heart of the interior of the Canadian Province of British Columbia approximately 550 kilometers north of Vancouver, BC and 240 kilometers south of Prince George, BC there is a little city called Williams Lake. With mountains surrounding the area and crystal clear rivers and streams flowing nearby, it leaves you with a feeling of tranquility. For the most part of the year, but come the first weekend of July it is anything but.This is home to the Wild West and the Williams Lake Stampede. You will see all of the op cowboys and cowgirls - international rodeo competitors from Canada and the United States competing in Barrel Racing, Bareback Riding, Saddle Bronc Riding, Bull Riding, Team Roping, Tie-Down Roping, and Steer Wrestling. The Williams Lake Stampede is also pleased to present the ever popular Chuckwagon races as well. Once the horn blows, those chuckwagons thunder out of a turning start position and then go like blazes around the track. These events and many, many more all come together to create a great family fun filled rodeo and community- wide event.

Along with the rodeo there is much more excitement and events to be seen. There are Pony Chariots, two-wheeled chariots pulled with two-horse teams careening around the oval track! Mountain Races, origins dating back to the 1920's when cowboys raced down the side of Fox Mountain for bragging rights and prizes. Wild Horse Races, teams try to saddle a wild horse and steer him across a finish line with a rider in the saddle. The Ranch Challenge, a trophy competition where teams from local ranches compete to show off their cowboy skills including team cattle penning, wild cow milking, and the pony express race.

The community center of Williams Lake is very condensed and the rodeo grounds are in very center of town so guests and tourists who are reasonably mobile would find that they could enjoy all rodeo activities and events without the use of a motor vehicle. Many of the nine hotels are an easy walk to the Stampede Grounds also. As well there is a modern campground and RV Park located right on the Williams Lake Stampede grounds complex. As to serve your appetite there are restaurants all throughout the Central Cariboo Region serving up delicious dishes to satisfy. You can find Italian, deli, vegetarian, Chinese, sushi, grills, and steakhouses, seafood, pizzerias and much, much more in casual, family or upscale settings. There are even some restaurants open around the clock so you never need to worry about going hungry, day or night, while on your travels through the area.

The official website of the Williams Lake Stampede is - http://williamslakestampede.com/