Rodeo Roundup: The history of rodeo and its events

It is believed that rodeo was born in 1846 when two groups of cowboys from neighboring ranches met in Deer Trail, Colorado to settle an argument over who was the best at performing everyday ranching tasks. That gathering is considered to be the first rodeo. It started the beginning of the true American sport, and through daily chores on the ranch, rodeo evolved. It can be said that rodeo is the only sport derived from an industry and is probably the only one that ever will.

Though today's cowboy may be different from his predecessor, he still values the showmanship and ideals of long ago. His standings in a rodeo are still determined by his ability to ride bucking rough stock and his skill with a rope. Most of the changes made throughout the years have been for the better - for both the men and women that participate and for the animals.

In 1936, a group of cowboys walked out of a rodeo at the Boston Gardens to protest the actions of a rodeo promoter. This group decided it could be better and formed their own organization - only then it was called the Cowboy Turtles Association. In 1945, the Turtles changed their name to the Rodeo Cowboys Association, and in 1975, the organization became the PRCA - The Pro Rodeo Cowboys Association.

The PRCA consists of seven events, three are Rough-stock events and four are timed events. The rough-stock events are Saddle Bronc Riding (Rodeo's classic event), Bareback Bronc Riding and Bull Riding. The timed events are Steer Wrestling (bull dogging), Tie-Down Roping, Team Roping and Barrel Racing (PWBR).

Jamie Wendt is the 2007 Rocking Bar h Jr. Rodeo Queen.