How to Run a Rodeo Event in Colorado

Running a rodeo event in Colorado? Here's how to plan it, pick a format and run it on Colorado Under Par, start to finish.

What it looks like

Colorado amateur and youth rodeos are held at county fairgrounds and private arenas from late spring through fall, often tied to county fairs and charity fundraisers.

Formats

Rodeo (All-Around)

Contestants enter several events, and points or winnings across events decide the all-around champion.

Barrel Racing

A rider and horse race a cloverleaf pattern around three barrels.

Team Roping

Two riders work together, one roping the head and one the heels of a steer.

Bull Riding

Riders try to stay on a bucking bull for eight seconds with one hand.

Gymkhana / Playday

Fun timed horseback games like poles, keyhole and flags, often for youth and beginners.

Saddle Bronc / Bareback

Riders stay on a bucking horse for eight seconds, with or without a saddle.

Tie-Down Roping

A rider ropes a calf, dismounts and ties three legs together.

Mutton Busting

Young kids ride sheep for a few seconds, wearing helmets and vests, with handlers close by. It is the crowd favorite every time.

Sponsor a Chute

Businesses sponsor each bucking chute with a banner. Every ride from that chute gets a shout out.

Safety and Thank You

Open with a safety talk and a thank you to medics, bullfighters and volunteers. End with a group photo of all riders.

Build it

In the Organizer Dashboard, click Create event and pick rodeo and your format. Every tab, word and Start here guide then follows your sport.

Registration

Choose your team size and divisions, like open, youth and junior. In Registration, ask what you need from each entrant, like horse name and events you are entering.

Results

Open Scores and results. Your sport starts set up with rounds and judges per round. Send each judge their phone link, no login needed. With three or more judges you can drop the high and low score. Tick Post results to show places by level.

Event day

Contestants check in at the rodeo office, draw for stock or order, horses warm up, events run in order with announced times or scores, then all-around and event winners get buckles or awards.

Fun ideas

Make it memorable. Three ideas people love. Mutton Busting. Young kids ride sheep for a few seconds, wearing helmets and vests, with handlers close by. It is the crowd favorite every time. Sponsor a Chute. Businesses sponsor each bucking chute with a banner. Every ride from that chute gets a shout out. Safety and Thank You. Open with a safety talk and a thank you to medics, bullfighters and volunteers. End with a group photo of all riders.

Tip

One tip for first-timers: line up an experienced arena director, stock contractor and on-site medical crew before you set a date. Building is free, then 1% per paid order plus card processing, paid to your own Stripe account. Stuck? Ask Caddie or search Need help in your dashboard. Start at coloradounderpar.com/sell-tickets.