During the time of ranchos, yearly round up and branding of the cattle was always an opportunity for a demonstration of roping and horsemanship. When the main chores of the event called a rodeo were finished, there was regularly a display and contest of talents by the cowboys or vaqueros. The skills demonstrated had a rich culture, going back to the great traditions of the Spanish conquistadors.
It was not until the Civil War, when cattle herds spread out through the West, that the ranks of the American cowboy grew. There had always been relaxed competitions around the stockyards, where cowboys were freed by alcohol and paychecks. The cowboys would challenge one another, to see who was the best at roping or cutting a cow, and spectators would gather around to see the action. Smart showmen like Buffalo Bill Cody started to expand and evolve on these rodeos. The American people became delighted with the Wild West, and it was quickly turned into a business. The Professional Rodeo Cowboy's Association was founded in 1936 to establish rules and regulations for the safety of the animals and competitors.
There are over 170,000 fans that go to the National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas, Nevada, and more than 13 million viewers watch the finals on ESPN. The rodeo has never been more popular and competitive than it is in the present day. The instituted events that now represent a rodeo are steer wrestling, calf roping, team roping, bareback riding, and bull riding. Most rodeos also include barrel racing, which is a sport that is influenced by female equestrians.
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