Amateur athletes are invited to try several beginner events in a real rodeo at the upcoming GAY GAMES 9 near Akron, Ohio, USA. The International Gay Rodeo Association, Inc. (IGRA) will be hosting a rodeo on August 10-11, 2014.
Both experienced and new rodeo contestants are invited to participate in the “IGRA Rodeo at the Gay Games 9”. IGRA and its member associations across the US and Canada have been holding rodeos for over 30 years. There are roping events, speed events such as barrel racing on horseback, bull and steer riding, bucking broncs, and camp events. Camp events are unique to gay rodeo and beginners can participate in Goat Dressing, Steer Decorating, and Wild Drag Race, with some introductory training from experienced rodeo cowboys and cowgirls.
Two beginner events are included in every gay rodeo for contestants who do not own horses. These are ‘Calf Roping on Foot’ and ‘Chute Dogging.’ ‘Calf Roping on Foot’ gives the contestant a chance to rope a calf as it runs out of a chute, and helps to train contestants for eventually roping on horseback. ‘Chute Dogging’ is a type of steer wrestling where the contestant must “dog” a steer cleanly onto its side with all 4 feet off the ground.
Beginners can learn to perform these feats at the Rodeo School. This training school will be held in the days just prior to the Rodeo. Experienced cowboys will teach beginners how and give them actual practice. Camp events are also covered in the school.
Gay rodeos have many safety provisions to prevent injuries to the animals and the contestants. For this reason, the gay rodeo events are not precisely the same as straight rodeo events. Animal welfare and contestant safety are top priorities.
How can you try a North American Cowboy Rodeo?
Go to www.gaygamesrodeo.org and learn more. Then plan your trip to Ohio and come early to attend a Rodeo School. But you must register with IGRA in advance!
How many people can enter the Gay Games Rodeo?
The IGRA expects about 120 experienced and new contestants to attend. If you are interested, act now!
What can you learn in a Rodeo School?
Experienced IGRA cowboys and cowgirls will coach new contestants the basic skill for Calf Roping on Foot, Chute Dogging, Steer Riding, Goat Dressing, Steer Decorating, and Wild Drag Race. You will learn about each event, practice the skills, and then have a chance to practice it under real rodeo conditions with the coaches helping.
Do you need to bring a team?
Not for the individual events. If you want to enter the camp events, you will need one or two partners. IGRA will try to match up partners among the people who attend Rodeo School, but if you bring teammates you can definitely enter. Wild Drag Race requires a team of 3, at least one of which must be a woman.
Can women and men enter all events?
Yes, women and men can enter all events, equally. Individual events have a division for women and one for men, but in team events, everyone competes together.
Will there be country-western music and dancing?
Yes, and there will even be dance lessons for beginner couples and line dancers and a huge Country and Western Dance on Monday NightAugust 11, 2014. There will also be Country and Western entertainment of all types.
Could you win a buckle?
Yes, there are several beginners who have won buckles in an event after going to rodeo school. Videos of events can be found on igra.com
