Growing out of the rivalry among Southwestern ranches, Ranch Rodeos demonstrate the skills used on a working ranch and have been taking place for over a hundred years. They differ from professional rodeos in two main ways: They reflect working ranch activities and they have a more flexible set of rules. Even though ribbon roping is not part of the everyday ranch activities it well demonstrates this flexibility and the sense of fun inherent in these events.
In general, however, ranch rodeos include the events held at the World Championship Ranch Rodeo in Amarillo, Texas. Established by the Working Ranch Cowboys Association, these rodeos include but are not limited to, the following which were part the competition at the L.A. County Fair Ranch Rodeo
Wild Cow Milking: After the cow is roped, a cowboy tries to squirt milk into a long neck bottle. The bottle must then be run to a circle where it is checked. This is a timed event and the fastest time wins.
Team doctoring: A header and a heeler rope a steer, then a third cowboy marks a "doctored" spot on its head with paint. This simulates the practice that allows cowboys to track and "doctor" cattle. The fastest time wins.
Ribbon Roping: After the steer is roped the second member of the team must remove a ribbon from the steers tail and return it to the finish line. Not an easy task since the cow is on a long rope and usually fails to cooperate. The fastest time wins.
Rescue Race: A rider must “rescue” one or more cowboys at the opposite end of arena. There are several variations of this event but in general the rider must pick up the stranded cowboy and then they ride double back to the starting line. The pickup usually provides the most problems but the rescued can also fall off or be thrown before reaching the end. The fastest time wins.
Team Tying: Similar to team roping except that after the catch is made the header dismounts and ties the animal as in tie down roping. The fastest time wins.
Cattle Loading: A trailer is placed in the arena. A header ropes the steer and transfers the rope to a team member who positions it so that the steer can be moved into the trailer. . After it is loaded in the trailer the gate is closed and latched. The fastest time wins.
Rawhide Race: A cowboy on horseback pulls a team member on a hide around a barrel and across the arena. The fastest time wins.
Wild Steer Riding: Similar to bull riding but on a steer instead. Rider must complete an 8 second ride to earn a score
Team Branding: A team of cowboys rope a calf and take it to a branding crew where it receives a paint brand. Each team must rope and brand two calves. The fastest time wins.
Ranch Saddle Bronc Riding: During this 8 second ride the cowboy uses his regular working saddle and the rider and saddle must stay on board the bucking horse for the full time or no score will be given. Scoring is based on the performance of both the horse and the rider with each counting for 50% of the total.
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