Rodeo riders put on a show in Hot Springs

HOT SPRINGS - Several hundred people flocked to the rodeo arena just outside of Hot Springs on Saturday and Sunday for the annual rodeo competition during the 64th annual Homesteader Days celebration. Competitors of all ages took to their horses and bulls to test their skills in multiple events.

As dust flew and hooves kicked at the air, cowboys also flew through the air during the bareback competition. Bareback riders do not use a saddle or a rein, instead relying on rigging made of leather and rawhide. The rider attempts to stay on the bucking animal for eight seconds without touching the horse with his free hand.

The next event was the steer wrestling competition. In this event, a horse-mounted rider chases down a steer, plunges from the horse and attempts to wrestle the flailing animal to the ground.

With times typically ranging between three and ten seconds, the run is over when all four of the animals legs are off the ground. The event carries a high risk of injury to the rider.

Calf roping like most rodeo events has its origins in ranch work. The event features horse-mounted riders chasing down a calf with the goal of lassoing the animal and tying its’ legs. Timing is everything in this high-speed competition.

The rider must lasso the animal, dismount the horse and tie three of the calf’s legs. When the tie is finished, the rider throws up his hands to signal to officials and stop the clock. The tie must stay intact for six seconds to count. Riders are scored based on speed. Professional calf ropers will accomplish the feat in seven seconds.

Originally based on the working ranch necessity of horse training or “breaking,” the saddle bronc event is very different compared to the bareback competition. The saddle bronc rider utilizes a special saddle and rein to coax the animal into a rhythmic bucking motion.

Team roping is similar to calf roping except there are two riders, each with a specific responsibility during a run. As the steer gains a lead bolting from the chute, the two ropers gallop toward the animal after a slight delay.

The first roper called the “header” lassoes the animal around the head or neck while the second rider known as the “heeler” is supposed to lasso the steer by the hind legs. Team roping is the only rodeo event where men and women can compete together as a team.

Young, aspiring bull riders competed in the mini-bulls event that is designed to give them a somewhat safer introduction to the sport. Smaller, less aggressive bulls are used to increase the level of safety for young bull riders. Despite the precautions, at least one rider suffered a mild injury to his arm during the event.

The breakaway event is similar to calf roping except the calf is not thrown to the ground and tied. The single horse and rider chase down the calf, lasso it around the neck and tie the rope to the horn on the saddle. The rope that is attached to the saddle by a string breaks when the calf pulls the rope taut and the run is over. The fastest time wins.

The event known as double mugging is similar to calf roping but it involves a larger animal often requiring multiple competitors to bring it down. One cowboy ropes the steer while another cowboy on the ground attempts to wrestle the animal to the ground. The mounted competitor dismounts to aid his partner hence the term double mugging.

The barrel racing event was divided between female, junior level and kids heats. In barrel racing, the object is to complete the clover-leaf shaped course in the fastest time. Competitors maneuver their horses around pre-set barrels before racing to the finish line.

In one of the most dangerous events, the bull riding competition resulted in a few minor injuries and more than a few cheers from the approving crowd. Kyle Delaney of Polson was shaken up after his ride requiring assistance to leave the ring.

At the age of 71, Charlie Sammons of Hot Springs was riding his first bull in 16 years. Sammons said he wanted to ride one more bull before leaving the sport for good.

“I started riding when I was 15. There’s nothing like it. You can’t imagine the adrenaline rush. For that eight seconds, it’s unreal,” said Sammons.

None of the bull riders were able to score in their event. In the saddle bronc event, Andrew Evjene of Melville took first place. In bareback riding, Dan Lien of Ronan placed first. Levi Guenzler of Ronan placed first in steer wrestling. In calf-roping, Dustin Bird of Cut Bank took first prize. There were no times for the junior breakaway.

In the ladies breakaway, Jaylyn Garrison of Arlee won the event. In junior barrels, Carrie Fitzpatrick of Browning took first place followed by Catie Birk of Kalispell who won the ladies barrels. The team of Dustin Bird and Paul Faves won the team-roping event.

In the mini-bull event, Cody Garrison of Thompson Falls came out victorious while Elizabeth Schiel-Leodoro from Missoula won the kids barrels.

Organizer of the Homesteader Days Leslee Smith said the rodeo was a huge success.

“We had great weather and the rodeo went very well. We had a great turnout from the community,” said Smith.