July 18-27, 2025

Days
Hours
Minutes
Seconds

Rodeo 101

LEARN THE ROPES.

Professional rodeo action consists of two types of competitions – roughstock events and timed events. Each competition has its own set of rodeo rules and order of events.

100% Action!

Is this Your First Rodeo?

Let's learn the ropes!

Since the late 1800s, rodeos have captured the spirit of the American West, transforming everyday ranch skills into thrilling, high-stakes competitions. These events showcase daring feats and the true grit that defined the taming of the wild frontier. Dive into the excitement of the rodeo and discover what awaits you at the Cheyenne Frontier Days PRCA Rodeo.

At Cheyenne Frontier Days, the rodeo action is divided into three electrifying categories: roughstock events, timed events, and track racing. Let’s explore what each of these categories has in store for you.

ROUGHSTOCK EVENTS

Bareback, Saddle Bronc & Bull Riding

High Score Wins • 8 Seconds of Bucking Animal • One-hand Only

A contestant’s score is equally dependent upon his and the animal’s performance, and the higher the better. To earn a score, the cowboy, while using only one hand, must stay aboard a bucking animal for eight seconds. If the rider touches the animal, himself or any of his equipment with his free hand, he is disqualified. These events initiate from the 10 bucking chutes in front of the East Stand.

TIMED EVENTS

Team & Tie Down Roping, Steer Wrestling & Barrel Racing

Fast Time Wins • Roping, Wrestling and Barrel Racing

In roping and wrestling events, calves and steers are allowed a head start before the contestant leaves the box at Chute 9 at the south end of the arena. A 10 second penalty is added for leaving the box early. Women’s Barrel Racing requires true partnership between horse and rider, as they navigate around 3 barrels in a cloverleaf pattern. Barrel Racing is run from the north end of the arena.

RACING EVENTS

RAcing on the Track

First to Finish Line Wins • Test of Teamwork • Thrills and Action

The Wild Horse Race is a thrilling rodeo event at which teams of cowboys compete to see which of them can be the first to saddle and ride one of the wild horses completely around the track. This event, full of thrills and action, is a perennial crowd favorite.

Saddle Up and See Our Events

Track Acts

There is more to see at The Rodeo! Between events, the rodeo is designed to entertain the whole family with games, activities, and tests of skill.

Dinner Bell Derby

The mares and colts run each day during the rodeo. An attendee favorite, and a great event to get the youngsters involved!

Rodeo Clown

Participate in fun and games in between rodeo events with our fun-loving rodeo clown!

Witness Incredible Feats

Skilled riders and trainers demonstrate first-class acrobatic and equine feats.

Dress for the Rodeo

Where Comfort is the Key

You can wear just about anything you want to the rodeo. The key is comfort. You’ll be walking and exploring all day, so you want to make sure your footwear is incredibly comfortable and your outfit is breathable. If you’d like to add a little western spirit to your getup, ladies, you can’t go wrong with jeans and cowboy boots with a simple top. Add a touch of turquoise accent jewelry to give your outfit a western feel. Guys, it’s all about jeans, boots, and that button-up shirt. Add a cowboy hat to complete the look.

Award Winning

The Best Large Outdoor Rodeo

Cheyenne Frontier Days™ received the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) Large Outdoor Rodeo Of The Year award for the sixteenth time overall, and eleventh consecutive time at the National Finals Rodeo awards banquet held in Las Vegas, Nevada. Cheyenne Frontier Days has previously received the PRCA Large Outdoor Rodeo Of The Year award in 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013 and 2014.