Justin Junior Rodeo / Mutton Bustin'

Date: Feb 15 - 23, 2025
Time: 12:30pm
Each Rodeo Day

Mutton Bustin’ is a unique and fun sheep Riding contest to develop the next generation of rodeo cowboys and cowgirls ages 4-6.

In Junior Rodeo Boys and Girls ages 7-13 can compete in Roping events, Steer Riding and Barrel Racing. The best time or score from each event, each day will return on Sunday, Feb. 23 to participate in the short go. The participant with the highest score or fastest time in each event will be awarded a buckle from the Tucson Rodeo Committee.

Mutton Bustin’ registeration is now full. 

Steer Wrestling

Date: Feb 15 - 23, 2025
Time: 2:00pm-4:30pm
Each Rodeo Day

Speed and strength define steer wrestling, the fastest event in rodeo with a world record of just 2.4 seconds. In this event, also known as bulldogging, the cowboy, or "bulldogger," must use both power and technique to bring a steer to the ground as quickly as possible. Although the task sounds straightforward, the challenge increases significantly due to the steer’s weight—more than double that of the cowboy—and their combined speed of 30 miles per hour.

Bulldoggers start on horseback, with a breakaway rope barrier stretched across the box's open end. The steer receives a head start based on the arena's size. If the bulldogger breaks the barrier before the steer reaches its head start, a 10-second penalty is incurred. Success in steer wrestling requires not just strength, but also precise timing and balance. The cowboy must slide off his horse, hook his right arm around the steer's right horn, grasp the left horn, and use leverage to wrestle the steer to the ground. The steer must be on its side with all four feet pointing the same direction. Additionally, a "hazer" assists by keeping the steer from veering away, often receiving a portion of the payout for their critical role.

Saddle Bronco Riding

Date: Feb 15 - 23, 2025
Time: 2:00pm-4:30pm
Each Rodeo Day

Saddle bronc riding is a classic rodeo event that combines strength with style, grace, and precise timing. Evolving from the task of breaking and training horses on Old West cattle ranches, saddle bronc riding contrasts with the more explosive bareback and bull riding events. It demands a synchronized effort between rider and horse to achieve a fluid ride, rather than the raw power seen in bareback riding.

Mastering saddle bronc riding is often considered the toughest rodeo challenge due to its technical requirements. Riders must mark out their horses on the first jump from the chute, keeping both heels above the horse's shoulders. Unlike bareback riders, who use riggings, saddle bronc riders hold onto a thick rein attached to the horse’s halter with one hand, keeping the other hand free to avoid disqualification. Judges score based on the horse's bucking, the rider's control, and spurring technique, favoring a smooth, rhythmic ride over a wild, uncontrolled one.

Women's Barrel Racing

Date: Feb 15 - 23, 2025
Time: 2:00pm-4:30pm
Each Rodeo Day

Barrel racing stands apart as an event devoid of subjective judgments, with time serving as the sole arbiter of success. It's a graceful and straightforward competition, where riders aim to complete a cloverleaf pattern around three barrels as swiftly as possible, with the stopwatch dictating victory. The best in the sport invest not only hours in honing their skills but also substantial sums in acquiring and maintaining top-notch horses, essential for navigating the course with precision and speed.

These equine athletes must not only be swift but also intelligent enough to avoid penalties such as tipping barrels, which can cost valuable seconds. With competitors finely tuned in skill, the sport is timed to the hundredth of a second, showcasing the meticulous preparation and dedication of participants. Ultimately, despite the evolution of barrel racing, the fundamental objective remains unchanged: to stop the clock as quickly as possible.

Bareback Riding

Date: Feb 15 - 23, 2025
Time: 2:00pm-4:30pm
Each Rodeo Day

Most cowboys agree that bareback riding is the most physically demanding event in rodeo, taking an immense toll on the cowboy's body. Muscles are stretched to the limit, joints are pulled and pounded mercilessly, and ligaments are strained and frequently rearranged. The strength of bareback broncs is exceptional, and challenging them is often costly. Bareback riders endure more abuse, suffer more injuries, and carry away more long-term damage than all other rodeo cowboys.

To stay aboard the horse, a bareback rider uses a leather rigging constructed to meet PRCA safety specifications. The rigging, resembling a suitcase handle on a strap, is placed atop the horse's withers and secured with a cinch. As the bronc and rider burst from the chute, the rider must have both spurs touching the horse's shoulders until the horse's feet hit the ground after the initial move from the chute, a requirement known as "marking out." Failure to do this results in disqualification. Despite the toughness, bareback riders embrace it as the cowboy way.

Bull Riding

Date: Feb 15 - 23, 2025
Time: 2:00pm-4:30pm
Each Rodeo Day

Rodeo competitions originated from the daily challenges faced by cowboys on the ranch, encompassing activities like roping calves and breaking broncs into saddle horses. Among these challenges, bull riding emerged as a daring feat, requiring cowboys to mount 2,000-pound bulls equipped with dangerous horns.

Despite the inherent risks, bull riding remains a beloved and thrilling event in rodeo, demanding intense physical prowess, mental toughness, and courage from its participants. Riders cling to the bull for eight seconds using only one hand, with no room for error—if they touch the bull or themselves, they receive no score. Every bull's bucking behavior is unique, adding to the unpredictability and excitement of the event.

Team Roping

Date: Feb 15 - 23, 2025
Time: 2:00pm-4:30pm
Each Rodeo Day

Team roping, the only true team event in ProRodeo, requires precise timing between a header and a heeler and their horses. Originating on ranches for treating or branding large steers, this event demands hard work and practice. Team ropers start from boxes on each side of the chute, with the steer given a head start. When the steer reaches its advantage point, the barrier is released, and the header pursues, followed by the heeler. A 10-second penalty is assessed if the header breaks the barrier too soon.

The header aims to make one of three legal catches on the steer: around both horns, one horn and the head, or the neck. Any other catch results in disqualification. Once the header secures the catch, he turns the steer to expose its hind legs to the heeler, who attempts to rope both legs. A five-second penalty is given if only one leg is caught. The clock stops when there is no slack in the ropes and the horses face each other. American quarter horses are popular for this event; heading horses are taller and heavier for power, while heeling horses are quick and agile to follow the steer's movements.

Tie Down Roping

Date: Feb 15 - 23, 2025
Time: 2:00pm-4:30pm
Each Rodeo Day

As with saddle bronc riding and team roping, tie-down roping traces its roots back to the working ranches of the Old West. Cowboys had to quickly rope and immobilize sick or injured calves for treatment. Ranch hands turned their work into informal contests, priding themselves on their speed. As the event evolved, being a good horseman and fast sprinter became as crucial as roping accuracy.

Today, the cowboy starts from a box adjacent to the chute holding the calf, which receives a head start. A breakaway rope barrier is looped around the calf's neck and released when it reaches its advantage point. A 10-second penalty is assessed if the roper breaks the barrier too soon. The horse stops as soon as the cowboy catches the calf, allowing him to dismount, sprint to the calf, and perform a maneuver called flanking. The roper then ties three legs with a pigging string. The horse must pull back to eliminate slack without dragging the calf. The roper signals completion by throwing his hands in the air, then remounts and waits six seconds to see if the calf remains tied. If the calf kicks free, the roper receives no time.

Coors Barn Dance

After the last Bull bucks every Rodeo Day @ Tucson Rodeo!
Admission is $5.00

The Coors Barn Dance is a highlight of the Tucson Rodeo, offering a lively and festive atmosphere for attendees to unwind and celebrate. Held each evening after the rodeo events, the barn dance features live country music, dancing, and a vibrant social scene that brings together rodeo participants, fans, and the local community. It’s a perfect opportunity to kick up your heels, enjoy great music, and experience the camaraderie and spirit of the rodeo.

With its rustic charm and energetic vibe, the Coors Barn Dance has become a beloved tradition at the Tucson Rodeo. Whether you're a seasoned dancer or just looking to enjoy the evening with friends, the barn dance provides a fun and memorable way to cap off a day at the rodeo. Grab your boots, join the crowd, and dance the night away at this quintessential Western event.

Age 21+ Allowed.

Cowboy Church

Sundays, Feb. 16 & 23, 2025 | Time: 10:00am

Cowboy Church at the Tucson Rodeo is a cherished tradition that brings together the rodeo community for a time of fellowship and spiritual reflection. Held on Sunday mornings, February 16th and February 23rd, during 10am, this non-denominational service welcomes cowboys, cowgirls, and fans alike to gather in a relaxed, open-air setting. With messages that resonate with the Western lifestyle, the service includes live music, uplifting sermons, and a sense of community that strengthens the bonds among attendees.

The atmosphere at Cowboy Church is warm and inviting, offering a peaceful respite from the excitement of the rodeo events. It’s a time to reflect, give thanks, and seek inspiration before another thrilling day of competition. Whether you’re a regular churchgoer or simply looking to experience a unique aspect of rodeo culture, Cowboy Church provides a meaningful and enriching experience that highlights the enduring spirit of the rodeo community.

Call for more information: 520-991-8511

REACH Program

Times: (45min slots) 9:30am | 10:30am | 12:30pm

Rodeo Education and Children (REACH) is a fun and educational program celebrating the historic sport of rodeo and the spirit of the American West. Offered to Tucson-area elementary schools since 1995 at no charge, REACH introduces K-6 students to rodeo, increasing their awareness of Western heritage and the working cowboy. The 45-minute presentation involves student participation, demonstrating rodeo equipment and events, and includes unique substance abuse and gang prevention messages, teaching students to "cowboy up" when faced with difficult choices.

Since its inception in 1991 by Penny Conway, an elementary school teacher and rodeo competitor, REACH has reached over three million students in 31 states. All instructors are certified elementary educators. For more information, visit reachkids.com. Students can bring sack lunches, snacks, and beverages, with concession stands also available. Home school groups must register in advance for free admission.

All programs take place at Tucson Rodeo Grounds, 4823 S. 6th Ave., with free parking for buses and cars.

Call to Register, 520-651-2662