Photo: Cowboys Steer Wrestling Calgary Stampede

Thousands of people attend the Calgary Stampede every year in Alberta to watch the cowboys in the steer wrestling events.

A highlight at the Calgary Stampede is to watch the cowboys wrestling the steer in an event that requires a great deal of strength, agility and speed. Most of the cowboys that take part in steer wrestling are the larger and stronger men due to the power needed to compete.

The whole idea of steer wrestling begins when a steer is freed from an enclosed pen and then crosses over a line. Cowboys ride atop a horse that starts from behind a barricade and make a run for it to catch up with the steer. Another cowboy on horseback rides on the opposite side of the steer so that it continues in a direct line.

Once the cowboy catches up, he leans over and takes the steer by the tips of its horns. He then proceeds to twist the head of the steer which in turn makes it become off balance. Once all four legs are extended on one side and the steer is on the ground, the timer is stopped and the event is complete. ... continue below the picture...

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There are a few different rules that are outlined and if any of them are broken there are penalties attached.The crowds of cowboys or cowgirls that come to watch the steer wrestling events at the Calgary Stampede is amazing. Once you have seen one of these competitions, you will either find it very exhilarating or something that you would not rather see again.

Calgary Stampede, Calgary, Alberta, Canada, North America