Home » Coarsegold » Coarsegold Rodeo Action In Photos

Coarsegold Rodeo Action In Photos

COARSEGOLD – The excitement, the thrills and spills of the Coarsegold Rodeo last weekend were captured through the lens of talented local photographer Tammi Kudra Edmonds.

She shares some of her amazing photos, and talks about the various events and what it takes to grab a share of the prize money. (Click on the photos to enlarge).Mutton Bustin - photo courtesy of Tammi Kudra Edmonds

Mutton Bustin’ – This event is open to any child age 6 years and under and weighing less than 60 lbs. Coarsegold Rodeo has two mutton bustin’ events, one on both Saturday and Sunday.

The winner is determined by the longest ride. All participants receive a trophy, with the winners getting a buckle.

Saddle Bronc 3 - photo courtesty of Tammi Kudra Edmonds

Bareback & Saddle Broncs – Riders must stay on their bucking bronco for 8 seconds to earn a score. The cowboys must have their spurs touching the animal above the point of the horse’s shoulders on its first jump out of the bucking chutes. Failure to do so will result in a penalty of a no score.

Bull Rider 2011 - photo courtesy of Susanne Updike-WaiteBull Riding – Probably one of the most popular and exciting events in any rodeo is the bull riding. The 8 second rule applies here also.

Steer Wrestling – The cowboy drops off of his horse and grabs the steer by its horns and head. The cowboy then plants his feet and tosses the steer onto its side, thereby stopping the clock. The fastest time wins.

Breakaway Roping – Horse and rider start from behind a barrier, and the rider can carry one or two loops. The ropes are to be tied to the saddle horn by a heavy string, so that it is released from the horn when the calf reaches the end of the rope.

Breakaway roping 2 - photo courtesy of Tammi Kudra EdmondsTeam Roping – The two cowboys involved in team roping have unique goals. The first, known as the header, does just what the name implies and ropes the head of the steer. The other cowboy, known as Breakaway roping 1 - photo courtesy of Tammi Kudra Edmondsthe heeler, ropes the heels or legs. When they have accomplished that and pulled their ropes tight, the flagger drops the flag, and the fastest time wins.

Tie Down Roping – The goal of this timed event is for the rider to catch the calf by throwing a loop of rope around its neck, dismount from the horse, run to the calf, and restrain it by tying three legs together, in as short a time as possible.

Barrel Racing - photo courtesy of Tammi Kudra Edmonds

Barrel Racing – Three barrels are placed in a clover shape. The rider who rides around the barrels in a specific pattern with the fastest time without knocking one over wins.

Susanne Waite, president of the Coarsegold Rodeo Association, says the event was a huge success, with over 2,000 on hand to enjoy the action in the arena, and appreciated some skilled ropers and riders.

“The bulls did not win out this weekend!” says Waite. “We had cowboys go the full 8! Tough stock, tougher cowboys!” To see all the rodeo results, click here.

Mutton Bustin 1 - photo courtesy of Tammi Kudra EdmondsAnd one of the favorites is always those helmeted little kids, and perhaps future cowboys, grabbing a fistful of wool and hanging on for dear life.

“The Mutton Bustin’ is always booked – with a waiting list – it’s the cutest darn event we have!” says Waite. “The kids, parents and audience love it!”

Bareback bronc 4 - photo courtesy of Tammi Kudra Edmonds

Waite says the weekend wouldn’t be possible without the sponsors who support the rodeo each year.

“We definitely want to thank all our sponsors! They help us to continue this Coarsegold community tradition, and grant funds to Eastern Madera County youth for agricultural and educational projects.”

See you next year at the Rodeo!

Leave a Reply

Sierra News Online

Sierra News Online