The Ranching Roots

Historically, if a spirited or oversized steer needed to be caught for necessary medical treatment or care and required specialized handling without a rope, cowboys/cowgirls used skill and leverage to safely bring it to the ground. They would carefully transition from their horse and guide the animal down to provide the needed care. Today, it is a high-speed display of perfect timing, leverage, and athleticism.

The Basic Rules

• The Start and The Barrier: The cowboy/cowgirl waits on horseback in a box, and the steer gets a slight head start. There is a “score line” (usually between 7 and 12 feet) the steer must cross before the cowboy/cowgirl can begin the pursuit. If the cowboy/cowgirl’s horse leaves too early and breaks the barrier rope, they receive a 10-second penalty added to their time.
• The Hazer: You will notice a second rider in the arena alongside the competitor. This partner is called the “hazer,” and their job is to ride on the opposite side of the steer to help guide it in a straight line. The hazer is not allowed to touch the steer or physically assist the cowboy/cowgirl at all.
• The Catch: The cowboy/cowgirl safely dismounts from their horse, grasps the steer’s horns, and uses their boot heels in the dirt to smoothly slow the animal to a halt. If the cowboy/cowgirl slips and loses their hold on the steer, they are only allowed to take one step to try and regain it.
• The Legal Takedown: To finish the run, the cowboy/cowgirl must use leverage to gently and safely guide the steer to the ground. A legal laydown means the steer is resting securely on its side or back, with its head and all four legs pointing in the same direction.

How It’s Scored

• Unlike the riding events, steer wrestling is not scored by judges for points; it is strictly a timed event!
• The clock officially starts the moment the steer crosses the score line.
• Cowboys/cowgirls must be highly efficient; they have a maximum of 25 seconds to complete the entire run. The fastest time takes the prize!