Enjoy the Spirit of the Old West with a Career in Rodeo
By beconrad Posted 02-19-2019

The sport of rodeo can be fascinating, both inside and outside the arena. Rodeos provide entertainment for both children and adults, but the sport also provides employment to a number of people across the country and around the world. From the contestants themselves to the individuals who care for the animals, many find employment opportunities in the sport of rodeo.

 

Rodeo Announcer

Rodeo announcers provide color commentary during each event in the rodeo, much the same way baseball and football announcers do. Rodeo announcers introduce contestants as they enter the arena and provide some basic information about the individuals, such as their age, current standings in the event, past accomplishments and sometimes a bit of personal information, as well.

 

In order to be successful, a rodeo announcer needs to have an excellent speaking voice, enthusiasm for the sport of rodeo and a good working knowledge of the rules governing each event. Many parts of the country have rodeo circuits, and the same announcer travels throughout a two, three or even four state area announcing at rodeos both during the weekends and throughout the week. Those rodeo announcers make a full-time living. There are also announcing jobs at smaller rodeos, but those are not full-time positions.

 

Stock Contractor

The sport of rodeo could not exist without the stock contractors who supply calves, bulls and broncos for the cowboys and cowgirls to compete on. Rodeo contractors need to have a thorough knowledge of the animals they work with, including the ability to spot illnesses and injuries quickly. The livelihood of the rodeo stock contractor depends on the health and well-being of the horses and cattle under his care.

 

Rodeo contractors also spend a lot of time driving from event to event, so a quality truck and trailer are essential investments for the business. Rodeo stock contractors also need safe and secure places to keep their stock during the off season, so they need to own or rent a properly with sufficient space and facilities for the care of livestock.

 

Some big stock contractors are able to make supplying rodeos their only careers. Others supplement their income with more traditional ranching activities, including selling young stock and training horses. Some stock contractors also host practice sessions for rodeo contestants, especially during the slower winter season. This gives the contractor a chance to try out some of the younger bucking bulls and calves, while giving rodeo contestants a chance to hone their skills and keep them sharp between competitions

 

Rodeo Competitor

The cowboys and cowgirls who compete week in and week out do so not only for the money but for the sheer love of the sport as well. Some competitors, especially those at the top levels of rodeo, do make an excellent living, but many others rely on day jobs to see them through and make a part-time living from the sport they love.

 

Tack Suppliers

Like other sports, the sport of rodeo uses some highly specialized equipment, and the people and companies who supply that equipment are an integral part of the rodeo scene. Barrel racers need to have saddles that are lightweight but very durable. Bronc and bull riders need specially designed saddles and ropes to hold them tight on those bucking animals. Ropers need to have solid lassos and tie straps. Supplying those special pieces of equipment is a difficult job, and the individuals who supply those items need to have an in-depth knowledge of rodeo riders and their needs in order to be successful.

 

If you love to ride and enjoy being around horses, cattle and people, you might want to pursue a career in the rodeo industry. Rodeo is more than a popular entertainment. It is also a big business, and that means some exciting and potentially lucrative opportunities for you.

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