08/16/2026
Not sure what the announcer means when the dirt starts flying? Here’s a quick breakdown of terms you’ll hear around the arena. 🤠
Barrier: A string stretched across the open side of the roping box that gives the calf or steer its head start. Leave too early and a 10-second penalty gets added to the run.
Chute: A narrow metal enclosure with a gate that swings open into the arena. In roughstock events, the rider mounts the animal from inside the chute and the run begins the moment that gate opens.
Eight Seconds: The minimum time a roughstock rider must stay on a bucking horse or bull — one hand only — to earn a score. Each judge can award up to 25 points for the cowboy’s ride and up to 25 points for the animal’s bucking ability, for a combined possible score of 100.
Hazer: The second cowboy in a steer wrestling run, whose job is to keep the steer running in a straight line so the wrestler can make his move.
Rigging: The handhold used in ba****ck riding, connected to a belt-like strap around the horse — its handle resembles that of a suitcase, and it’s all the cowboy has to hold onto.
Tack: The general term for riding equipment — saddles, bridles, blankets, and reins. Learning to properly care for and maintain tack is one of the first lessons for any new rider.
As a nonprofit supported by the City of Scottsdale, our mission is to keep Western heritage accessible and educational for every generation.
Got a term you’ve always wondered about? Drop it in the comments — and stay tuned as we prepare to reopen in Old Town this fall. 🌵
