Confession: It took me 37 years and 10 months to make it to my first rodeo. After just one night full of nail-biting barrel races, remarkably precise team roping, and learning all about the little ones and their “mutton bustin’,” I was already dreaming about planning a return visit next year. (The Post Malone concert in the same arena immediately after the action certainly didn’t hurt, either!)
Part of my recent itinerary to Texas included an evening at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, a 20-day event that’s the largest rodeo in the country. It hosts 300 rodeo competitors—as well as nightly concerts with the likes of Reba McEntire and Luke Bryan as well as livestock shows, a BBQ contest, and more. As a first-timer, I was puzzled by what to pack, what to expect, or how to prepare. But even going in fairly blind, I had an absolute blast…and luckily, my denim jacket, dress, and cowboy hat fit right in.
In case you, too, have your first rodeo on the horizon—or simply would like to have an even better time at any future ones you attend—I called up some rodeo pros soon after I returned home to snag all of their secrets for those new to the culture.
Meet The Experts
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Abbie Byrom-Botello, co-owner and director of operations and hospitality at TRUTH BBQ in Houston, Texas
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Randy Booth, the St. Cloud, Florida-based Big Boss of the Silver Spurs Rodeo
7 Things to Know If This Is Actually Your First Rodeo
Byrom-Botello has been attending the rodeo regularly for 10 years. Now that her restaurant is a vendor at one, “we are there every single night! Rodeo is a celebration of Western culture and the work our ranchers and farmers are doing.”
In case you’re unsure about what to expect, Byrom-Botello describes rodeo as “equal parts Coachella and state fair,” with restaurant pop-ups, shopping, and sometimes concerts in the mix. It’s “exciting from start to finish and entertaining for all ages,” according to Booth, whose family founded that event more than 80 years ago).
As you prepare for your first (or next) rodeo, keep these pro tips in mind.
Choose your wardrobe wisely.
At the rodeo, even just for one day, “everyone gets to be a cowboy or a cowgirl,” Booth says.
“Rodeo is a fashion show, and everyones’ style is so unique. It’s a big part of the fun in my opinion,” Byrom-Botello tells Southern Living. “My mantra is always rhinestone cowgirl: If Dolly would wear it, so would I. Think: Sequins, leather, and fringe. I switch it up every night.”
While Booth believes “there’s no wrong way to dress for a rodeo,” the outfits are a source of pride for many attendees. Don’t be shy about breaking out a showy belt buckle, vintage Western wear, and a bold cowboy hat. (Danielle Grossman, who has been the director of strategic communications at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo since January 2023, says you can find some sweet cowboy hat deals at Boot Barn and thrift shops.)
Just be sure to wear boots that are made for walking; ideally, with boot socks rather than thinner athletic or casual socks, Grossman advises. Either break your boots in before the event or rock your Western gear with cute sneakers Byrom-Botello recommends.
“This is an active, walking event,” Byrom-Botello adds, and no matter what your exact agenda holds, you’ll likely be walking quite a bit. So “whatever you do, never wear heels. Whenever I see anyone limping due to bad shoes, I know it’s their first time,” Byrom-Botello notes. “You only make that mistake once!”
Travel light.
Another “dead giveaway that you’re a newbie,” according to Byrom-Botello: a big bag.
“Travel light. I usually bring a credit card, ID, and phone. If you have to bring a purse, make sure it’s a small crossbody style so you don’t risk leaving it anywhere,” Byrom-Botello recommends. (Be sure to study up on the event’s rules too, as they may require a certain size or a clear material.)
If you attend during the day, bring sunglasses and SPF. As you know, the sun can be sharp in the South.
“Some people will play games at the carnival before the rodeo and win a huge stuffed animal. If you’d like to participate in games or you plan to do some sort of shopping, try to do it on a separate day as the rodeo events you attend, or to do it after the rodeo,” Grossman explains. “That way you don’t have to lug in all of your stuff into the stadium. The seats are small, and you don’t want to have to try to juggle a huge stuffed animal and your drink!”
Download the app.
Taking into account the restaurants and food stands, interactive and educational exhibits, shops, and the arena itself, rodeo grounds can be as large as the event announcers’ personalities. Paper maps are rare these days, so Grossman suggests using your cell phone as a guide. All rodeos have a website, and most have an app that includes an interactive map that can give you step-by-step directions to get or an app, and this often has an interactive map.
While you have your phone handy, it can be helpful to confirm you have Apple Pay, Google Wallet, or Cash App downloaded, since many rodeos are cashless. (A regular credit card will work too, of course.)
Build in extra time to explore.
Some rodeos offer ag and livestock education, immersive exhibits, and activities with FFA and 4H students, for whom this is “like their Super Bowl,” according to Grossman. Since there’s so much to see, discover, and eat, she encourages rodeo guests to arrive early and/or stay late to experience it all.
“Cowboy culture is having a resurgence at the moment because people are intoYellowstone and Beyonce, which is great,” Grossman says. “But it has real meaning beyond that. We need these people to raise the cattle and take care of the farms so our food chain stays strong. The rodeo is a great reminder that food doesn’t just come from a grocery store.”
As you do so, “for your safety, be sure to always ask permission before touching a horse or any livestock,” Booth reminds us.
And be sure to come hungry: “Don’t eat before you come to the rodeo because there’s so much food to try, and often, the food is in large portions,” Grossman says. “Consider splitting with family members so you can save money and sample more!”
Cheer loudly.
While this certainly isn’t scientifically proven, Booth’s recommendation certainly can’t hurt: “If you are a rodeo newbie, just remember the louder you clap and cheer, the better the livestock will perform and the riders will ride.”
Similar to seeing a favorite artist’s concert or your beloved sports team live, Grossman says that attending a rodeo is special due to the fleeting nature of the event—and because of the remarkable athletes.
“There are only a small number of rodeo athletes worldwide, and their stories are so incredible. A lot of these people are traveling rodeo athletes, and the money they’re competing for could change their lives,” Grossman continues. (One of my favorite parts of my first rodeo was when the commentators shared more about the athletes’ families and journeys. It was reminiscent of an Olympics montage before an event. Discovering how long they’ve been competing, what home life is like, or what they have overcome to be there makes you root for them even more.)
“I grew up in a city, and so for me, I was very unaware of the cowboy culture. When I was thrown into it, I realized not only how much of a part of our history it is here in America, but also how much it’s thriving—and how fun it is for kids and adults alike,” she says.
Plan ahead for an exit strategy.
Because the rodeo is such a blast, attendance is strong. This makes departure a bit “hairy,” Byrom-Botello admits, when tens of thousands of people are trying to call an Uber or Lyft at the same time.
She prefers to splurge on a parking pass. Consider public transportation if it is an option in your area or even biking if you have nighttime gear and are commuting in a place that feels safe. At my first rodeo, we had great luck walking about a mile to a nearby hotel, then calling a rideshare from there. Otherwise, simply plan to pack your patience.
Have fun!
If you ask Byrom-Botello, rodeo attendees have only one job: “Go, have a great time, and support the athletes and the stands at the fair.”
It’s wise to have your camera ready throughout the experience, Booth believes, “because you never know what’s going to happen. Capturing a loved one’s first reaction is priceless,” and chronicling the experience will help you remember how much you want to return again in the very near future.
Read the original article on Southern Living
