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Rodeo, as a competitive sport, evolved from the hardworking lifestyle of the western cowboy. After driving herds of cattle to market, competitions between those working for rival ranches often developed. Some events sprang from everyday work, while others probably came from accepting a dare to do the almost impossible. The traditional rodeo events reflect this history.

However, there are several key differences in gay rodeo events.  The first is that men and women compete in all events. At a gay rodeo you will see men and women bull riders and men will also compete in the barrel racing which at a straight rodeo is considered a woman’s event.  The other difference is the “camp events”.  These events include Goat Dressing, Steer Decorating and The Wild Drag Race.

Its always fun to explain these camp events to rodeo virgins.  They often think you are pulling their leg, until they see the event.  Would you believe Goat Dressing was an event?

At one end of the arena stands the adversary – a goat tethered by a 10 foot rope. Fifty feet from the tether point, stands the two person team. One team member has a pair of tighty whitey underwear and when the whistle sounds, the team runs up to the goat. One member picks up the goat’s hind legs while their team-mate puts the underwear on the goat. Both people then race back to the start line and the timer stops.  To qualify, the underwear must stay on the goat, until both contestants cross the finish line. All this must be accomplished in less than two minutes. There is also a community version of this event, in which members of the audience can compete for the coveted belt buckle.

The Rodeo at the River was held at the rodeo grounds in Duncans Mills where hot cowboys and cowgirls from all over the US and Canada competed in events like, Steer Riding, Chute Dogging, Roping Events, Barrel Racing, Pole Bending and Flag Racing. Here are some photos from the Saturday events.