Yeehaw y’all, it’s that time of year again! The Houston Rodeo starts on March 1st – that’s just over a week away! Are you excited? We sure are. We know some of our readers are hardcore rodeo fans. The kinds of fans who never miss one day of festivities in any given year and can promptly recite stats of famed cowboys and livestock off the tops of their heads. But there are some lesser-known (yet still just as interesting) facts about RodeoHouston that even the most dedicated attendees have continued to overlook throughout the years. No worries – in the dark you shall be no longer, because we’ve compiled a short list of 8 things you probably don’t know about this yearly, globally-known phenomenon.
1. It's the world's largest livestock show and rodeo. Yes, the WORLD. That isn't just a Texas-sized exaggeration.
It's more than just a month of entertainment - it's a charitable organization. RodeoHouston wants to see children succeed, so they reward students in FFA, 4-H, and other similar clubs.
Judges arrive three hours prior to the start of events to examine the livestock and ensure they're healthy enough to compete. After every competition, they re-examine them and inform the rodeo veterinarian of any injuries.
4. Roy Rogers attended the rodeo in 1956 to browse the livestock exhibits, sporting a fireman's uniform, glasses, and a fake mustache to disguise himself for fear of being mobbed by fans.
As of 2003, there's a locker room for all RodeoHouston contestants, and the cowboys and cowgirls have access to a lounge and customized hydrotherapy room to unwind after their fierce competitions.
7. Bodacious, an 1800 pound bull who appeared in the rodeo in 1993, is one of the few animals in the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association Hall of Fame.
The festivities extend far beyond the arena. You can enjoy some delicious rodeo food while watching the elegant, elaborate parade that accompanies the show every year.
Did you know these things about the Houston Rodeo? What about any other cool facts about the world’s largest livestock show? Let us know in the comments – your input is always appreciated!
Katie Lawrence is a Southeast Texas native who graduated 18th in her high school class with a GPA of 4.25. She attended college in the Houston area and changed her major twice (psychology, computer science, and finally criminal justice) before taking a leap of faith and dropping out to pursue a career in freelance writing.
Today, Katie writes for the Texas and Arizona pages of OnlyInYourState.com and has never been more passionate about a job before. Outside of work, you can likely find her curled up on the sofa with a hot cup of coffee, watching a crime TV show or scary movie.
