The competition includes teams of cowboys from working ranches in Texas and nearby states. These are not professional rodeo participants. They are the guys you see out on the ranches working with cattle or other livestock. There were almost 50 different teams competing, and they were in groups of 16 teams per day. For about five hours, they competed in timed events that included Mugging, Doctoring, Team Sorting, Wild Cow Milking, and Calf Branding. It was fun to see these guys work, and share in the disappointment when they couldn’t rope anything and the excitement when they did.

This event is held in an equestrian arena, which is covered but has many large open entrances where the dust and dirt fly in regularly. The arena itself is dirt, mixed in with lots of manure. From a rather preppy girl from Boston, I’d like to spare you from some pain. Wear blue jeans and boots if you have them! No fancy dresses, no high-heeled shoes. I wore light khaki pants that got filthy before I got in the door. I looked foolish having to sit on the program because the bleachers were covered in dirt and I’d have a nice ring on my behind. Besides, without the jeans you don’t look like a cowboy or cowgirl, and they will all know you’re just a city slicker.