Emerald Coast Rodeo 2025 - Digital Program by nwfscstratcomm

2025 Program

Thank you for attending the Emerald Coast Rodeo! We are thrilled to have 3R Rodeo Company as our stock contractor once again, providing exceptional professional and affordable family entertainment to our community. The event helps raise funds for Northwest Florida State College Programs.

Our goal is to bring the community together and create lasting memories. We are grateful for the support of our sponsors, volunteers, and attendees who make this event possible. Your enthusiasm and participation are what will make the Emerald Coast Rodeo a cherished tradition in our community. We look forward to continuing this tradition and making each year better than the last.

Thank you for your support!

3R Rodeo Company

3R Rodeo Company is the Southern Regions Premier Stock Contractor and is a multigenerational company that started in 1990 By Gene Ray and his Son Jimmy Dale Ray. Dale Ray & his wife, Renate Ray have continued on with his father’s legacy. 3R Rodeo Company has provided the Southern Region with top scoring bucking stock and has been the top stock contractor & gold card holder for the PCA over the past 3 decades.

Born and raised in Robertsdale, AL. Jerry Byrd’s announcing career started over 20 years ago, announcing at the Jr. Rodeo level and then moving up to the Professional Circuit. Jerry’s energetic style of announcing and his ability to keep the rodeo moving along in a timely manner has afforded him the opportunity to be chosen to announce some of the most prestigious rodeos in the southeast.

For more information on 3R Rodeo Company you can visit 3rrodeo.com/about-us/ and their Facebook page at facebook.com/profile.php?id=100057433608550

Order of Events

MUTTON BUSTIN'

PRESENTATION OF FLAGS

BAREBACK RIDING

RANCH BRONC

SADDLEBRONC RIDING

CALF ROPING

CALF SCRAMBLE

BREAKAWAY

DONKEY RACE

STEER WRESTLING

ACT

TEAM ROPING

SPECIALTY ACT

INTERMISSION

BARREL RACING

BULL

RIDING

Why the Raiders?

A proud name and a proud tradition: Northwest Florida State College is honored to use the name Raiders and pay tribute to the heroes of the past who have shaped our future today.

In the College’s first year of operation, in 1964, then OkaloosaWalton Junior College set about to choose a school mascot. The College chose the name “Raiders” in honor of the heroic airmen who trained at Eglin Air Force Base for their famous World War II raid on Tokyo.

To keep the legacy of the Doolittle Raiders alive, NWFSC is honored to feature various Raider memorabilia throughout the campus, including a museum at the entrance of Raider Arena, a painting bearing the signatures of surviving crewman from each of the 16 participating aircrafts, including Jimmy Doolittle himself, and an autographed edition of Doolittle’s autobiography.

Meet Jimmy Raider, known as J.R. Make sure to say hey next time you see J.R. at one of our Raider Athletic Games.

What is a Rodeo?

A rodeo is a competitive event rooted in the traditions of cattle herding and ranching. It features a series of events where participants demonstrate their skills in horseback riding, roping, and handling livestock. Popular events include bull riding, barrel racing, steer wrestling, and bronc riding. Each event tests the strength, skill, and courage of the contestants, making for an exciting and actionpacked experience for spectators.

Rodeo events are typically divided into two categories: timed events and rough stock events.

TIMED EVENTS:

• Calf Roping (Tie-Down Roping): Competitors rope a calf, dismount, and tie three of its legs together as quickly as possible.

• Team Roping: Two riders work together; one ropes the calf’s head, and the other ropes its legs. Steer Wrestling: Also known as bulldogging, the rider jumps off their horse onto a steer and wrestles it to the ground.

• Barrel Racing: Predominantly a women’s event, it involves racing around a cloverleaf pattern of barrels in the fastest time.

• Breakaway Roping: Similar to calf roping, but the rope is tied lightly to the saddle horn and breaks away when the calf is roped.

ROUGH STOCK EVENTS:

• Bull Riding: Riders try to stay on a bucking bull for eight seconds using only one hand on a rope tied around the bull.

• Saddle Bronc Riding: Riders use a specialized saddle and attempt to stay on a bucking horse for eight seconds.

• Bareback Bronc Riding: Similar to saddle bronc, but riders use a rigging similar to a suitcase handle instead of a saddle.

• Ranch Bronc Riding: Similar to saddle bronc, but riders use their everyday working saddle instead of a specialized bronc saddle.

History of the PCA

The Professional Cowboy Association (PCA), founded in 1995, aims to promote and preserve the sport of rodeo in the southeastern United States. Originating with a focus on fair and competitive events, the PCA quickly grew in popularity due to its commitment to professionalism and high standards, as outlined in its comprehensive rulebook. The association’s annual PCA Rodeo Finals is a highlight, drawing top competitors to vie for championships in various rodeo disciplines. Over the years, the PCA has significantly contributed to local economies, particularly in rural areas, and has supported the sport’s future through youth and educational programs.

Despite challenges such as economic fluctuations and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, the PCA has adapted by enhancing safety protocols, modernizing its marketing strategies, and emphasizing animal welfare. The association remains a major force in the southeastern rodeo circuit, fostering community engagement and supporting charitable activities. The PCA’s dedication to tradition, ethical practices, and the wellbeing of its participants ensures its ongoing influence and reputation in the rodeo world.

Mutton Bustin’

Mutton bustin’ is a popular and entertaining children’s rodeo event where young participants ride on the backs of sheep. It’s a miniature version of bull riding, but with much less risk and on a much smaller scale. Here’s a quick overview:

How It Works

Participants: Children usually weigh less than 60 pounds to avoid overwhelming the sheep.

Equipment: Riders often wear protective gear, such as helmets and vests, to ensure their safety.

Event Setup: The child is placed on the back of a sheep, and once the sheep is released, the goal is to hold on for as long as possible.

Duration: Rides generally last a few seconds as the sheep quickly bucks and runs to get the rider off its back.

Just For Fun!

SADDLE UP FOR SOME LAUGHS

Q: Why can't you play cards in the barn?

A: Because the horses keep stalling!

Q: What do you call a horse that lives next door?

A: Your neigh-bor!

Q: What do you call a happy cowboy?

A: A jolly rancher!

Q: Why did the cow go to space?

A: To see the mooooon!

Q: What do you call a cow that loves to tell jokes?

A: A laughing stock!

Q: Why did the cowboy get a ticket?

A: He couldn't stop horsin' around!

DID YOU KNOW?

What's it called when a rider tries to stay on a bucking hors for 8 seconds? Saddle Bronc Riding

What event involves roping a steer as fast as possible? Team Roping

What color hats do cowboys wear for formal occasions? Black

Where did rodeos originally begin? In the American West

UNSCRAMBLE THESE RODEO WORDS:

1. SALSO → Lasso

2. DUBNO → Bound

3. LUBL DGRINI → Bull Riding

4. REOSDO → Rodeos

5. OHESRS → Horses

6. RASPU → Spurs

Kids can get a free sticker at the NWFSC table under the red tent by the main entrance.

Raider Life’s goal is to engage all NWFSC students in campus life and offer opportunities for learning, leadership, service, friendship, and fun. Stay up to date on Raider Life events! @NWFRaiderLife /NWFRaiderLife Want to get involved in Raider Life? Email us at RaiderLife@nwfsc.edu. Visit nwfsc.edu/student-life to learn more!

The Student Advisory Board (SAB) provides a voice for the Northwest Florida State College student body in all college affairs while helping to further the goals of the College from a student perspective.