His assertion of superiority occurs right about the same moment that the rider is hitting the dust and running like hell to avoid getting stomped. Saddle bronc riding originated in the cowboy's quest to break a wild horse and tame it to ride. Whichever rider can make staying on the saddle of a bucking horse look the easiest is the winner. You can spot a bareback bronc rider by the size of his arms. If tackling and pig-tying a baby cow seems unnecessarily cruel, it's probably because you've never spent an afternoon chasing an errant calf around your ranch.
Calf roping is a complex contest.
First, the calf is released for a head start. Then, the cowboy must catch it using a looped rope called a reata. When the calf is down, the cowboy must gather and tie three of its legs. Steer roping is a similar event, but the stakes are higher because the older cows are craftier and more cantankerous. Roping a steer is one thing.