The bull is repeatedly shocked with an electric prod, sometimes directly on the testicles. Following electric prodding, a steer is lassoed by its horns. The animal is flipped into the air and swung around the cowboy by as much as 180 degrees. He is then slammed to the ground on his back or his side after his head has been twisted and jerked. Speeds in this event can reach 35 mph.
Severe injuries can result, including breakage of the animal's horns.
Though this event is not typically practiced in California, it is common in Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, and New Mexico. Team Roping Similar to other events such as steer wrestling, team roping involves two cowboys who converge on the animal simultaneously. The animal is rendered virtually immobile and is pulled painfully in opposite directions. It is behind the scenes of rodeo that even greater cruelties occur. Practice sessions, repeated over and over, have no observers and are not subject to the same minor but nonetheless present rules that govern professional rodeo performances.