The idea started when Mexican cowboys in Texas and New Mexico competed to see who was the best. The idea was imported into Canada in 1893 when the first Canadian rodeo took place in Calgary. Today's rodeos are wild, entertaining, and exhilarating. At a rodeo today you can see riders, ropers, wrestlers, and rodeo clowns. At some events you might also see wild cow milking, barrel racing, wild horse races, or chuckwagon races.
Women compete in barrel racing, men compete in the other events.
During the summer months Alberta hosts many stampedes and rodeos. Beginning in March competitors travel from town to town until November. The most successful take part in the Canadian rodeo finals. Two of the most well know rodeos are held In Calgary during the summer and Edmonton in the fall. While some cowboys compete for pride, most compete for money and make a respectable living.