The riders compete for small cash jackpots and other prizes including ropes, spurs, jackets and carry bags. In addition to overall winners in each age group, prizes are awarded for the best-dressed cowboy and cowgirl. This fun event may also help prepare the kids for breaking horses on their ranches. Participants also shake gourds which make a rattle sound. Men dance in red and blue shawls to represent the colors in the US flag.
Women stand around the outskirts of the arena and sing by the drums.
Wow participants promenade into the competition area as they drum and some sing. Wow is a gathering of all Indian Nations. All are invited and many attend. It used to be a ceremony to pray for the protection of warriors before they went into battle. Now, it is a place to see old friends and to make new ones.