Rodeo Superstitions
Here are some interesting
superstitions carried to this day by the cowboys and cowgirls, at least here
in the U.S. Superstitions exist in many sports (like football and, especially,
baseball) and this includes rodeo. Superstitions are an integral part of the
rich history of rodeo
- Don't
wear yellow in the rodeo arena.
You don't want to be called "yella" do ya? (Yella was an expression used some
decades ago to label someone a coward.)
- Always
shave the day of a performance.
You really must show full respect for the dangerous endeavor in which you
are about to engage.
- Wear
different colored socks.
Baseball players believe this as well.
- Empty
your pockets of change before competing.
You don't want to give out the wrong message to the cosmos that you already
have enough money. Remember, except for the very rare superstars, rodeo competitors
mostly live hand-to-mouth, making just enough (hopefully) in each contest
to cover the entry fee for then next one.
- Stay
away from peanuts and popcorn
Another carry-over from baseball. Most people think this is because they are
small and dry so you don't want to risk them getting stuck in your throat.
But sunflower seeds are okay for baseball, so go figure.
- Paper
cup kicking is a no-no!
Some horses will spook when the cups blow out.
- Saddle
bronc riders mount first only with the right foot.
Ralph Clark says this may actually be a "direct link from the modern cowboy
(to) the knight (sic) of Medieval Europe. Passed from Spanish knights called
Caballeros on to the Vaquero and then the cowboy." The left side, he says,
was considered evil. Fascinating!
- Don't
read your horoscope before a competition.
This is all well and good, but our suggestion is to never read these anyway
because they're just a bunch of malarkey.
Please email us any others you know about (or practice yourself!) Hey, non-U.S.
customers! Are these true in your country?