Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo - The Calf Scramble

The Calf Scramble

Since the addition of the event in 1942, it has been one of the more popular events during the actual rodeo. The event features 14 calves and 28 students who must try to capture one of the calves, put a halter on it and bring it back into the "winners square" in order to claim the win. One of the rules is that as long as a contestant is actually in the act of holding the calf (i.e. Holding it by the tail) to get the halter on, no other participant may interfere unless the calf wriggles itself free. It's at this point where the calf is fair game once again. The event is held nightly between major events in the Reliant Stadium. Each of the students who catch a calf is awarded a $1,250 certificate to purchase a registered beef heifer. Raising and showing this heifer becomes a yearlong project as the scrambler sees to the grooming, feeding and care of the animal. The exhibitor returns to the Houston Livestock Show the following year for a special competition. Calf Scramble exhibitors receive a $250 bonus when they return to compete with their heifer, totaling their $1,500 certificate.

Along with the calf scramble, Rodeo Houston, is home to several other events. Mutton Bustin', is the new attraction where 5- and 6-year-olds ride on top of sheep for 8 seconds. Rodeo Houston also homes Bull riding, bareback riding, saddle bronc riding, chuck wagon races, and Ladie barrell racing.