Amid clouds of dust rising from the John M. Parker Coliseum’s dirt floor, cowboy hat-clad students raced around barrels, roped calves and even dressed goats in clothes Thursday at Block and Bridle’s 76th annual student rodeo.
Rodeo manager and animal science and agricultural education senior Jamie Boudreaux said Block and Bridle’s rodeo is a two-part affair: Thursday’s student rodeo followed by a rodeo open to everyone tonight. This year’s student rodeo was the first open to all Louisiana college students, not just those at the University.
More than 100 students rode in the rodeo Thursday, which featured “true events” such as calf roping, barrel racing and bull riding as well as “fun events” including a goat chase and a wild cow milking competition.
Ashley Allemand, Block and Bridle member and animal science sophomore, said the rodeo is a great way to celebrate and promote agriculture, an integral part of the University and Louisiana. While there are sometimes “thrills and spills,” they are always outweighed by the fun and excitement of competing in a rodeo, she said.
Industrial engineering senior Grant Smith, who participated in four rodeo events Thursday, said calf roping — an event in which horseback riders lasso a calf, pull it down and tie its feet — is his passion.
Calves used in the rodeo are brought in by a stock contractor, so sometimes roping is the “luck of the draw,” Smith said. A calf that is unfamiliar with the rider may kick, making it harder to tie its feet once it is roped.
Still, Smith said it is special being able to bring his own horse — a friend with whom he spends much of his time — to compete at the University.
Smith believes the rodeo is an important tradition to preserve at the University because of its roots as an agricultural college.
“It just brings a historical feeling back to the University,” Smith said.
Block and Bridle’s history traces to nearly a century ago, and membership is a family tradition for many — Smith’s uncle was in the club in the 1950s. When Louisiana was more rural, coming to Baton Rouge to attend the University was a big deal, Smith said. Being able to join Block and Bridle and ride in its rodeo gave students a way to feel more at home as well as carry on the customs they grew up around.
Today, especially for students who come from farming families, the Block and Bridle rodeo continues to offer a way to connect with people with similar backgrounds in a friendly, affordable environment, Smith said.
One of the oldest rodeos in Louisiana, Block and Bridle’s show is unique in that it is organized by students and gives them a chance to show off their talents in a forum that celebrates the dying art of riding, racing and roping.
With rodeos becoming fewer and further between, Boudreaux said it is important to keep the tradition alive and make sure people still have the chance to experience the energetic atmosphere of a rodeo.
Besides that, it’s all a lot of fun — especially nontraditional rodeo events such as farm animal dress up competitions.
“Where else do you get to see guys trying to put clothes on a goat?” Boudreaux said.
The rodeo is a fundraiser for Block and Bridle, a College of Agriculture student service organization that is open to all majors. In addition to the annual rodeo, Block and Bridle’s 30 members host petting zoos and livestock shows.
The open rodeo is at 7 p.m. tonight in the Parker Coliseum. Admission is $5 and will benefit Braveheart Children in Need. Anyone can register to participate in events in person beginning at 5 p.m. at the Coliseum.
A team roper tries to catch a steer on Thursday, Nov. 21, 2013, during the Block and Bridle rodeo in the LSU Parker Coliseum.
