It's hard to compete with Texas when it comes to the Rodeo. The exact origins of rodeo are not clear, but it is believed to have started in the early 1800s among Mexican vaqueros (cowboys) in what is now the American Southwest. AKA - TEXAS.

As a Texas transplant, I must admit I was not versed when it came to rodeos before moving here. I did some research, though, and decided to share it.

Rodeos (from the Spanish rodear, “to encircle”) happen all over the Lone Star State. San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo, Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo, and the Star of Texas Fair and Rodeo in Austin just to name a few.

Before heading out on your first rodeo date, make sure you master these key phrases to not look like a complete rodeo rookie.

1. Bull riding: a rodeo event in which a rider attempts to stay on top of a bucking bull for eight seconds

2. Bronc riding: a rodeo event in which a rider attempts to stay on top of a bucking horse for eight seconds

3. Barrel racing: a rodeo event in which a horse and rider navigate a course of barrels as quickly as possible

4. Steer wrestling: a rodeo event in which a rider jumps off a horse and wrestles a steer to the ground as quickly as possible

5.  Tie-down roping: a rodeo event in which a rider ropes a calf and ties its legs together as quickly as possible

6. Team roping: a rodeo event in which two riders work together to rope a steer as quickly as possible

7. Bareback riding: a rodeo event in which a rider attempts to stay on top of a bucking horse without a saddle for eight seconds

8. Chute: the area where the animal is released into the arena

9. Rodeo clown: a performer whose job is to entertain the crowd and distract bulls and horses after riders dismount

10. Pickup man: a person on horseback who helps riders off animals and helps control the animals during and after an event.

Some other RODEO FACTS that you must not leave this article without knowing.

The most popular rodeo in the United States is considered to be the annual "Wrangler National Finals Rodeo" (NFR) held in Las Vegas, Nevada. The NFR is the culmination of the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) season, and it features the top 15 competitors in each event competing for the world championship title and a share of the $10 million purse.

Cody, Wyoming is also known as the "Rodeo Capital of the World" and is home to the Cody Stampede Rodeo, which is one of the largest and most famous rodeos in the world. The Cody Stampede Rodeo has been held annually since 1919 and attracts top rodeo competitors from around the world to compete in events such as bull riding, steer wrestling, barrel racing, and more. Additionally, Cody is home to the Buffalo Bill Center of the West, which houses five museums dedicated to the American West, including the Cody Firearms Museum, the Plains Indian Museum, and the Whitney Western Art Museum.

And finally, if you're interested in getting into rodeo, like, professionally... start with a rodeo association. There are several rodeo associations in Texas, including the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) and the Women's Professional Rodeo Association (WPRA). Joining one of these associations can give you access to events and competitions, as well as resources for training and networking with other rodeo enthusiasts.

The World's Biggest Boots Are In Texas