Discover why some top rodeo athletes compete outside of the main show. The slack ensures fair opportunities and accommodates every determined competitor.
Ever heard someone say they were competing in a rodeo but then didn’t see them in the main lineup? This likely means they competed in what is known as the slack. If you’re just getting started in the rodeo world, the slack is an important aspect of the sport to understand.
Most commonly used for timed events, the slack is an extension of the main rodeo that happens before or after the rodeo itself. Much like the division of the rodeo performance by events, there is generally a barrel racing slack, a team roping slack, a tie-down slack, a breakaway roping slack, a steer wrestling slack–or whatever timed events have enough entries to need extra slots.
The slack often happens early in the morning (more commonly at pro rodeos) or late at night (more common at open/local rodeos) because of the timing of the main event and the necessity to precede or follow it to access cattle and infrastructure. The slack is important, because it allows rodeos to accommodate higher numbers of competitors whose entries can’t be used during the main performance without making the time of the main performance excessively long. Nobody wants to sit through a five hour long rodeo on their Friday night and most rodeos can only offer between 8-12 slots for competitors per event during the main show in order to keep it short and enjoyable.
Being in the slack doesn’t mean you’re any less talented or qualified. The caliber of competition is the same and the expectations are high. There is no difference in the stock that is provided for the slack versus the main performance nor is there a difference in rules or the judging. The scores and times achieved in these events count just like the ones achieved during the main performance do.
In fact, the only difference between the slack and the main competition is the time it occurs and the density of the crowd. While spectators can watch and enjoy the slack, its odd hours often mean there are few people aside from loyal friends and family still in the crowd when it happens.
While this is the main process for how the slack works, there are variations. Occasionally some larger rodeos will use it as a preliminary event with an elimination type setup. In general though, the slack is just used to stretch out the time of the event and allow for more entries and opportunities.
Cowboys and cowgirls often have different feelings about drawing the slack. Some want it, and some want to avoid it. Some horses feed off the energy of a packed arena with its cheers and loud music whereas others do better when the crowd thins out and the energy dwindles. Young horses especially can benefit from a few times competing in the slack before going on to the big show. Many rodeos use a lottery system to determine who competes in the slack versus the main performance and feel this helps keep things fair and balanced.
The slack is another way to provide more opportunities to cowboys and cowgirls in the rodeo world. Stick around and watch it sometime to get even more insight into this great sport.