Professional rodeo action consists of two types of competitions - Roughstock events and Timed events - and an all-around Cowboy Crown.

ROUGHSTOCK EVENTS  In Bareback Riding, Saddle Bronc Riding, and Bull Riding, a contestant's score is equally dependent upon his performance and the animal's performance. To earn a qualified score, the cowboy, while using only one hand, must stay aboard a bucking horse or bull for eight seconds. If the rider touches the animal, himself or any of his equipment with his free hand, he is disqualified.

In Saddle Bronc and Bareback Riding, a cowboy must "mark out" his horse; that is, he must exit the chute with his spurs set above the horse's shoulders and hold them there until the horse's front feet hit the ground after the initial jump out of the chute. Failing to do so results in disqualification.

ROUGHSTOCK SCORING  During the regular season, two judges each score a cowboy's qualified ride by awarding 0 to 25 points each for the rider's performance and 0 to 25 points each for the animal's effort. The judges' scores are then combined to determine the contestant's score. A perfect score is 100 points.

TIMED EVENTS  In Steer Wrestling, Team Roping, Tie-down Roping, Barrel Racing and Steer Roping - cowboys and cowgirls at "the other end of the arena" compete against the clock, as well as against each other. A contestant's goal is to post the fastest time in his or her event. In Steer Wrestling and the roping events, calves and steers are allowed a head start. The competitor, on horseback, starts in a three-sided fenced area called a box. The fourth side opens into the arena.

A rope barrier is stretched across that opening and is tied to the calf or steer with a breakaway loop. Once the calf or steer reaches the head-start point - predetermined by the size of the arena - the barrier is automatically released. If a cowboy breaks that barrier, a 10-second penalty is added.

COWBOY CROWN  The PRCA World All-Around Champion is considered by many the most talented and versatile cowboy in the sport. The PRCA Cowboy who wins the most prize money in a year while competing in at least two events, earning a minimum of $3,000 in each event, wins the PRCA World All-Around Championship.

RENO RODEO 2019 FRONT RUNNERS - WHO TO WATCH

Four Northern Nevada cowboys are in the top 50 in their events:

Trenten Montero Bareback Riding and Bull Riding – Winnemucca  

Currently ranked 24th in the 2018 world standings, Trenten Montero has racked up $168,393 in PRCA career earnings since he joined in 2011. When he’s not rodeoing, you’ll find him working on his parents’ ranch in Winnemucca.

Cody Kiser Bareback Riding – Carson City

Currently ranked 47th in the 2018 world standings. In addition to being a top bareback rider, he is a spokesman for the Oral Cancer Foundation, a SAG-AFTRA stuntman and a coach at Upstate Nevada, a community first CrossFit gym that provides free gym membership for “everyday heroes” including all military, first responders, teachers, nurses, adults with physical or cognitive impairments and their families.

Dakota Eldridge Steer Wrestling, Team Roping (Heading), Tie-Down Roping – Elko  

Dakota Eldridge has come a long way since 2012 when he was named PRCA Resistol All-Around and Steer Wrestling Rookie of the Year. The five-time WNFR qualifier broke the $1 million in career earnings mark and was the 2017 Reno Rodeo All-Around champion.

Jade Corkill Team Roper (Heeler) – Fallon

Jade Corkill won three consecutive world titles 2012-2014. At the 2014 Wrangler National Finals Rodeo he placed in seven of 10 rounds to win the average title and set a single-season earnings record of $220,058 for his event. He roped his first steer, a wooden one, in the family living room when he was 1 year old and won his first check at age 6.

AT THE TOP OF THEIR GAME

These cowboys and cowgirls are PRCA All World Champions that are currently in the Top 50 in the standings in their respective events.

Tyler Waguespack Steer Wrestling – two-time world champion, 1st in the 2018 world standings.

Caleb Smidt Tie Down Roping – two-time world champion, 1st in the 2018 world standings.

Sage Kimzey Bull Riding – five-time world champion, 1st in the 2018 world standings.

Tuf Cooper Tie Down Roping – four-time world champion (three for tie-down roping, one for all around), 2nd in all around; 2nd in tie-down roping and 2nd in steer roping in the 2018 world standings.

Kaycee Field Bareback Riding – four-time world champion, 7th in the 2018 world standings.

Rusty Wright, Jesse Wright, Spencer Wright Bareback Riding – each one-time world champions, in 2nd, 27th and 17th place in the 2018 world standings respectively.

Nellie Miller Barrel Racing – one-time world champion, 2nd in the 2018 world standings.