The rodeo challenge
In the annual Kaamulan Festival, rodeo became the most watched sports race.
Cowboys compete in five rodeo events: breakaway roping, steer wrestling, team roping, bull riding, and calf ribbon picking.
Breakaway Roping: A roper is on horseback with one end of the rope tied to the saddle horn. When the calf is released from the chute, the roper will be in hot pursuit, with the lasso swirling in the air overhead. When the loop is thrown, it must pass completely over the calf’s head. As the calf pulls away from the rider, the rope grows taut, and the string will break away from the saddle horn. The fastest run wins.
Steer wrestling: This involves strength, speed, and precision. A cowboy on horseback, with an assistant known as a hazer, chases a steer (a neutered bull), drops from the horse to the steer, and then wrestles the steer to the ground, twisting its horns. The fastest cowboy to plunge the bull to the ground wins the race.
The Team Roping: This features a steer and two riders. The first roper is the header," who ropes the front of the steer, usually around the horns or neck. The second is the heeler," who ropes the steer by its hind feet. The fastest performer wins.
The Bull Riding: Involves a rider getting on a large bull and attempting to stay mounted while the bull bucks or jumps upward. The rider must tightly fasten one hand to the bull with a long braided rope. A rider who stays longer atop the bucking bull wins.
The Calf Ribbon Picking: This is also a timed event where a horse-mounted ‘muse’ (cowgirl) ropes or lassos a calf, leaps from her horse, and picks the ribbons decorated in the calf’s body parts. The fastest performer is proclaimed ‘Rodeo Queen’.
In harmony with nature
Impasugong is a Higaonon term that means "current that flows upstream."
With numerous waterfalls and springs wholly ideal for bathing and swimming, it has cool temperatures all year long. Its surrounding lush forests and cool blue waters allow you to chill out and relax.
There are countless reasons why Higaonons in Impasugong love nature. Find time to come and visit us here. Before you know it, you will be adding other reasons why this town should naturally be as it is—the home of the country’s finest cowboys. (RLRB/PIA-10/Bukidnon)