Angola Prison Rodeo: the inmates are the cowboys every Sunday in October (video)

Angola Prison Rodeo

The Angola Prison Rodeo  is no ordinary rodeo, not with the prisoners as the cowboys. And it’s not your ordinary events, not with wild cow milking on the schedule.

History  But it is the longest running prison rodeo in the nation, putting on shows since  in 1965. It started in an arena built by a few dedicated inmates and staff, and it was staged just for their own amusement.

The public soon decided this would be fun for them, too. And the Angola Prison Rodeo grew and grew. A new full-size stadium was completed in April 2000 and increased capacity to 7,500 visitors.

The Events

Grand Entry - Angola Rough Riders enter the arena at full gallop and colors are presented.

Bust Out - All six chutes open simultaneously, releasing six angry bulls, with temporarily attached inmate cowboys.  The last man to remain on the bull wins the event.

Bareback Riding - Riders are expected to keep one hand in the air, and must stay on the horse for eight seconds to qualify.

Wild Horse Race - Six wild horses are simultaneously released into the arena with short ropes dragging behind them.  Three-man teams attempt to grab the ropes and hold the horse long enough for a team member to mount.  The first team to cross the finish line while still on top of the horse is the winner.

Barrel Racing - This is the only event in which inmates do not participate.  It is a tour stop for The Girl's Rodeo Association.  Contestants race their horse in a pattern between three carefully placed barrels.  The fastest time wins.

Bull-Dogging - The animal is placed in a chute, with two cowboys positioned just outside the chute.  Their job is to wrestle the animal to the ground as quickly as possible.

Buddy Pick-Up - This event requires one man on a horse (riding bareback) to navigate the length of the arena, pick up another inmate who is standing on a barrel, and race back to the finish line.

Wild Cow Milking - Teams of inmate cowboys chase the animals around the arena trying to extract a little milk.  The first team to bring milk to the judge wins the prize.

Bull Riding - This dangerous and wide open event is what the fans come to see.  Inexperienced inmates sit on top of a 2,000 pound Brahma bull.  To be eligible for the coveted "All-Around Cowboy" title, a contestant must successfully complete the ride (6 seconds).  The Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association rules govern this event.

Convict Poker - It's the ultimate poker game, and even winning has a price.  Four inmate cowboys sit at a table in the middle of the arena playing a friendly game of poker.  Suddenly, a wild bull is released with the sole purpose of unseating the poker players.  The last man remaining seated is the winner.

Guts & Glory - A chit (poker chip) is tied to the meanest, toughest Brahma bull available.  The object here is to get close enough to the bull in order to snatch the chit.  This is the last event of the day, and perhaps the most exciting.

Tickets are $10 and are on sale NOW 

Proceeds from the Angola Prison Rodeo cover rodeo expenses and supplement the Louisiana State Penitentiary Inmate Welfare Fund which provides for inmate educational and recreational supplies.

Angola Prison is the Louisiana State Penitentiary, approximately 22 miles northwest of the town of  St. Francisville, Louisiana.

Read about more Offbeat Travel

Follow me on Twitter