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The Angola Prison Rodeo , staged at the Louisiana State Penitentiary, is the longest running prison rodeo in the United States. Started in 1964 as a way to channel violent energy out of the prison walls, the Angola Prison Rodeo is now an iconic and frequently disputed event for both the state of Louisiana and the state prison systems. Housing some 10,000 visitors twice a year, the entirely prison-ran rodeo is one of a kind; and is a topic of constant controversy.

History

The Louisiana State Penitentiary, also known as “The Farm” or “Angola,” finds its origins in the antebellum and plantation days of the Old South. Originally a farm worked by slaves, some say from the African nation of Angola citing its namesake, the 18,000 acres were bought by former Civil War major Samuel James, whose family was under contract with Louisiana to manage the correctional system. Here, beginning in the late 1800s, James began to house prisoners from nearby Baton Rouge using abandoned slave quarters still standing on the premises. Angola’s history is marred by countless instances of harsh and negligent activities, the most famous being the Angola 3 and the Heel-String Gang. Years of less than qualified Wardens and prisoner and correctional officer deaths and beatings gave Angola Prison a reputation of brutality and injustice. Recently, however, Warden Burl Cain has reformed this institution into one of the most efficient and well run prisons in the country.

Rodeo

Started in 1964, began as a recreational activity for the inmates and officers, and originally was closed to the public. A few years later, people began to flock to the rodeo and watch from apple crates or car hoods outside of the fence. When its popularity grew, the prison took notice of the economic opportunity and began selling tickets and building seating that could better house the spectators. The Angola Prison Rodeo is still in operation today, 50 years later, as the oldest operating prison rodeo in America.

Events

1. Grand Entry - Angola Rough Riders enter the arena at full gallop and colors are presented.
2. 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.
3. Bareback Riding - Riders are expected to keep one hand in the air, and must stay on the horse for eight seconds to qualify.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. 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.
8. 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.
9. 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.
10. 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.
11. 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."

Additional points of interest

• The Angola Prison Rodeo also includes an Arts and Crafts show that is all produced by inmates.
• Writer/Director Jeff Smith entered the 2008 Jackson Hole Film Festival with his fil "Six Seconds of Freedom."
• Simeon Soffer directed the documentary "Wildest Show in the South: the Angola Prison Rodeo." "Winner of the 2000 International Documentary Association's Distinguished Achievement Award" and Academy Award nominated.
• The $450,000 a day revenue brought in by the rodeo "pays for Baptist seminary classes at the prison, funerals for inmates, educational programs and maintenance of the prison's six chapels."
• 2010 is the first year that the rodeo will include the Angola Prison Horse Sale.

Links

• http://www.angolarodeo.com/
• http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0240216/
• http://jacksonhole.bside.com/2008/films/sixsecondsoffreedom_jacksonhole2008;jsessionid=5B2207F287D09E47E5561830C04F55CB