This event is often referred to as the Big Man's competition.  However, while strength is important in "bulldogging", success also comes from understanding the principles of leverage.

The steer wrestler on horseback starts behind a barrier and begins his chase after the steer has been given a head start.  If he leaves too soon, he will be assessed a 10-second penalty. The bulldogger is assisted by a "hazer", another cowboy on horseback whose job it is to keep the steer running in a straight line.

When the steer wrestler's horse pulls even with the steer, he eases down the right side of the horse and reaches for the steer's horns.  After grasping the horns, he digs his heels into the dirt.  As the steer slows down, the cowboy turns the animal, lifts up on its right horn and pushes down with his left hand.

After the catch, the steer wrestler must bring the steer to a stop or change its direction before the throw or he is disqualified.  The clock stops when the steer is on his side with all four legs pointing in the same direction.