This event, formerly known as bulldogging, was invented by an Afro-American cowboy named Will Pickett while working in the Wild West Show over 75 years ago. It involves 2 cowboys on horseback, a steer ("doggie"), a time line, and judges. The two cowboys start behind a time barrier which cannot be crossed until the signal is given or a 10 second penality will be assessed against the bulldogger, or steer wrestler. He positions his horse to the left of the steer and his partner, the "hazer," is to the right of the steer. It is very important for the hazer to keep the steer close to the bulldogger so that he can lean out of his saddle to grasp the steer's right horn and slide his right arm around the horn into the crook of his elbow, similar to a half Nelson. Then the cowboy's left hand grabs the steer's left horn and his horse veers left so that the cowboy's feet are on the ground and in front of the cowboy. By pushing down with his left hand, pulling with his right elbow, and planting his heels into the ground, the bulldogger slows the doggie's forward motion. He continues this action into a left-hand turn, bringing his left hand onto the doggie's nose for more leverage and then throws the steer onto his side so that all four of its feet are off the ground and stretched out straight. The judges now decides when to stop the clock and if the "catch" is legal. A good time for this event is 4.5 seconds.

Several things can happen to create even more excitement for everyone involved, including the spectators. If the bulldogger drops too far forward onto the head of the doggie knocking him down ("Houlihan"), he must allow the steer to regain his feet and then throw him legally. If the doggie falls to the opposite side than the cowboy is trying to throw him ("Dog Fall"), the doggie's head must be straightened while keeping him on the ground, or he must be rethrown. A third miscue can occur when the steer plants his front feet well apart ("rubber neck"), requiring a full-Nelson hold on the steer's head.

Cody Nite Rodeo and Cody Stampede Program 1996, page 59