What kind of horse works best for steer wrestling, and how is it trained for the event?

Steer wrestling, sometimes called bulldogging, demands a horse with a very specific combination of speed, rate, and mental focus that sets it apart from what you might look for in other timed event horses. The entire run happens in a matter of seconds, and the horse's job is to carry the wrestler out of the box at full speed, position him precisely alongside a running steer, and then rate and hold its lane while the cowboy drops off. That last part — staying straight and consistent after the wrestler leaves — is what separates a good dogging horse from a great one. Quarter horses dominate this event overwhelmingly because of their explosive acceleration and stout build. The horse needs to get from the box to full speed almost immediately, and it needs to be large and strong enough to hold its course while running hard next to cattle. Many successful dogging horses stand 15.2 to 16.2 hands and carry substantial muscle through the hindquarters and loin. A horse that drifts or slows after the barrier breaks is a liability, no matter how fast it gets out of the box. Training a steer wrestling horse begins with solid fundamentals — a horse that rates well off the bridle, moves off leg pressure with ease, and is completely comfortable around cattle. From there, hazer work becomes important early in the process. The hazer rides on the opposite side of the steer and keeps the animal running straight, and learning how a steer moves and rates helps a young dogging horse understand pace and positioning. Many trainers start horses by running alongside hazer horses before ever introducing the athletic drop that defines the event. Consistency is the defining quality of a finished steer wrestling horse. A horse that gives you the same run every time is worth its weight in gold to a professional bulldogger.