People participate in sporting events, such as the rodeo, for the love of the sport. But that doesn’t mean that they don’t want or deserve recognition for their skills and accomplishments. As the event planner, you have a lot of available options to choose from for your award ceremony.
Belt Buckles
Shiny silver belt buckles are the quintessential rodeo award. Rodeo winners are instantly recognizable by their beautiful silver buckles, heralding their accomplishments. These buckles are beautifully handcrafted by skilled silversmiths, with intricate designs embossed, engraved, or inlaid on each plate buckle. The motif on each buckle can be personalized to the exact image and message that you choose. Popular buckle motifs include animals like horses or eagles, stars, western scenes, and detailed patterns. Buckles made for awards often feature the name of the event, the sport, and the year, so that the recipient can display it like a trophy.
Banners and Ribbons
Another very common form of awards for rodeo events is banners and ribbons. Large woven banners, often with a beautiful thick fringe, are great for commemorating large accomplishments, such as a signature event or a team competition. Teams especially love these because they can be displayed in their clubhouse, meeting room, or stable. Ribbons can range from small simple printed ribbons to large elaborate ones with beautiful rosettes. All of these items can be found in any color, and can be printed with any text you choose.
Saddles and Tack
Not all awards have to be purely decorative. Some professional rodeo events reward their winners with elaborate trophy saddles, elegant tack equipment for the horses, or handcrafted saddle silver. These make excellent awards because they are useful, and can be used every day – reminding the winner every day of his or her accomplishments.
Gear Bags and Shirts
Another useful category of award can be found in gear bags, totes, or items of clothing. Specialized bags for rodeo equipment are always in demand, and can easily be personalized with an embroidered logo or wording. Shirts are a popular memento for all kinds of events. Denim or khaki work shirts are popular with working cowboys, and everybody loves a good t-shirt.
Jewelry
Still useful, but more decorative, are jewelry options. Any winner, especially women, will love to receive a commemorative ring, bracelet, earrings, or necklace pendant. Handcrafted silver jewelry can be customized to suit your event, your winner, and your budget. More useful objects such as keychains, decorative knives, or money clips are also a good option to consider.
Trophies, Plaques, and Certificates
Of course, let’s not forget traditional award types. Trophies are available in many sizes, and can easily be customized to suit your needs. People and groups alike both love to display a case of their shining trophies. Plaques, made of glass, acrylic, or wood, can be made for display on a wall or on a flat surface such as a shelf or desk. These are great for people who have an office, such as a team coordinator, coach, or manager. Similar to plaques, an engraved certificate, in a nice frame, is appropriate for any recipient and sure to be appreciated.
Event planning is a stressful process, full of difficult decisions and intricate details. Don’t let the awards for your event fall through the cracks – let your trophy shop or silversmith help you make the right selections for a successful rodeo.
