Steer wresting is often known as the "big man's event" in rodeo. Besides requiring brute strength, the steer wrestler must also understand the principles of leverage.

The steer wrestler starts on horseback from behind a barrier after the steer is given a head start. With his "hazer", another cowboy on horseback riding parallel to the steer to keep it running straight, the steer wrestler must catch up to the steer, slide off his horse at top speed and grab a hold of the steer's horns. Once on the ground, the steer wrestler plants his feet, brings the steer to a stop, and wrestles it to the ground.