Bareback Bronc
Riding — The event is judged according to the
performances of both the rider and the bucking horse. It is a
single-handhold, eight-second ride which starts with the cowboy’s feet
held in a position over the break of the horse’s shoulders until the
horse’s front feet touch the ground first jump out of the chute. The
rider earns points maintaining upper body control while moving his feet
in a toes-turned-out rhythmic motion in time with the horse’s bucking
action.
EVENT DESCRIPTION - Most cowboys agree that bareback riding is the
most physically demanding event in rodeo, taking an immense toll on the
cowboy's body. Muscles are stretched to the limit, joints are pulled and
pounded mercilessly, and ligaments are strained and frequently
rearranged. The strength of bareback broncs is exceptional, and
challenging them is often costly.
Bareback riders endure more abuse, suffer more
injuries and carry away more long-term damage than all other rodeo
cowboys.
To stay aboard the horse, a bareback rider uses a rigging made of
leather and constructed to meet PRCA safety specifications. The rigging,
which resembles a suitcase handle on a strap, is placed atop the horse's
withers and secured with a cinch.
As the bronc and rider burst from the chute, the rider must have both
spurs touching the horse's shoulders until the horse's feet hit the
ground after the initial move from the chute. This is called "marking
out." If the cowboy fails to do this, he is disqualified.
As the bronc bucks, the rider pulls his knees
up, rolling his spurs up the horse's shoulders. As the horse descends,
the cowboy straightens his legs, returning his spurs over the point of
the horse's shoulders in anticipation of the next jump.
Making a qualified ride and earning a
money-winning score requires more than just strength. A bareback rider
is judged on his spurring technique, the degree to which his toes remain
turned out while he is spurring and his willingness to take whatever
might come during his ride.
It's a tough way to make a living, all right.
But, according to bareback riders, it's the cowboy way.
