RIDING EVENTSSaddle Bronc RidingConsidered by the most as the classic rodeo event, Saddle BrocRiding is no beginner’s event. There’s a reason – the instinctivereactions required to keep in the stirrups, a sense <strong>of</strong> what a horsewill do next, and the ability to synchronize with a bronc’s movement– make this event one with no substitute for years <strong>of</strong> experience.Since there is nothing solid to hold onto, a cowboy can only stay inthe saddle through timing and balance. The proven rider deliberatelymatches his spurring action with the bucking bronc’s rhythm beneathhim, making the whole rider appear smooth.Bareback RidingBareback Riding is that wild, spurring event which illustrates thatold saying “There never was a hoss that couldn’t be rode, and therenever was a cowboy that couldn’t be throwed.” From the momentthe gate swings open and the horse and rider explode from thechute, both must perform exceptionally well if the cowboy is to win.A suitcase-like handle is attached to the top <strong>of</strong> a leather “riggin”cinched around the horse’s middle. The contestant grips this handlewith one hand and keeps his other hand free and high in the air.Ideally, bareback riders want to try to spur the horse with each jump,reaching as far forward as they can with their feet, then jerking theirspurs upwards toward the rigging. The longer the spurring strokealong the horse’s neck, the higher the ride is scored.Bull RidingThe most popular rodeo riding event, and the most dangerous, is the Bull Riding. Aloose rope straps a man’s hand to a ton <strong>of</strong> explosive power. Because the cowboynever knows what the animal beneath him is going to do next, he must draw uponhis sharpest physical and mental abilities when trying to conquer this twistingtornado. To keep his position and balance, a bull rider is constantly grabbing fornew holds with his feet and continually pulling up on the rope. The more powerful abull bucks and the faster he spins, the more points the ride is worth. A bull rider isunquestionably a breed apart with the courage and determination to be the victor inthis contest between man and beast.Points to Consider1. The cowboy holds on with one hand and must keep the other hand high in the air. Touching any part <strong>of</strong> himself or theanimal receives a “no score.”2. The rider must stay aboard his draw for a full eight seconds.3. There are two judges in the riding events who score the cowboys and the livestock they ride. Both judges mark the riderfrom 0-25 and his stock from 0-25.4. To make a qualified ride, a bareback or saddle bronc rider must “mark the horse out” by having his spurs over thehorse’s shoulders when the animal’s front feet touch the ground, the first jump out <strong>of</strong> the chute.5. Since spurring is not required in bull riding as it is in other events, a bull rider may earn extra points by spurring.6. Animals are awards points for hard bucking, high kicking, lunging, twisting, and spinning. The harder he is to ride, themore points his performance is worth.48
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