SADDLE BRONC RIDING

 

SADDLE BRONC RIDING 

Saddle Bronc riding is called "the classic event of rodeo", originating from the task of breaking wild horses for use on the cattle ranches of the Canadian and American West. It has evolved for the rodeo arena and also become one of the most complicated events for the rodeo cowboy. It involves strength, timing and technique as the cowboy attempts to ride the bucking Bronc for eight seconds, holding onto only a thick reign attached to the horse's halter. He can only use one hand to work the reign and to help keep him on the saddle as he spurs the horse and tries to time his movements with the bronc's bucking in order to score high points. The cowboy aims for controlled fluid movements as he tries to precisely time his movements with that of the horse. Ideally, he spurs the horse with his toes pointed outward, landing them on the Bronc's shoulders as it's front feet hit the ground, dragging the spurs along its shoulders as it bucks again. The rider, then in sync with the horses bucking action swings his feet back to the point above the Bronc's shoulders for the next jump. The Saddle Bronc rider faces a "mark out" rule, meaning both spurs must be above the Bronc's shoulders until its feet hit the ground on the first jump from the chute. Failure in this means disqualification. Also, his free hand cannot make contact with the Bronc, his equipment or his body during his eight second ride.