The classic bucking (roughstock) event. The Saddle Bronc event evolved from the traditional method cowboys used to gentle a horse of “riding to a standstill”. To the novice watcher, you see horse and cowboy explode from the chute with the cowboy hanging onto a rope rein while spurring for all he's worth. After completing his eight second run, he dismounts while two judges complete and announce his score. It looks pretty easy doesn't it?
Inside Saddle Bronc
Primarily a contest of balance and style, the saddle bronc event is one of the most difficult events in rodeo. Before the ride even begins, the horse has the opportunity to win. The cowboy is required by the rules to place his feet, in the stirrups, above the horse's shoulders. This unbalanced position provides the opportunity for the rider to be bucked off upon the first jump out of the chute. Assuming that he remains perched atop his saddle, he must then ride the wildly bucking horse for 8 seconds using only one hand and a rope rein while
also raking his spurs in a wide arc
from the horse's neck to the back of the saddle.
Adding to the difficulty, he must also make certain that his spurs are in contact with the horse's shoulders each and every time its forelegs touch the ground.
The cowboy will signal to the chute boss with a nod when he’s ready to go. As the horse leaves the chute, you'll notice a helper pulling a rope which tightens a sheepskin-lined belt (flank strap) around the horse's loins which helps the horse to buck harder. The two judges each mark the horse on a twenty-five point scale where an animal that changes direction, twists, and kicks powerfully will obtain a higher score than one which simply gallops around the arena. With horseflesh accounting for as much as half of the total score, cowboys want to be assigned (draw) horses that regularly score in the 20 to 25 point range.
During the ride you’ll see the top pro riders keep their chins down and focus on the horse’s shoulders. This is how they determine which direction the horse will turn and helps with timing their spurring. The same two judges also mark the cowboy's performance on a twenty-five point scale where balanced position and a smooth spur ride achieve the highest rating. Touching anything with their free hand, losing a stirrup, or getting bucked off will result in disqualification.
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