Saddle Bronc Riding
Each rider must begin his ride with his feet over the bronc�s shoulders to give the horse the advantage. A rider who synchronizes his spurring action with the animal�s bucking efforts will receive a high score. Other factors considered in the scoring are the cowboy�s control throughout the ride, the length of his spurring stroke and how hard the horse bucks. It is dangerous and petrifying to watch (as are in my opinion all roughstock events), but enjoyable.
Bareback RidingA bareback rider begins his ride with his feet placed above the break of the horse�s shoulder. If the cowboy�s feet are not in the correct position when the horse hits the ground on its first jump out of the chute, the cowboy has failed to �mark out� the horse properly and is disqualified.
Throughout the eight-second ride, the cowboy must grasp the rigging (a handhold made of leather and rawhide) with only one hand. Optimum spurring action begins with the rider in control, his heels at the horse�s neck. He then pulls his feet, toes turned outward, to the horse�s withers until the cowboy�s feet are nearly touching the bareback rigging.A rider is disqualified if he touches his equipment, himself or the animal with his free hand. The rider is judged on his control during the ride and on his spurring technique. The score also is based on the rider�s �exposure� to the strength of the horse.In addition, the horse�s performance accounts for half the score. Scary to watch your friends do, and maybe I am a puss, but I would absolutely freak if I ever tried it I think. It is also my boyfriend's event and I am not looking forward to watching him try to kill himself all spring and summer, I can only hope he comes out in one piece, and not too sore in the regions which affect me.