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Bareback
Riding
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Bareback
Riding
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| Bareback
riding has been compared to riding
a jackhammer with one hand. Jason
Jeter can probably attest to that
definition. |
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.
At last year’s 2008 Industry Hills Pro Rodeo, Marv Hurley from Bakersfield rode the Flying U Rodeo bronc Hollywood Hanna and was awarded a first place score of 76 points by the judges. He collected a total of $1,385 in prize money. Marv placed third at Industry Hills in 2007.
Wyatt Hancock rode the bronc Peppy Bound and placed 2nd with 73 points. Trent Coates rode Cheers to a 3rd place finish with 66 points.
The bareback riding highpoint record at Industry Hills Rodeo is 91 points, set by Royce Ford in 2003.
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