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Bareback
Riding
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| Saddle Bronc Riding
Tie-Down Roping
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| Bull Riding
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Saddle
Bronc Riding
Saddle
bronc riding is rodeo's classic event, both
a complement and contrast to the wilder spectacles
of bareback riding and bull riding. This event
requires strength to be sure, but the event
also demands style, grace and precise timing.
Saddle
bronc riding evolved from the task of breaking and
training horses to work the cattle ranches of the
Old West. Many cowboys claim riding saddle broncs
is the toughest rodeo event to master because of
the technical skills necessary for success.
Every
move the bronc rider makes must be synchronized
with the movement of the horse. The cowboy's objective
is a fluid ride, somewhat in contrast to the wilder
and less-controlled rides of bareback riders.
|
 |
| Dan
Erickson shows the form and technique
that have made him a Wranger NFR
qualifying saddle bronc rider. |
One
of the similarities shared by saddle bronc and bareback
riding is the rule that riders in both events must
mark out their horses on the first jump from the
chute. To properly mark out his horse, the saddle
bronc rider must have both heels touching the animal
above the point of its shoulders when it makes its
first jump from the chute. If the rider misses his
mark, he receives no score.
While
a bareback rider has a rigging to hold onto, the
saddle bronc rider has only a thick rein attached
to his horse's halter. Using one hand, the cowboy
tries to stay securely seated in his saddle. If
he touches any part of the horse or his own body
with his free hand, he is disqualified.
Judges
score
the
horse's
bucking
action,
the
cowboy's
control
of
the
horse
and
the
cowboy's
spurring
action.
While
striving
to
keep
his
toes
turned
outward,
the
rider
spurs
from
the
points
of
the
horse's
shoulders
to
the
back
of
the
saddle.
To
score
well,
the
rider
must
maintain
that
action
throughout
the
eight-second
ride.
While
the
bucking
ability
of
the
horse
is
quite
naturally
built
into
the
scoring
system,
a
smooth,
rhythmic
ride
is
sure
to
score
better
than
a
wild,
uncontrolled
effort.
In 2007 at Industry Hills Tyrell Smith and Justin Arnold tied for first place with identical 81 point scores awarded by the judges. Tyrell rode a bucking horse named Shadow Dancer and Justin rode Black Wasp. They each received $1,468 in prize money. Clayton Selby placed 3rd on the bronc Bar Maid with a score of 74 points and Darin Redelsperger placed 4th on West Hills with 73 points.
Scott Johnston established the current Industry Hills Rodeo saddle bronc high point record in 1998 with a score of 88 points. He also earned the Industry Hills Rodeo All-Around Cowboy title that year.
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