RODEOHOUSTON™ Saddle Bronc Riding

One of the most difficult events to learn and one of the most rhythmic events to watch, saddle bronc riding is considered rodeo’s “classic event”– evolving from the ranch work of breaking and training horses.

Many cowboys say that bronc riding is the most difficult roughstock event to master because of its stringent technical requirements. The rider holds onto a soft, woven riding rein attached to the horse’s halter and sits in a specially-made saddle with a sheepskin lining.

With the first jump out of the chute, the rider must “mark out” – his feet must touch the horse’s shoulders on the first jump. The rider is disqualified and receives a “no score” if he misses the mark out.

For eight seconds the rider works in synchronization with the horse’s bucking motion. The cowboy’s legs snap forward over the horse’s shoulder before the animal’s front feet strike the ground, and then the rider pulls his legs back in a sweeping motion, creating a rhythmic stride while attempting to stay on the horse.

Judges score both the horse and rider in this roughstock event. While the horse is scored on its bucking action, the cowboy garners his best score by keeping his toes turned outward, spurring consistently from shoulder to saddle and maintaining balance and control of the horse.