Performance
Events:
Saddle Bronc
'07
Stampede Champion: Chad Ferley
"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.
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."
-ESPN-ProRodeo.com
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