Rodeo Bareback Riding

Rodeos feature numerous different events. Every rodeo is slightly different and the order of events may vary as well. However, one such event is the rodeo bareback riding contests. It is a very rough rodeo event, plus it also one of the events that is the toughest on the riders physically and mentally. Part of the rodeo event is that the riders do not use a saddle or any reins to control the horses, thus the name bareback riding. All the riders have available to them is leather strapping that is similar to a handle to hold onto.

Each rider uses only one hand when riding. Part of the rodeo challenge is staying on a horse that is bucking and holds on with one hand, while the other hand is kept in the area. The hand cannot touch the horse or themselves while they are on the horse and the timer is running. The event begins by the rider spurring the horse, that than begins to buck and kick ferociously trying to remove the rider. The rider must stay on for at least eight seconds for them to qualify in the rodeo competition. The rider is judged by the riding style and technique. They are also judged by how long they stayed on and the control they had of the horse and themselves while ridding. The horse used on the rodeo competition is judged as well.

Their judgment is based on how strong they are, how fast they are and how flexible and agile they are. Riders want to receive a score of at least 80 or higher. After the ride is complete, there is a pick up man that comes in to help the rider off the horse and get him to safety. Riders that compete in these rodeos competitions take a lot of abuse and commonly injure their back, neck and arms due to the fact of the brutality of the movement and the speed that the movement takes place. The movement of the horse is continuous and there is very little time for the rider to recover while in the midst of the competition.