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Bull Riding is the rodeo’s most thrilling and dangerous event, where cowboys must ride a bucking bull for eight intense seconds using only a bull rope for a handhold.
The contestant mounts a 2,000-pound bull and grasps a flat braided rope tied around the bull’s chest. With one hand on the rope and the other in the air, touching the bull or themselves with the free hand results in no score. The rope, tightened around the bull, is the cowboy's lifeline. Unlike other roughstock events, bull riders aren’t required to spur the bull (have their spurs touching the bull), though it can boost their score.
Judges score both the rider and the bull, each out of 50 points, for a potential total of 100 points. Riders are judged on balance, reflexes, and coordination with the bull’s movements. Bulls are evaluated on their bucking style, whether they spin tightly, jump high, or buck fiercely. The combined performance determines the final score.
Barrel Racing combines horsemanship and the horse's agility in a fast-paced event. The rider maneuvers the horse in a cloverleaf pattern around three barrels set in a triangle. The goal is to complete the run as quickly as possible, with the time recorded by an electric eye or a judge with a flag.
The race starts when the horse and rider cross the start line at full speed. They can circle either the left or right barrel first, then cross to the opposite barrel, and finally, race around the third barrel. The clock stops once they cross the finish line. Riders can touch the barrels, but knocking one down adds a five-second penalty per barrel.
Ranch Bronc Riding differs from saddle bronc riding and bareback riding primarily due to the equipment and riding style. In ranch bronc riding, riders use a regular working ranch saddle and stirrups. While saddle bronc riding uses specialized saddles without horns and requires riders to use only one free hand on a single rein.
