Bareback riding is the ultimate test of courage and skill in the rodeo world, where riders mount horses without the security of a saddle. With only a leather riggin’ to hold onto, these fearless cowboys face eight heart-pounding seconds of pure adrenaline as they strive to conquer the bucking bronc beneath them.
At the Silver Spurs Rodeo, bareback riding is more than just an event; it's a showcase of raw talent, unparalleled endurance, and rodeo tradition. Whether you're a long-time rodeo enthusiast or a first-time visitor, you'll discover why this event is a must-see spectacle that embodies the spirit of rodeo.
Bareback horse riding is one of the oldest and most iconic rodeo events, tracing its roots back to the early American West. Cowboys originally had to tame and ride unbroken horses without a saddle as part of their daily duties. This essential practice laid the foundation for the thrilling sport we see today. In the late 19th century, bareback riding evolved into a competitive sport, with the first organized rodeos showcasing the skills and bravery of these early riders.
Over time, bareback bronc riding saw the introduction of specific techniques and equipment to improve both rider performance and animal welfare. Riders developed specialized riggings and protective gear to enhance safety and control. As the sport grew in popularity, it also became more regulated. Set rules and scoring systems created fair competition among riders. These advancements have helped preserve the sport’s integrity and excitement, making it a staple of rodeo culture.
Riding a horse bareback is one of the most physically demanding sports in and out of the rodeo industry. Unlike saddle bronc riding, where riders are riding with a saddle, these riders count on nothing more than a riggin’ and the rider's strength and skill. A riggin’ is a suitcase-style handhold customized to fit the rider's grip. It is attached to a molded piece of leather wrapped around the bronc’s girth.
As the cowboy waits in the chute, he secures a tight grip on his riggin’ and positions his feet for marking out. Marking out is a rodeo term for when the rider has both spurs touching the bronc’s shoulders until the bronc’s feet hit the ground after moving out of the chute. If the cowboy forgets to mark out or pulls his legs in before the bronc’s feet hit the ground, he is disqualified.
When the chute opens, both bronc and cowboy burst out. The cowboy acts fast and pulls his knees up as the bronc bucks, rolling his spurs up the bronc’s sides. As the bronc descends, he straightens his legs to the bronc’s shoulders. This motion is repeated throughout the ride, ideally for eight seconds. The intense physical strain and exact timing required make bareback riding a true test of a rider’s endurance and skill.
Both the rider's and the bronc’s performances are judged, with the final score out of a possible 100 points. While the bareback rider keeps one hand in the riggin’ and one hand in the air, judges evaluate his spurring technique and the degree to which his toes remain turned out.
Points can be taken away for several reasons, like touching the bronc with the free hand, losing control of the spurring motion, or not keeping the right posture. Any mistake in technique can lower the rider’s score.
The bronc’s performance is equally important in the scoring process. Judges assess the horse’s bucking style, power, and rhythm. A high-scoring bronc will show strong bucks with high jumps and quick direction changes. The more unpredictable the bronc’s movements, the higher the score it can get. This tests the rider's skill and makes the event even more thrilling for spectators.
Bareback riding is a cornerstone of the Silver Spurs Rodeo, highlighting adventure and tradition. For your next rodeo, experience the excitement of this remarkable event, cheer for your favorite riders, and be part of the cowboy legacy. Don't miss the next bareback riding competition—it's an experience you won't forget!
Bareback riding is the ultimate test of courage and skill in the rodeo world, where riders mount horses without the security of a saddle. With only a leather riggin’ to hold onto, these fearless cowboys face eight heart-pounding seconds of pure adrenaline as they strive to conquer the bucking bronc beneath them.
At the Silver Spurs Rodeo, bareback riding is more than just an event; it's a showcase of raw talent, unparalleled endurance, and rodeo tradition. Whether you're a long-time rodeo enthusiast or a first-time visitor, you'll discover why this event is a must-see spectacle that embodies the spirit of rodeo.
Bareback horse riding is one of the oldest and most iconic rodeo events, tracing its roots back to the early American West. Cowboys originally had to tame and ride unbroken horses without a saddle as part of their daily duties. This essential practice laid the foundation for the thrilling sport we see today. In the late 19th century, bareback riding evolved into a competitive sport, with the first organized rodeos showcasing the skills and bravery of these early riders.
Over time, bareback bronc riding saw the introduction of specific techniques and equipment to improve both rider performance and animal welfare. Riders developed specialized riggings and protective gear to enhance safety and control. As the sport grew in popularity, it also became more regulated. Set rules and scoring systems created fair competition among riders. These advancements have helped preserve the sport’s integrity and excitement, making it a staple of rodeo culture.
Riding a horse bareback is one of the most physically demanding sports in and out of the rodeo industry. Unlike saddle bronc riding, where riders are riding with a saddle, these riders count on nothing more than a riggin’ and the rider's strength and skill. A riggin’ is a suitcase-style handhold customized to fit the rider's grip. It is attached to a molded piece of leather wrapped around the bronc’s girth.
As the cowboy waits in the chute, he secures a tight grip on his riggin’ and positions his feet for marking out. Marking out is a rodeo term for when the rider has both spurs touching the bronc’s shoulders until the bronc’s feet hit the ground after moving out of the chute. If the cowboy forgets to mark out or pulls his legs in before the bronc’s feet hit the ground, he is disqualified.
When the chute opens, both bronc and cowboy burst out. The cowboy acts fast and pulls his knees up as the bronc bucks, rolling his spurs up the bronc’s sides. As the bronc descends, he straightens his legs to the bronc’s shoulders. This motion is repeated throughout the ride, ideally for eight seconds. The intense physical strain and exact timing required make bareback riding a true test of a rider’s endurance and skill.
Both the rider's and the bronc’s performances are judged, with the final score out of a possible 100 points. While the bareback rider keeps one hand in the riggin’ and one hand in the air, judges evaluate his spurring technique and the degree to which his toes remain turned out.
Points can be taken away for several reasons, like touching the bronc with the free hand, losing control of the spurring motion, or not keeping the right posture. Any mistake in technique can lower the rider’s score.
The bronc’s performance is equally important in the scoring process. Judges assess the horse’s bucking style, power, and rhythm. A high-scoring bronc will show strong bucks with high jumps and quick direction changes. The more unpredictable the bronc’s movements, the higher the score it can get. This tests the rider's skill and makes the event even more thrilling for spectators.
Bareback riding is a cornerstone of the Silver Spurs Rodeo, highlighting adventure and tradition. For your next rodeo, experience the excitement of this remarkable event, cheer for your favorite riders, and be part of the cowboy legacy. Don't miss the next bareback riding competition—it's an experience you won't forget!