.png)
Considered one of the most classic events in rodeo, this high-flying competition showcases the timeless dance between rider and horse. At the Silver Spurs Rodeo, our bronc riders take on some of the toughest bronc horses in the sport, proving they’ve got what it takes to ride tall in the saddle.
Not just any horse can be a bronc. These athletic, high-energy animals are bred for bucking, with strength and agility that can send even the toughest cowboys flying. The word "bronc" originates from the Spanish term bronco, which translates to "rough." American cowboys adopted the word to refer to the spirit of these powerful horses.
Bronc horses are bred for strength and agility, naturally bucking, twisting, and leaping to challenge their riders. They are part of events known as roughstock, a rodeo term used for competitions featuring bucking broncs or bulls.
Saddle bronc riding traces its roots back to the 1800s when ranch hands in the American West would break horses for work. What started as a necessary skill for taming wild horses quickly became a competition among cowboys, each one aiming to prove their grit and horsemanship.
By 1901, the sport had gained so much popularity that the first sanctioned bronc riding championships were held, marking the start of organized competition. One of the sport’s earliest legends, Harry Henry Brennan, claimed victory in the first championships in 1901 and 1902, earning him the title of the "father of modern bronc riding."
Today, saddle bronc riding continues to celebrate that same cowboy toughness, keeping the spirit of the Old West alive in every ride.
Saddle bronc riding is often considered the most technical event in rodeo. Unlike the raw intensity of bareback bronc riding, where riders endure an unrestrained, chaotic ride, saddle bronc riding demands precision and control. Cowboys must move in sync with the horse’s natural motion, making it a true test of rhythm and finesse.
When the chute gate swings open, the clock starts ticking. The rider grips a rein attached to the bronc’s halter with one hand while keeping the other raised high. Using a specialized saddle with no horn, they must time their movements perfectly, matching the horse’s powerful bucks to maintain control and style. It’s not just about staying on—saddle bronc riding is about making it look effortless, transforming a battle of strength into a display of skill and poise.
The rules of saddle bronc riding separate the champions from the rest. Riders must follow strict guidelines to earn top scores and avoid disqualification:
The Mark-Out Rule: When leaving the chute, the rider’s boots must be above the horse’s shoulders until the bronc’s front hooves hit the ground. Failing to follow this rule is an instant disqualification for the saddle bronc rider.
Ride Duration: Riders must stay on for eight seconds to qualify for a score.
Highest Score Wins: A perfect ride is scored on rider and horse performance, similar to bull riding. There are 100 points up for grabs: 50 for the rider’s technique and control and 50 for the horse’s bucking ability.
No Free Hand Contact: If the rider touches the horse, saddle, or themselves with their free hand, they’re disqualified.
Few sights in rodeo rival the moment when a cowboy and a bronc explode out of the chute. Each ride is a high-stakes dance, where the cowboy's instincts and skill must align perfectly with the bronc’s unpredictable power, making split-second adjustments to avoid a hard landing.
The Silver Spurs Rodeo brings this raw energy to life, where riders chase glory and broncs prove why they’re the backbone of rodeo tradition. Whether you're a lifelong fan or a first-time spectator, saddle bronc riding is a rodeo event that commands attention and respect.
Considered one of the most classic events in rodeo, this high-flying competition showcases the timeless dance between rider and horse. At the Silver Spurs Rodeo, our bronc riders take on some of the toughest bronc horses in the sport, proving they’ve got what it takes to ride tall in the saddle.
Not just any horse can be a bronc. These athletic, high-energy animals are bred for bucking, with strength and agility that can send even the toughest cowboys flying. The word "bronc" originates from the Spanish term bronco, which translates to "rough." American cowboys adopted the word to refer to the spirit of these powerful horses.
Bronc horses are bred for strength and agility, naturally bucking, twisting, and leaping to challenge their riders. They are part of events known as roughstock, a rodeo term used for competitions featuring bucking broncs or bulls.
Saddle bronc riding traces its roots back to the 1800s when ranch hands in the American West would break horses for work. What started as a necessary skill for taming wild horses quickly became a competition among cowboys, each one aiming to prove their grit and horsemanship.
By 1901, the sport had gained so much popularity that the first sanctioned bronc riding championships were held, marking the start of organized competition. One of the sport’s earliest legends, Harry Henry Brennan, claimed victory in the first championships in 1901 and 1902, earning him the title of the "father of modern bronc riding."
Today, saddle bronc riding continues to celebrate that same cowboy toughness, keeping the spirit of the Old West alive in every ride.
Saddle bronc riding is often considered the most technical event in rodeo. Unlike the raw intensity of bareback bronc riding, where riders endure an unrestrained, chaotic ride, saddle bronc riding demands precision and control. Cowboys must move in sync with the horse’s natural motion, making it a true test of rhythm and finesse.
When the chute gate swings open, the clock starts ticking. The rider grips a rein attached to the bronc’s halter with one hand while keeping the other raised high. Using a specialized saddle with no horn, they must time their movements perfectly, matching the horse’s powerful bucks to maintain control and style. It’s not just about staying on—saddle bronc riding is about making it look effortless, transforming a battle of strength into a display of skill and poise.
The rules of saddle bronc riding separate the champions from the rest. Riders must follow strict guidelines to earn top scores and avoid disqualification:
The Mark-Out Rule: When leaving the chute, the rider’s boots must be above the horse’s shoulders until the bronc’s front hooves hit the ground. Failing to follow this rule is an instant disqualification for the saddle bronc rider.
Ride Duration: Riders must stay on for eight seconds to qualify for a score.
Highest Score Wins: A perfect ride is scored on rider and horse performance, similar to bull riding. There are 100 points up for grabs: 50 for the rider’s technique and control and 50 for the horse’s bucking ability.
No Free Hand Contact: If the rider touches the horse, saddle, or themselves with their free hand, they’re disqualified.
Few sights in rodeo rival the moment when a cowboy and a bronc explode out of the chute. Each ride is a high-stakes dance, where the cowboy's instincts and skill must align perfectly with the bronc’s unpredictable power, making split-second adjustments to avoid a hard landing.
The Silver Spurs Rodeo brings this raw energy to life, where riders chase glory and broncs prove why they’re the backbone of rodeo tradition. Whether you're a lifelong fan or a first-time spectator, saddle bronc riding is a rodeo event that commands attention and respect.
