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©2008 Hesperia Recreation & Parks District |
Bareback Riding Sponsored by: HARD Foundation
Bareback riding is
the most physically demanding event in the rodeo.
Its toll on the body is immense.
Muscles are stretched to the limit, joints are pulled and pounded
mercilessly and ligaments are strained and frequently rearranged.
The strength of the broncs is exceptional and challenging them is
often costly. Bareback
riders endure more punishment, suffer more injuries and carry away more
long term damage than all other rodeo cowboys. To stay aboard the
horse, a bareback rider uses rigging made of leather and constructed to
meet PRCA safety specifications. The
rigging, which resembles a suitcase handle on a strap, is placed atop
the horse's withers and secured with a cinch.
As the bronc and
rider burst from the chute, the rider has to "mark out" his
horse. He must have both of
his spurs touching the horse's shoulders until the horse's feet hit the
ground after its initial move from the chute.
If the cowboy fails to do this, he is disqualified.
As the bronc bucks, the rider pulls his knees up, rolling his
spurs up the horse's shoulders. As
the horse descends, the cowboy straightens his legs, returning his spurs
over the point of the horse's shoulder in anticipation of the next jump. It takes more than sheer strength to make a qualified ride and earn a money winning score. A bareback rider is judged on his spurring technique, the degree to which his toes remain turned out while he is spurring and his exposure or willingness to lean far back and take whatever might come during his ride.
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