Brawley Chamber of Commerce
Brawley Cattle Call
47
Saddle Bronc riding
Saddle bronc riding is rodeo's classic
event, both a complement and contrast to the
wilder spectacles of bareback riding and bull
riding. This event requires strength to be sure,
but the event also demands style, grace and
precise timing.
Saddle bronc riding evolved from the
task of breaking and training horses to work
the cattle ranches of the Old West. Many
cowboys claim ridng saddle broncs is the
toughest rodeo event to master because of the
technical skills neccessary for success.
Every move the bronc rider makes
must be synchronized with the movement
of the horse. The cowboy's objective is a
uid ride,
somewhat in contrast to
the wilder and
less-controlled rides of
the bareback riders.
One of the
similarites shared by
saddle bronc riders and
bareback riding is the rule
that riders in both events
must mark out their
horses on the rst jump
from the chute. To
properly mark out this
horse, the saddle bronc rider
must have both heels touch-
ing the animal above the point
of its shoulders when it makes
its rst jump from the chute. If
the rider misses his mark, he
receives no score.
While the bareback rider
has a rigging to hold onto,
the saddle bronc rider has only a
thick rein attached to his horse's
halter. Using one hand, the
cowboy tries to stay securely
seated in his saddle. If he touches
any part of the horse or his own
body with his free hand, he is
disquali ed.
Judges score the horse's
bucking action,
the cowboy's
control of the
horse and the
cowboy's
spurring action.
While striving to
keep his toes
turned outward,
the rider spurs
from the points
of the horse's
shoulders to the
back of the
saddle. To score
well, the rider must
maintain that action
throughout the eight-sec-
ond ride. While the bucking
ability of the horse is quite
naturally built into the
scoreing system, a smooth,
rhythmic ride is sure to score
better than a wild,
uncontrolled e ort.