Rodeo Saddle Bronc Riding Terminology and Facts

Saddle bronc riding is the classic event of rodeo. High school, college, amateur and professional men compete in bronc riding as do professional competing women. Saddle bronc riding and the unique terms associated with the event are easier to understand by learning about the event in a step-by-step manner.

The equipment used in the saddle bronc riding includes; a bronc saddle, a hack rein and bridle, spurs, and chaps. A bronc saddle does not have a horn but in other ways is very similar to a western saddle. The hack rein is the rein that is attached to the bucking horses halter that the rider holds onto during the ride. In order, for the rider to have a qualified ride they start by getting on their bronc in the bucking chute and when they are ready they nod their head. The gateman lets the horse out after the rider has nodded their head. The eight seconds of the ride starts when the horse breaks the plain of the gate.

The competitor must hold their feet above the points of the horse's shoulders until through the first jump of the ride; this is called the mark out. After the first jump the rider then continues to the ride of eight seconds in order to also receive a score. The rider tries to get in time with the horse and spur in the same rhythm as the horse is bucking. Additionally, if the rider loses a stirrup during the ride they also receive a no score for the ride. When the ride is completed the pickup men then help the rider of the horse and set him on the ground. The event is scored by two judges, who give the rider and the horse each a score between one and twenty-five, these values are added together to get the riders actual score.

The flank used on this horse in this event does not touch or constrict their genitals. Both female and male horses are used as saddle bronc horses. The bloodlines of great performing bucking horses are carefully used in breeding programs with the hope of getting even greater bucking horses. Bucking horses have great lives and are treated exceptionally well, in most cases they have better lives then a lot of horses that are kept as pets. Also, in most organizations riders are required to ride while wearing Kevlar vest for protection and are also allowed if they choose to wear helmets for additional safety.