Bareback Riding
"Bareback Bronc Riding" means just that. A wild eight second ride on a powerful bucking horse, without the benefit of a saddle, reins, or stirrups. The "hand-hold" is simply a stiff rawhide handle (similar to a suitcase handle) mounted on a leather "riggin", which is belted just behind the shoulders of the 1200 pound bucking horse. Special pads are fitted under the riggin to protect the horse from possibly getting pinched along the neck or withers.
Bareback Riding is probably the most physically demanding contest for a cowboy. The event requires a contestant with a strong riding arm and a keen sense of balance.
Consider the challenge … one bucking horse, high-strung and healthy … the chute gate swings open, the horse is uncontrolled, jumping, kicking, sometimes spinning, ducking or diving … the cowboy, hanging on with one hand in a leather glove, trying to stay centered while balancing on his tailbone, the riding arm takes a terrific beating. Most bareback riders today wrap their riding arm, elbow and hand with several layers of adhesive tape – anything to help support and protect the limb (many also wear a protective vest, just in case they take a kick to the torso).
The bareback rider must stay on for eight seconds. To begin he must "mark out" the horse with his feet above the bronc’s shoulders, or will be disqualified, touching himself, the equipment, or the horse with his free hand will also send him down the road with a "no score" for his efforts.
Two judges score both the cowboy and the animal from one to 25 each, creating a possible total of 100 points. The horse is rated for it’s bucking pattern and power, while the rider’s points are based on his "exposure", or willingness to let his feet leave the horse while repositioning for the next jump.