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Saddle Bronc Riding
Rodeo's "classic event," saddle bronc riding, has roots that run deep in the history of the Old West. For amusement and to relieve the monotony of ranc work, hands would ofter gather and compete among themselves to see who could ride wild horses with the most style. From this early competition today's rodeo event was born. Each rider must begin his ride with his feet over the bronc's shoulders and is judged on how hard the horse bucks and how well the cowboy rides. A good ride is notable for smooth spur strokes extending from the horse's neck back to the cantile of the saddle.
Saddle bronc riding matches a specially bred bucking horse and a delicately balanced Pro Rodeo cowboy who must stay aboard for eight seconds to make a qualified ride. The cowboy uses a PRCA approved saddle with stirrups and a six-foot braided rein which he holds with one hand only. Saddle bronc riders are disqualified if they touch themselves, the horse, or their equipment with their free hand.
It is important for the cowboy to synchronized his spurring motion with the rhythm of the horse's jumps. The cowboy's feet should be straight out in front when the bronc's front feet hit the ground; they should strike the back of the saddle, knees bent, when the horse next lunges into the air.
Two riding judges combine scores to mark each horse up to fifty points for their bucking ability and each cowboy up to fifty points for their fiding skill and style. With up to one hundred total points available, saddle bronc riders bear down on every ride trying to maximize their score.
Modern day saddle bronc riding is a far cry from the day when the cowboy who was bucked off had to walk back to the ranch. But with prize money at its present level, disappointment can be just as keen.
The riding rein and hand must be on the same side. The ride will be eight seconds. To qualify, the rider must have spurs over the break of the shoulders nd touching the horse when the horse's front feet hit the ground on the first jump out of the chute. Riders will be disqualified for; being bucked off; changing hands on the reign; losing stirrup; or touching the animal, saddle or rein with his free hand.
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Andy Devine Days
2008 PRCA Rodeo
September 27 and 28
1:00 PM both days
KINGMAN, ARIZONA |
The Andy Devine Days PRCA Rodeo
is in its 24nd year here in Kingman
Arizona, brought to you by the
KINGSMEN, a group of local
businessmen dedicated to the
preservation of our area's ranching
and rodeo western heritage, and the
Kingsmen COWGIRLS.
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We invite you to enjoy all the fun
and entertainment brought to
Kingman during Western Week,
including the dances, parade, chili
feed, and of course, the Rodeo! |
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