Bronc Rid*ing
What Is The Definition Of Bronc Riding In Rodeo?
Bronc riding is a rodeo discipline where riders attempt to stay on a bucking horse for eight seconds.
The name is derived from bronco, and where the term bucking bronco derives, because the horse is wildly bucking in an attempt to throw off its rider. Today, the sport relies on specially-bred horses that test the endurance, strength, and agility of both the horse and rider. It’s officially sanctioned by two primary rodeo groups, the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) and the International Professional Rodeo Association (IPRA).
Where Does The Sport Come From?
Like many other rodeo events, bronc riding’s origins start with life on the ranch in the 1800s. As cowboys started integrating the horse into the fold of daily ranching work, they were forced to tame these formerly wild horses by – breaking them. Much of the skills ranchers and cowboys would use to tame the horses has now become the basis for the bronc riding event — how long can someone stay on a wild horse for as long as possible. Soon, ranchers across the American West found a way to turn the art of breaking a horse into a competition, spawning events in small-town Fourth of July festivals. Eventually, the event made its way into the rodeo arenas, and today it has become one of the most popular rodeo events.
How Does Bronc Riding Work?
Each rider begins the event by getting onto a horse while the animal and the rider are held within an enclosure with a chute. When ready, the gate to the chute is opened, allowing the horse and rider to move into the open arena. The rider’s goal is to remain on the wildly bucking horse for at least eight seconds, and they cannot use their free hand to come into contact with the horse’s body.
The eight-second clock officially begins when the rider marks the horse out — this means that the rider’s legs are above the horse’s shoulders the moment before the horse’s front legs hit the dirt of the arena. It continues up to the eight seconds that the rider hopes to survive, and the horse hopes to displace its cowboy.
How Is Bronc Riding Scored?
A rider that completes an eight-second ride is given a score between zero and 50. Like many other rodeo events, the horse is also given a score between zero and 50. The ride, for both horse and rider, is also scored. How horse maneuvers, lurches, and bucks about the arena will score differently than one who moves in a straight line. A score in the 80s or 90s is considered very good.
Examples Of Bronc Riding Is Used In Commentary
1. The best cowboys will converge in Nevada this week, headlining the Las Vegas Days Rodeo and competing in bronc riding, bareback riding, and bull riding ahead of next month’s Wrangler National Finals Rodeo.
Sports The Term Is Used
1. Rodeo
Also Known As:
1. Bareback bronc
2. Saddle bronc
