Undone

Saddle bronc is the classic rodeo event that commemorates the work of breaking and training horses necessary to the operation of cattle ranches. Many cowboys claim riding saddle broncs is the toughest rodeo event to master because of the technical skills necessary for success (such as quantities of strength, grace &  timing).  Saddle bronc riders must synchronize with the movement of their horse.  When it all comes together well, the ride is about like a pretty and fluid dance.  

Saddle bronc has what is called the “mark out” rule.  To properly mark out, the rider must have both heels touching the animal above the point of its shoulders when it makes its first jump from the chute. If the rider misses his mark, he receives no score.

Go-to-the-belly: Sometimes the mark out rule can be waived if a bronc stalls in the chute the judge may tell the rider they can “go on” or “go to the belly.” This means the bronc rider can take his (or her) feet to the sides of the horse for the first jump out of the chute instead of having them over the points of the horse’s shoulders. Being allowed to go to the belly waives the mark out rule for that one ride only.

Saddle bronc riders use a thick rein attached to his horse’s halter. With 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 disqualified.  

Judges score the horse’s bucking action, the cowboy’s control of the horse and the cowboy’s spurring action. Riders try to keep their toes turned out while spurring 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-second ride. A smooth, rhythmic 8 second ride sure is the goal and will score better than a wild, uncontrolled 8 second effort.   –from darbyrodeo.org