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Bareback riding

Bareback riding is a rodeo event classified as a rough stock competition, in which a rider attempts to stay mounted on a bucking horse for eight seconds without the use of a saddle, gripping a leather rigging with one hand while marking out and spurring the horse to demonstrate control and style.^[1]^[2] The event originated as a spectacle in the 1910s, evolving from informal exhibitions rather than traditional cowboy tasks like breaking horses, and gained widespread popularity in the early 20th century when riders initially held onto the horse's mane or a loose rope due to the lack of standardized rules.^[3]^[4] In 1924, rodeo pioneer Earl W. Bascom invented the modern one-handed bareback rigging—a reinforced leather handle attached to the horse's girth—standardizing the equipment and enabling safer, more consistent performances that remain in use today.^[5]^[6] Judging in bareback riding follows Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) guidelines, where scores are awarded on a 100-point scale: up to 50 points for the rider's performance, evaluating factors such as spurring action from shoulder to flank, body position, and balance; and up to 50 points for the horse's bucking effort, including power, direction changes, and athleticism.^[2]^[7] Riders must keep their free hand clear of the body and equipment, and any touching of the horse with the free hand or early dismount results in disqualification.^[1] Known for its extreme physical demands—often compared to riding a jackhammer—bareback riding requires exceptional core strength, timing, and endurance, making it one of rodeo's most challenging and spectator-thrilling disciplines.^[8]^[4]

Overview and History

Definition and Basics

Bareback riding, also known as bareback bronc riding, is a rodeo roughstock event in which a rider attempts to stay mounted on a bucking horse for eight seconds without a saddle, using one hand to grip a leather rigging attached to the horse's girth while keeping the free hand elevated.^[1] Unlike general equestrian bareback riding, which involves controlling trained horses without a saddle for training or recreation, rodeo bareback riding emphasizes endurance and style on an unbroken bronc that bucks aggressively, with no intent to direct the horse's movement.^[3] The rider must "mark out" by spurring the horse's shoulders on the first jump out of the chute to demonstrate control and avoid disqualification.^[2] This event demands exceptional balance, timing, and core strength, as the rider's body arches backward in a handstand-like position, absorbing the horse's powerful, twisting bucks.^[4] It differs from saddle bronc riding by lacking a saddle and stirrups, increasing the physical challenge and reliance on the rigging for grip.^[9]

Historical Development

Bareback riding as a rodeo event originated as a spectacle in the 1910s, evolving from informal exhibitions in Wild West shows and early rodeos rather than directly from traditional cowboy tasks like breaking horses, which more closely influenced saddle bronc riding.^[3] These early displays, popularized in shows like Buffalo Bill Cody's starting in the 1880s, featured unsaddled horsemanship feats that entertained audiences with frontier skills and laid the groundwork for competitive formats by the 1920s.^[10] Informal ranch contests and growing rodeo circuits formalized the event, with riders initially using a loose rope or mane for grip due to the absence of standardized equipment.^[11] A key milestone came in 1924 when rodeo pioneer Earl W. Bascom invented the modern one-handed bareback rigging, a reinforced leather handle that standardized the grip and improved safety, enabling consistent performances still used today.^[5] The sport's professionalization advanced with the formation of the Rodeo Cowboys Association (RCA) in 1936—renamed the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) in 1975—following a cowboys' boycott at the 1936 Boston Garden Rodeo over pay and conditions, which established bareback riding as a core roughstock event.^[12] Women's participation grew with the Girls Rodeo Association (GRA), founded in 1948 and now the Women's Professional Rodeo Association (WPRA), which sanctioned bareback bronc riding among its initial seven championship events to promote female competitors in roughstock.^[13]^[14] Culturally, bareback riding draws from Mexican vaquero traditions of skilled equestrianism in cattle work and Native American practices of agile, unsaddled riding emphasizing balance and speed, synthesizing influences on Western ranching and rodeo heritage.^[15]^[16] This evolution symbolizes the resilience of the American cowboy, adapting practical horsemanship into a thrilling competitive discipline.

Equipment

Bareback Pads

Bareback pads, used primarily for recreational riding and training, are constructed from various cushioning materials to provide comfort without the structure of a full saddle. Common types include felt pads, which feature orthopedic felt bottoms for shock absorption; wool pads, often with merino fleece liners for moisture-wicking and breathability; and synthetic options made from high-density foam, neoprene, or sympanova for durability and non-slip properties.^[17]^[18]^[19] These pads typically measure 21 to 24 inches in spine length, designed to cover the horse's back adequately while allowing freedom of movement for the shoulders and loin.^[19]^[18] Attachment methods for bareback pads emphasize simplicity and security for non-competitive use. They are primarily secured using surcingle girths, which are adjustable straps made of nylon or leather that encircle the horse's barrel to hold the pad in place.^[20]^[21] Optional features such as leather-reinforced billets, D-rings for accessories, or a central nylon handle may be included to enhance rider grip, though fenders are rarely added to maintain a lightweight profile.^[19]^[21] The primary benefits of bareback pads lie in their minimalistic design, which distributes the rider's weight evenly to prevent soreness on the horse's back while offering subtle cushioning for the rider.^[20]^[19] By promoting close contact between horse and rider, these pads help develop balance, core strength, and communication skills during low-intensity training sessions.^[21]^[20] Despite their advantages, bareback pads have limitations that make them unsuitable for demanding activities. If not fitted properly to the horse's conformation, they can shift or slip during movement, potentially compromising rider security.^[19]^[21] Their lack of rigid structure provides insufficient stability for high-speed riding or bronc events, distinguishing them from specialized rodeo rigging used in competitions.^[20]

Rodeo Rigging

In competitive bareback bronc riding, the rodeo rigging serves as the primary handhold for the rider, designed to provide a secure, one-handed grip while minimizing injury risk to both rider and horse. This specialized equipment consists of a leather suitcase-style body with a molded handle offset for ergonomic, one-handed use, typically featuring a D-ring or flat mount secured by a rope or strap. A protective sheepskin lining is glued or attached to the underside of the rigging to prevent chafing on the horse's back.^[6]^[22] The rigging is constructed from thick leather or rawhide, ensuring durability under extreme stress. It is cinched tightly around the horse's girth using a mohair or neoprene cinch at least 8 inches wide at the center, positioned atop the horse's withers and centered for balance, with the rigging body spread approximately 9 inches apart at the back and 4 inches down from the center. No stirrups are included, compelling riders to rely on leg strength and balance for control. An accompanying pad, covered in leather over high-density foam and extending at least 2 inches behind the rigging, protects the horse's shoulders.^[22] PRCA regulations mandate strict inspection of the rigging by a judge before each event to verify compliance and safety, prohibiting exposed metal (except for D-rings), sharp edges, knots, foreign objects, excessive padding, or grip-enhancing substances beyond approved adhesives like dry resin or athletic tape. Violations, such as unsatisfactory equipment, result in warnings for first offenses and up to 15-day ineligibility for repeats, promoting fairness and animal welfare. The maximum width at the handhold is 10 inches, and at the D-ring 6 inches, with no fiberglass or metal in the handhold itself.^[22] The modern rodeo rigging evolved from rudimentary handholds, such as mane grips or loose ropes around the girth used in early 20th-century rodeos, to its current form pioneered by Earl Bascom, who invented the first one-handed bareback rigging in 1924 using reinforced belting and rawhide for the handle. This innovation shifted the sport toward standardized, safer equipment, with designs becoming widely adopted and regulated by the Rodeo Cowboys Association (predecessor to the PRCA) by the mid-20th century to ensure competitive equity across events.^[5]^[6]

Techniques

Rider Position and Balance

In bareback riding, the core position involves a forward-leaning torso to align with the horse's motion, heels pressed down for stability, toes turned outward to facilitate spurring, and legs positioned for dynamic extension to maintain contact with the rigging through hand grip and body adjustment. This posture positions the rider's weight over the horse's center of gravity, enabling better anticipation of bucks and jumps without the support of a saddle.^[23]^[24] Balance is achieved primarily through engagement of the core muscles to absorb and flow with the horse's unpredictable movements, while avoiding excessive backward leaning that could shift the center of gravity or reliance on the free arm for support beyond initial positioning. Riders must synchronize body mechanics with the horse's rhythm—pulling knees upward and rolling spurs along the shoulders during upward bucks, then straightening legs to reset upon descent—demanding constant adjustment to prevent dislodgement.^[25]^[26]^[23] For competitive bareback riders, training often begins with mechanical bucking devices to simulate bronc motions and build timing and muscle memory, progressing to gentler practice horses before full rodeo conditions, emphasizing relaxed shoulders to minimize fatigue and enhance endurance. This approach fosters confidence and coordination specific to bucking stock.^[27] Compared to saddled riding, bareback demands greater reliance on proprioceptive feel and core stabilization rather than stirrup leverage for balance, heightening the need for precise body awareness to stay centered during motion. Adaptations like coordinated spurring from this base position are essential in competitive bronc rides.^[28]

Spurring and Control

In bareback riding, spurring involves the use of blunt spurs equipped with dull, free-moving rowels featuring at least five points to ensure animal welfare and compliance with Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) regulations.^[29] These spurs allow riders to demonstrate forward motion without causing harm, as sharp or locked rowels result in disqualification or penalties.^[30] The core technique, known as "marking the bronc," requires the rowels to contact the horse above the shoulder break until its front feet hit the ground on the first jump out of the chute, establishing rhythm and control from the outset.^[31] Throughout the eight-second ride, riders apply spurs in a forward pattern from the shoulders to the flanks, emphasizing smooth, synchronized movements that align with the horse's bucks to convey athleticism and harmony.^[24] Control strategies in spurring rely on a one-handed grip on the rigging for stability while keeping the free hand clear of the body, horse, and equipment at all times, which is required by PRCA rules to avoid disqualification, while often holding it high for balance and style.^[29] Riders synchronize their spurring with the horse's descent, extending legs forward to the shoulders on the down motion and pulling back toward the flanks on the rise, which helps maintain seat and momentum without disrupting the animal's pattern.^[24] This rhythmic coordination not only enhances rider position but also amplifies the perception of control, as abrupt or mismatched actions can lead to loss of synchronization.^[30] Skill development for effective spurring begins with practice on mechanical bucking devices, such as those simulating bronc motions to build timing and muscle memory without live animals.^[27] Riders often use spurboards—portable training tools mimicking the horse's side—to refine leg extension and avoid common errors like over-spurring, which involves excessive force or erratic motions that cause the rider to lose seat and rhythm.^[24] Such mistakes, including jerking the spurs instead of gliding them smoothly, can result in diminished control and early dismounts during competition.^[24] Spurring variations include continuous techniques, where rowels maintain near-constant contact at every stride to showcase relentless energy, and traveling methods, in which spurs progressively move from shoulders to flanks in a fluid arc for stylistic flair.^[32] Both prioritize non-jerking, deliberate motions to project poise, with traveling spurs often favored for their visual appeal in highlighting the rider's extension and retraction.^[8] These approaches integrate with foundational positioning by emphasizing dynamic leg action during bucks, enhancing overall ride cohesion.^[24]

Rodeo Participation

Event Format and Rules

In bareback bronc riding competitions, riders are assigned broncs through a random draw process conducted prior to the event, using numbered stock selected by judges to ensure fairness and prevent the same animal from being ridden twice by one contestant in a single rodeo.^[33] A qualified ride requires the rider to remain mounted for a full eight seconds, with timing commencing when the horse's inside front shoulder crosses the plane of the chute gate upon release.^[33] Disqualifications occur if the rider touches the horse, themselves, or any equipment with their free hand, or if they lose their grip on the rigging at any point during the ride.^[33] Competitions often feature slack sessions to accommodate qualifying rounds for larger fields, allowing initial performances to be held outside main arena shows, while major events like the National Finals Rodeo (NFR) culminate in finals with the top 15 ranked riders competing in multiple go-rounds.^[33] The PRCA governs bareback riding, requiring active membership and adherence to equipment standards; women may compete as active members, though the event is predominantly contested by men, with women's roughstock participation occurring in some all-girl rodeos or historical contexts but not as a primary WPRA event.^[33]^[34]^[35] Bronc selection is managed by approved stock contractors who must own at least 25 bareback horses, ensuring the animals are rank—meaning unbroken for riding but experienced in bucking with a minimum of eight outs at PRCA-sanctioned events—and aged 4 to 12 years old to guarantee performance capability.^[33] Globally, formats remain similar in Canadian rodeos under the Canadian Professional Rodeo Association (CPRA), which mandates eight-second rides with random draws and disqualifications for free-hand contact, alongside bronc requirements mirroring PRCA standards.^[36] Australian rodeos, governed by the Australian Professional Rodeo Association (APRA), follow an analogous eight-second structure with spur-out rules, but include minor variations such as explicit prohibitions on locked rowels and defined rigging dimensions to 10 inches wide.^[37] These international adaptations maintain core procedural integrity while accommodating local regulatory tweaks.^[37]^[36]

Scoring System

In bareback bronc riding competitions sanctioned by the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA), performances are evaluated on a 100-point scale, with up to 50 points allocated to the rider's execution and up to 50 points to the horse's athleticism.^[38] Two judges independently score each qualified eight-second ride, awarding 0-25 points for the rider and 0-25 points for the horse per judge, with the final score calculated as the sum of both judges' assessments.^[38] At the National Finals Rodeo (NFR), a quarter-point system introduced in 2025 allows for finer granularity, enabling judges to award increments as small as 0.25 points while maintaining the 50/50 split.^[39] Rider scores emphasize control, timing, and aggressive spurring synchronized with the horse's movements, drawing from established PRCA guidelines.^[38] Key criteria include exposure, assessed by the rider's free arm position and the distance their feet extend away from the horse during repositioning to demonstrate risk beyond mere balance; degree of difficulty, evaluating the aggressiveness, speed, and precise timing of foot movements in sync with the buck; and spurring coverage, which rewards long strokes from the horse's shoulders (with rowels touching above the shoulder break on the initial exit) to the rigging, including continuous drag pressure for maximum points.^[38] These elements collectively measure the rider's ability to enhance the ride's challenge while maintaining one-handed control.^[38] Horse scores focus on the animal's bucking quality and challenge to the rider, as outlined in PRCA judging standards.^[38] Judges award points for bucking pattern, including front-end elevation, ducks, spins, and overall variety; power, gauged by jump height, kick intensity, drop speed, and quickness; and direction changes, with premium marks for unexpected shifts or tight circles that utilize the full arena, often termed "fence-to-fence" efforts for their end-to-end dominance.^[38] Inferior or stalled performances may result in no score or a reride option at the judges' discretion.^[22] Scores of 85 or higher signify elite performances, reflecting exceptional synergy between rider and horse, as seen in the 2019 NFR where champion Clayton Biglow achieved an average of 88.65 points across 10 rides, including a high of 93.^[40] Ties in final placings are resolved through video replay review to ensure accuracy.^[29]

Safety Considerations

Common Risks and Injuries

Bareback riding, particularly in rodeo contexts, exposes participants to significant physical hazards due to the high-impact nature of the event, where riders are bucked off horses capable of powerful bucks and high leaps. These falls often result in concussions from violent head impacts, fractures such as those to the collarbone and ribs, and spinal injuries including vertebral fractures that may require surgical intervention. In a 10-year study of rodeo trauma at a level I trauma center, head injuries occurred in 54.3% of cases, with falls accounting for 48.6% of mechanisms, and spinal injuries in 10% of patients, highlighting the prevalence of these acute risks.^[41] Unpredictable behavior from bucking horses amplifies dangers, as riders face risks of being kicked or trampled during dismounts, leading to contusions, sprains, and more severe trauma from direct animal contact. Such horse-related incidents contribute to approximately 50% of rodeo injuries, with bareback riders particularly vulnerable due to the lack of saddle support, which offers no buffer against the horse's rapid, multi-directional movements. Chronic issues, including back strain from repetitive gripping of the rigging and cumulative joint wear in shoulders and knees, also arise from the event's demanding posture and spurring actions.^[41]^[42] Statistical data from professional rodeo underscores the elevated risk in bareback riding compared to other events, with injury rates of 20-23% of total rodeo injuries attributed to bareback and saddle bronc combined, and a specific rate of 2.45 injuries per 100 competitor exposures—higher than the overall rodeo average of 1.47 per 100. The Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) and related studies from the 2010s indicate bareback has the second-highest injury incidence after bull riding (15.3-28.8% of injuries), driven by the absence of saddle cushioning, with roughstock events overall comprising 75-87% of all rodeo trauma. Novices are especially prone to slipping during initial bucks, increasing fall risks, while professionals endure higher rates of repetitive strain injuries, such as shoulder dislocations and knee sprains, from prolonged exposure.^[41]^[43]^[42]

Preventive Measures and Training

Training in bareback riding emphasizes progressive skill-building to enhance balance, strength, and risk awareness, starting with foundational ground-based exercises before advancing to live animal interactions. Beginners typically begin with gym routines focused on core stability, such as planks for 12-15 minutes daily, bicycles, leg scissors, and drops, which mimic the explosive movements required to maintain grip on the rigging during a buck.^[25] These are complemented by balance drills to help riders develop proprioception without the immediate danger of falls.^[44] Progress then shifts to supervised rides on smaller animals—starting with sheep and calves for basic mounting and dismounting—before progressing to steers, bulls, and finally bucking horses under instructor guidance at rodeo schools.^[25]^[45] Simulation tools, such as mechanical bronc riders or specialized practice machines, allow riders to rehearse spurring techniques and body positioning in a controlled environment, reducing initial exposure to unpredictable livestock while building confidence.^[27] Protective gear plays a crucial role in mitigating impact during bareback riding, with recommendations tailored to event levels. Helmets certified to ASTM/SEI standards are advised for head protection against falls or strikes, particularly as they absorb rotational forces common in roughstock ejections.^[42] Body vests designed for rodeo use, featuring foam padding for torso and spine coverage, help distribute impact from ground contact or horse contact, and are mandatory in certain youth competitions such as bull riding in Texas to safeguard developing athletes.^[46]^[42] Proper boot and spur fitting is essential, with dulled spurs required to prevent accidental animal injury while ensuring rider control; ill-fitted gear can lead to slips or entanglements, so pre-ride inspections are standard.^[33] In professional settings, while not universally mandated, vests and mouthguards are increasingly adopted voluntarily for added rib and dental protection during high-velocity dismounts, with greater emphasis on helmets following recent injuries as of 2025.^[47]^[48] Best practices for bareback riders incorporate pre-ride preparation, animal acclimation, and recovery protocols to sustain performance and prevent overuse injuries. Riders should perform dynamic warm-ups, including 10-15 minutes of light cardio, dynamic stretches for hips and shoulders, and core activations like leg swings, to increase blood flow and joint mobility before mounting.^[49] Horse familiarization involves observing and handling stock in pens to anticipate behaviors, fostering trust and reducing startle responses during rides.^[45] Post-ride, recovery includes immediate icing of joints and muscles for 15-20 minutes to reduce inflammation from impacts, followed by static stretching and rest to aid tissue repair; athletes are trained to cease activity if fatigue sets in, avoiding compounded risks from diminished coordination.^[50]^[51] Professional guidelines from organizations like the PRCA prioritize on-site medical support and education to uphold rider welfare in bareback events. Every sanctioned rodeo requires a licensed ambulance and first-aid personnel present during performances and slacks, enabling rapid response to injuries such as fractures or contusions.^[33] Annual participation is capped at 100 official rodeos per contestant to prevent overexertion, though no strict daily limits are enforced beyond event scheduling.^[33] Education on concussion recognition—covering symptoms like headache, dizziness, and confusion—is promoted through partnerships with sports medicine teams, with surveys indicating that while 70% of pros receive some training, ongoing programs aim to address gaps in awareness.^[52]^[53]

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[50]
Sport-Specific Return to Play in Rodeo Athletes After Concussion ...
Sport-specific return-to-play guidelines may help protect the health and safety of rodeo athletes postconcussion. ... Rodeo athletes' training and characteristics ...<|separator|>
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2016 PRP page files - Justin Sports Medicine
Providing free medical care to all rodeo athletes, the. Justin Sportsmedicine trailer is among the most welcome sights at many PRCA rodeos.