How to Ride a Bronco
An untrained horse is called "green", and may also be referred to as a bronco. Broncos are not used to being ridden, so people with special skills are used to ride them until they are docile. Now, riding broncos is a rodeo event where contestants compete to see who can stay atop his mount the longest. Read on to learn how to ride a bronco.
- Difficulty:
- Challenging
Instructions
Things You'll Need
- Hack rein
- Pick-up man
- Bronco saddle
- Bronco
- Dry rosin (optional)
- Halter
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Assemble the Proper Equipment
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1
Obtain a bronco saddle. Bronco saddles must meet rodeo specifications. The saddle cannot have a horn (the piece that you would usually hold onto to keep your balance). Your saddle must also have stirrups that swing freely, rather than being rigidly attached to the saddle.
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2
Get a set of hack reins. These do not use a bit (which would harm the horse's mouth). The reins attach to the halter around the horse's face. You must use braided reins.
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3
Take good care of your equipment.
Learn the Bronco Riding Rules and Scoring System
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1
Visit the Wisconsin Rodeo Cowboys Association website to learn about rules and scoring for saddle bronco riding (see Resources below).
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2
Hold onto the reins with one hand only. Switching hands will disqualify you.
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3
Earn points depending on your ride and the horse's difficulty level. These scores are given out of 25 possible points each, and then are combined to give your overall score. Your points are given by two judges based on your timing, ability to control the horse and the motion of your spurs.
Ride a Bronco at a Rodeo
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1
Saddle your bronco carefully while the horse is in the chute. Be sure to pull the cinch tight to prevent the saddle from slipping off during your ride.
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2
Grasp the reins with one hand. During your ride you cannot touch the horse or yourself with your free hand. You can use a substance called dry rosin to help you keep your grip.
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3
Hold on tightly, using your free arm as a counterweight to keep your seat. You must hold on for at least 8 seconds to complete a ride.
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4
Grab your pick-up man when you are ready to dismount. A pick-up man rides alongside you, and will help you dismount safely.
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1
Tips & Warnings
Bronco riding is highly dangerous, and should not be attempted until you have a high degree of skill and practice under your belt.
Avoid disqualification. You will be disqualified from the event if you touch the horse with your free hand, wrap the reins around your hand or fall out of the stirrups.
