Rodeo 101: Bareback

The first of what we call our “Roughstock or Bucking Stock” events. The Roughstock events are truly like a dance between the rider and the horse.

The Rider will use one hand in a leather glove to hold on to a rawhide handle called a “riggin,” sitting directly on the horse without a saddle, hence the name Bareback. When the gate opens, his feet must be above the breaks of the horse’s shoulders along the horse’s neckline – this is known as the “Mark Out Rule.” Scoring is based on the rider’s ability to bring their feet up and down the horse’s neckline in rhythm with its bucking, an action called “spurring.”

Scoring is based on how well the horse bucks and how well the rider spurs (a dull, free-moving, rounded rowel). You’ll notice a strap around the horse’s flank or armpits, this is called the flank strap. It is made of soft leather and sheep’s wool. It sits loose around the horse’s armpits and is a reminder that it’s time to perform. A possible 50 points for the rider and 50 for the horse for a possible 100 points. Penalties occur if the rider touches the horse, equipment, or himself with his free hand, receiving a “no score”

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