TEAM DURANGO® SPOTLIGHT
BAREBACK
RIDING 101
Team
Durango®
Bareback Riding is one of the most physically challenging events in rodeo. This is Bareback Riding 101. The rules are simple: the cowboy must ride the horse for eight seconds while only holding on with one hand. One hand of the cowboy will be wedged into a suitcase- like handle called a rigging. The free arm of the cowboy cannot touch himself or the horse at any point in the eight seconds, or the result is a no score. The first jump out of the chute is called a markout. The cowboy's spurs have to be above the point of the horse's shoulders. Failing to do this will result in a no score. The cowboy's spurs should touch the horse on every jump of the eight-second ride. As the horse bucks, the rider will pull his knees up to the rigging. When the horse descends, the rider will extend his legs to the point of the horse's shoulders, preparing for the next jump. The cowboys are judged on their spurring technique and body control, while the horses are judged on their power, agility, and difficulty. Half the score comes from the cowboy, and half the score comes from the animal. They are added together, and that is the recorded score. The highest score available is 100 points.