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In all rough stock riding events, two judges
score the ride. Each judge can award a maximum of 50 points:
25 points to the animal and 25 points to the rider. The rider
must demonstrate skill and control in the ride, while attempting
to increase the animal’s performance by spurring. The
animal is judged on its sped, strength of bucking, and any
unusual moves that make it more difficult to ride. “Flank
straps” are also used to enhance the animal’s
performance by placing the strap near the back legs of the
animal.
Rough Stock Events |
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Bull Riding
Apopular event at any rodeo, Bull Riding is
an advanced version of Steer Riding, but with a one-half ton
more beef to contend with and the added danger that many bulls
turn back on the rider and attempt to get even for having
their routine disrupted. Guaranteed, once you are on the bull
and the gate opens, few riders ever leave this event
without being slammed to the ground and scurrying for cover,
as the Bull Fighter moves in to save the cowboy or cowgirl.
Bareback Bronc Riding
A specially designed collection of leather
and cinches used for this event is called a “bareback
riggin.” Compared to the bull rope, this one is really
tied on to the animal and has a built-in hand hold. Another
difference is that the rider must start the ride with both
of his or her feet extended forward over the horse’s
shoulders and on the first leap out of the chute, “rake”
backwards toward the horse’s rump. If the rider misses
this, called “marking out”, it does not matter
how great the rest of the ride is, he or she will receive
a DQ. If the rider is lucky enough to make the 6 seconds,
he or she may be plucked to safety as the two “pick-up
men” move in and attempt to rescue the rider from his
or her bucking mount. Contestants may elect to ride two-handed
from start to finish, but will also receive a lower score.
Steer Riding
This is a good beginner’s event, but
not as easy as it looks. The rider has a “bull rope”
wound around the steer just behind the front legs and then
around his or her hand; no knots allowed. With this hand hold
and the riders legs, locked like scissors on the steer, are
all the rider has to count on to stay on top. A rider who
is able to spur, or move their legs back and forth on the
steer’s sides, will receive a higher score.
Chute Dogging
This event is designed to give even the novice
a chance to compete in rough stock events. The steer and the
contestant both start in the bucking chute and face a 60-second
time limit. When the chute gate opens, the contestant must
bring the steer out to a 10-foot line in front of the chute,
and then attempt to wrestle, or “dog” the steer
to the ground. The contestant will turn the steer’s
head up and toward the steer’s shoulder, hoping the
steer will fall over on its other shoulder, causing all four
feet to point in the same direction as the head was turned.
If the steer is contrary and falls the other way, it is termed
a “dog fall” and the contestant can either attempt
to turn the head the same direction or let the steer up and
start over. In this event either the contestant “dogs”
or gets “dogged.”
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