ROUGH STOCK EVENTS

In all rough stock riding events, two judges score riders. 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 well attempting to increase the animal's performance by spurring. The animal is judged on its speed, strength of bucking and any unusual moves, which 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 (NOT on or around the genitals). All rides must last six [6] seconds, as opposed to the eight [8] second rides in other forms of rodeo.

BAREBACK BRONC RIDING: Bareback Bronc Riding is an event that originated in the rodeo arena. The average horse used in this event weighs about 1,100 lbs. and is flanked using a leather strap that is covered with soft fleece to protect the horse. The horse is flanked just in front of the hind legs; much like a person would wear a belt. The flank causes a natura1 response from the horse that is to buck. Most of the horses used in bronc riding are mares [females], although some are geldings [castrated males]. The flank strap does not cover or interfere with the genitals of the animal. The rider uses a "rigging" which is a leather device that cinches on to the horse just behind the shoulders. It has either one or two rawhide handholds. Riders may choose to ride with either one or two hands (4-point deduction for two- handed riding). This is the only mechanism available to the rider to stay on the horse. If a rider uses only one hand, the free hand cannot touch the horse or any other part of the rider or he/she will be disqualified. The rider must have his/her heels touch both sides of the horse and above the break in the shoulders when the horse makes his/her first jump out of the chute. This is called "marking out" and failure to accomplish this will result in a 5-point deduction for each side. The horse receives points for his power and bucking pattern while the rider receives points for strength, control, form and spurring action. Reasons for disqualification for this event include a "buck off' before the 6- second time or touching the horse, equipment or self with the free hand.

BULL RIDING: Bull riding is one of the most exciting events in rodeo due to the fact that the bulls usually spin and twist in very dramatic bucking patterns. The average bucking bull weighs between 2,000 and 3,000 lbs. and can make these erratic moves because the bull's hide is only loosely attached to its skeletal structure. Bulls are also aggressive by nature and will often charge its rider after the rider comes off the bull. A soft cotton rope is used as the flank strap to enhance the bull's bucking. The rider uses a heavy rope that is wound around the bull just behind the shoulders or front legs. The rider uses only one gloved hand to hold on to the bull while attempting to shift and balance to stay on for the ride. A bell is attached to the rope underneath the bull to warn arena personnel as to the location of the bull during the ride. The bull is scored based on its power and bucking pattern and the rider is scored on control, form and spurring action. Reasons for disqualification in this event include touching the animal, equipment or self with the free hand or being "bucked off" before the 6-second time.

STEER RIDING: This event is structured exactly like Bull Riding with the exception that the animal is castrated and thus the average weight of the animals is between 900 and 1,200 lbs. Steers are also less aggressive so there is usually little danger of the animal coming after the rider after the ride is over. Steers also tend to buck in more of a straight line with little spin or twisting. Most competitors start out learning to ride on steers before going on to bulls.

CHUTE DOGGING: Chute dogging is a form of steer wrestling where the steer used weighs between 400 and 500 lbs. and the competitor starts the event in the chute with the steer as opposed to on horseback. It is a timed event and time starts when the chute gate is opened. The competitor must get the steer to a line 10 feet in front of the chute and then wrestle the steer to the ground using strength and skill. A legal fall means that all four feet of the steer are facing in the same direction as its nose when the steer is on the ground. Reasons for disqualification include loosing contact with the steer or tripping the steer.