Broken Horn Rodeo at fair to feature saddle bronc riding
Saddle bronc riding is rodeo’s classic event, both a complement and contrast to the wilder spectacles of bareback riding and bull riding. This event requires strength to be sure, but the event also demands style, grace and precise timing.
Saddle bronc riding evolved from the task of breaking and training horses to work the cattle ranches of the Old West. Many cowboys claim riding saddle broncs is the toughest rodeo event to master because of the technical skills necessary for success.
Every move the bronc rider makes must be synchronized with the movement of the horse. The cowboy’s objective is a fluid ride somewhat in contrast to the wilder and less controlled rides of bareback riders. One of the similarities shared by saddle bronc and bareback riding is the rule that riders in both events must mark out their horse on the first jump from the chute. To properly mark out his horse, the saddle bronc rider must have both heels touching the animal above the shoulder of the horse. As the bronc bucks, the rider pulls his knees up, rolling his dull spurs up on the horse’s shoulder. As the horse descends, the cowboy straightens his legs, returning his spurs over the point of the horse’s shoulder in anticipation of the next jump.
Making a qualified ride and earning a money-winning score requires more than just strength and an eight second ride. The dependency of a cowboy has on his rein makes the difference between a good and a championship rider. A man who is not dependent on the rein alone, but can rely on balance as well, will get a higher mark for full arc stokes.
Equally important is the fact that some horses which the judges also score on how hard they buck, will “turn on” better if this passenger isn’t hanging on the rein with brute force. The rider is downgraded by the judges if he loses control. Cowboys call it “getting into a storm” and if this happens, the saddle makes recovery more difficult and result in their being thrown. Also, the possibility of their ‘hanging up in a stirrup’ is always in the back of the rider’s mind and is a great hazard to saddle bronc riding. Saddle bronc riding has less competition than any other event in professional rodeo. There’s a reason, the instinctive reactions required to keep their feet in the stirrups, sense what a horse will do next, and the rhythm required, because there is nothing solid to hang onto makes this event, one of which you cannot substitute for years of experience.
Join the fun and watch the Saddle Bronc Riders at the upcoming American Professional Rodeo Association and the International Professional Rodeo Association, World Championship Rodeo, produced by Broken Horn Rodeo, at Fowlerville Family Fairground, July 29,2022, 7:00 PM.
Locals and permits will be accepted, but must make call in.
Call in entry is July 19, 2022. 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM. CST 1-337-427-6336.
Kids can start practicing on your stick horses to compete for prizes. Stick horse races will be held for two age groups: 5 & under and 6-9. Join the fun. NO ENTRY NEEDED FOR STICK HORSE.
For information contact Jim McElroy, Broken Horn Rodeo 937-392-4608 or email s.m.mcelroy@att.net or Fowlerville Fair Office 517-223-8186
No comments:
Post a Comment