Bronc Riding

Why would some one want to purposely throw themselves off a horse?

1980's Bucking Broncos & Bull Riding Rodeo Compilation Rough Riders Buck Off Dismounts

Bronc riding was not always looked at like a thrilling sport. It was always apart of breaking in a horse but really this sport began when the rodeo began. In the 1700's Spanish vaqueros influenced American cowboys in roping cattle, riding, herding, and horse breaking. Then came the 1800 and Manifest Destiny, the west became America coast to coast. Americans adapted the ways of the vaquero's cattle ranches and the cattle industry boomed. Men from the south would drive their cattle up north to sell them for more money. At the end of these long trails up north they would put on informal competitions to see who was the best ridder and roper.

Then shows like Buffalo Bills wild west shows and formal competitions began. May 19th 1883 the first Buffalo Bills Wild West show took place in Omaha, Nebraska. It was a hit and he toured across the country and even it Europe. Many other people started their own "Wild west shows" and rodeo began. This is when getting thrown off a horse became entertainment.

People would come from all over to see these Rodeos. There were many events in the wild west shows back then and some of them didn't have to do anything with horses, cows, or roping. As these shows declined in popularity many of those events died out. But bronc riding stayed. Buffalo Bills wild west show ended around 1916. But after this the rodeos really gained popularity.

July 4th 1888 was the date of the first annual rodeo in Prescott, Arizona. They offered cash prizes for the winners and gave a chance for cowboys to show off their skills. There wasn't any fancy arenas built for this until the 1930's. Groups like the WPA and CCC built arenas for the Prescott rodeo. Then in the 40's financial trouble hit but a group of young men in a club called the 20-30 club helped pay for some experiences because the rodeo was important to a lot of people now.

This rodeo still continues today.

However even though bronc riding is an old sport it has changed a lot over the years. There are many new rules that there were not back then. These new rules are put in place to keep both the rider and the horse safe. The rider has to keep his/her feet above the horses shoulders from the chute until its first jump. The rider is holding on to the horse by a thick rope with one hand, If the rider touches the horse with the other hand they are disqualified. This is put in place to make it more difficult and so the rider does not break, fracture, or dislocate any part of his or her arm or back. There are many other rules put in place because bronc riding is not really a safe sport.

Notice how bronc rider Logan Patterson keeps his arm way above his head with his legs over the horse shoulders. 2019 Prescott rodeo.

Bronc Riding has been going on for a long time and is a part of American history. It is a thrill for the rider, entertainment for the viewer, and for America it is a piece of the wild west.

Bronc Riding has been going on for a long time and is a part of American history. It is a thrill for the rider, entertainment for the viewer, and for America it is a piece of the wild west.

Notice how bronc rider Logan Patterson keeps his arm way above his head with his legs over the horse shoulders. 2019 Prescott rodeo.

This rodeo still continues today.