Rodeo season is in full swing!

With the kick off of spring, rodeo season has kicked off too! We realize that attendees watch this American Sport and understand the highlights but many may not realize details of each event. Just as football is a lot more exciting if you know what's going on in the field, rodeo is a lot more intense if you understand what is going on in the arena.

We are going to start a blog series that breaks down each event found at PRCA sanctioned rodeos; which you will find right here at Parson's Stadium this July!

We couldn't think of a better event to start with than Saddle-bronc riding as it is recognized as the "classic sport of rodeo." This is one of the original events because the techniques and is influence by cowboys original practices of breaking horses. In early rodeos, the broncs were blindfolded and saddle in the middle of the arena and after the rider mounted, the horse would go on a bucking spree for several minutes! Thankfully the techniques began to evolve, decreasing the qualifying times from thirty to ten and now eight second rides. Riders use as Association saddle was created to give riders more freedom and were safer as they had no horn and free swinging stirrups. Competitors grip a thick braided cotton or polyester rein that is attached to the horse's halter.

During Bronc-Riding today, the horses is saddled in a side opening chute so that the rider can mount. At the nod of the cowboy, the chute is opened and the clock begins. He first has to "Mark Out" or have his spurs over the horse's point of shoulders when the horses front feet hit the ground. This is called the mark out rule; if riders don't do this, they receive a no time. The ride will also be disqualified if the touches himself, the saddle or the horse with his free hand, looses a stirrup or doesn't ride the full eight seconds. During the ride, cowboys receive a higher score for their spurring technique and ability to stay in rhythm with the horse.

The ride is typically judged by two judges that are allowed to allocate 50 points each for a total of 100 points. Half of the points are given to the horse's rankness (how hard they buck) and half is given to the cowboy for his riding technique and control. The 2013 World Champion saddle bronc rider is Chad Ferley from Oelrich, South Dakota.