To get an idea of the strength required in bareback riding, imagine riding a jackhammer as if it were a pogo stick, holding on with only one hand. Bareback riders claim their sport is not quite that simple.

Bareback riding is the most physically demanding event in rodeo.

Immense physical stress is placed on the arm and back, and bareback riders face more long term injuries, such as elbow and lower back problems, than other rough-stock cowboys.

Sheer strength isn't all that's required. A bareback rider is judged on his spurring technique, the degree to which his toes remain turned away from the horse throughout the ride and this "exposure," or willingness to lean far back and take whatever may come during a ride. The horse's bucking action also contributes half a rider's score.

Bareback riders grasp a "rigging," a hand-hold made of leather and rawhide that is secured to the horse with a cinch. The rigging must meet size and design specifications set by the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association. Bareback riding also requires the rider to "mark out" his horse- to place his feet above the horse's shoulders until the animal's front feet hit the ground on its first move out of the chute. Failure by the cowboy to keep his feet in place results in disqualification.

After the initial jump out of the chute, the cowboy pulls his spurs up the horse's neck and shoulders until the spurs are nearly touching the rigging. The rider then straightens his legs, again placing his feet on the horse's shoulders, in anticipation of the next jump.

Barrel Racing

Bull Riding

Saddle Bronc

Steer Wrestling

Tie Down Roping