Bareback riding developed in the rodeo arena and has no relation to the everyday work of a ranch cowboy. It is, however, one of the most popular events of our Cody Stampede.

Bareback riding is a spurring contest for a mandatory 8 seconds. The action begins with the horse jumping out of the chute and the cowboy sitting so that his spurs extend over the break of the horse's shoulders, called marking, as the forelegs hit the ground. There are no stirrups or rein, just the riggin - a suitcase-type handle attached to a rigid, triple layered, leather base saddle about 9" wide. The rider must hold on with either hand, but only one hand, and at no time may his free hand touch anything else. Spurs are allowed but the rowels (notched wheels) are blunted. The cowboy will jerk and twist his knees to match the horse's movements thereby keeping his tailbone up against the riggin'. The closer he stays to the riggin', the longer his ride and the better his chance of finishing in the money. As soon as a rider allows his seat to be thrown back from the riggin' he is usually jet-propelled off his mount!

The cowboy will be judged on form, control and how well the bronc bucks. This includes the turn-out of the toes, the proficiency of the spurring motion, the difficulty of the horse, and who is in control, the cowboy or the horse. Two judges in the arena score from 1 -25 points each for the horse and the rider for a total of 100 points available. Therefore, it takes not only an outstanding ride but also an outstanding bronc to score in the eighties.

Cody Nite Rodeo and Cody Stampede Program 1996, page 55