This is Rodeo’s most exciting and favorite event for spectators,
with an added factor of danger for the contestant because the
unpredictable bull is known to come looking for the rider when the ride
is completed. Because of the bull’s erratic and powerful leaps, only
the toughest of contestants can endure the six seconds required for a
qualifying ride. Contestants may not touch the animal, rigging, their
hat, or themselves with their free hand. The ride and the bull are
given a score of up to 50 points each — The bull for power and bucking
pattern; The Rider for strength and form.
Steer Riding is very similar to Bull Riding in description,
judging, and scoring, but the animal is small and of a better
temperament. Rough Stock contestants often begin riding steers before
moving onto Bull Riding.
A specially designed collection of leather and cinches used for
this event is called a “Bareback Riggin’.” Compared to the bull rope,
this one is really tied onto the animal and also has a built-in hand
hold. The rider must start the ride with both of his or her feet
extended forward over the horse’s shoulders and on the first leap out
of the chute, pull backwards toward the horse’s rump. If the rider
misses this “marking out”, he or she will be disqualified. If the rider
makes the 6 seconds, he or she may be plucked to safety as the two
“pick-up men” move in and attempt to rescue the rider from his or her
bucking mount. Contestants may elect to ride two-handed from start to
finish, but will also receive a lower score. Judging and point
distribution are the same as Bull Riding.
In this event the contestant stands in the chute with the
steer’s horns already in hand. Within sixty seconds from the time the
chute opens, the “dogger” and steer must cross a line 10 feet from the
gate. The Chute Dogger then must wrestle the steer to the ground so
that all four of the steer’s hooves are pointed in the same direction
as the nose. The fastest time for dogging wins.
