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July 18-27, 2025
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Bareback riding is one of rodeos most physically demanding events. It grew in popularity in the early 1900s when there were no set rules, so some riders would hold on to the horses mane, or a loose twisted rope around the horse’s girth. A rigging similar to the one used today was introduced in the 1920s by Earl Bascom who invented it.
The rider must hold on for 8 seconds with only a small leather rigging to hold on to. His hand is wedged into the handle of the rigging and that is the only thing keeping him on the horse.
The rider must “Mark Out”, keeping his boots above the horse’s shoulders until the front legs drop on the first jump. The rider must keep his boots above the horse’s shoulders with his spurs touching the horse until it’s front feet hit the ground on the first jump. Failure to do this results in a disqualification.
The Horse is scored 1-50 points
The Rider is also scored from 1-50 points
