Optimum spurring action begins with the rider in control, her heels at the horse's neck. She then pulls her feet, toes turned outward, back to the horse's withers until the cowgirl's feet are nearly touching the bareback rigging. The horse is flanked with a fleece-lined leather strap that increases his natural urge to throw his ride. A rider is disqualified if she touches her equipment, herself or the horse with her free hand or when riding with two hands, if one hand come loose of the rigging. The rider is judged on her control during the ride and on her spurring technique.
Different horses have different bucking styles, some being much more difficult to ride than others.
In addition, the horse's performance accounts for half of the potential score. When the ride is finished, the rodeo pickup men ride in alongside of the contestant and lift her off the bucking horse and deliver her safely to the ground. In some instances, when the rider is thrown from the horse before the pickup men can help her, her athletic prowess comes into play and she attempts to roll when she hits the ground to help absorb the impact of the fall.