About Rodeo Rodeo Events Bareback Bareback riding, an event developed in the rodeo arena, is the most physically demanding in the sport.
Immense stress is placed on the arm and back, and bareback riders face more long-term injuries.
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 his exposure, or willingness to lean far back and take whatever may come during a ride. 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 a 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.