The highest possible score is 100. The rider style- the rider stays close against the rigging handhold and tries to keep his moving in time with the bronc's jumps. A strong hand and the fine sense of balance are needed to keep from being jerked back away from the handhold, a situation that generally leads to a buck-off. The identity of the first man to tangle with a bucking horse is hidden in history, but saddle bronc riding is the cornerstone of all rodeo competition. Experience and know-how are paramount in this event where the rules are strictly in favor of the animal.
Saddles are uniform in design.
They must comply with measurements set forth by the American Professional Rodeo Association. It is fastened to the halter of the bucking horse. Spurs are short-shanked with dull rowels. Chaps are of light leather, snugged tight around the thigh, thus protecting the cowboy's legs. His spurred feet should fall into rhythmic stride, going to the animals shoulders as it kicks high behind, moving back toward the saddle's cantle at the bronc jumps.