Tiffi also finds some information on rodeo events

_Elsa_

‘SADDLE BRONC RIDING - Saddle bronc riding is rodeo’s classic event since it derived from the practice of “breaking” or training saddle horses in the early days of the American West. A contestant sits in a standard saddle attached to the back of the horse – but with no saddle horn. For leverage, he holds a thick “rein” or rope that is attached to the horse’s halter, which can only be held with one hand. When the gate swings open, the cowboy must adhere to the “mark-out” rule in which he must have his heels touching the animal above the point of the horse’s shoulders when it makes its first jump. Otherwise, the cowboy will be disqualified and given zero points. Synchronization with the horse’s movements earns higher scores. When the horse’s front feet are on the ground, the rider’s heels must be in front of the horse’s shoulders, toes turned out. As the horse resets for its next move, the cowboy brings his heels to the back of the saddle, all the while anticipating the animal’s next jump. If the contestant touches any part of the horse or himself with his free hand during the eight-second ride, he will be disqualified.

BAREBACK RIDING - With nothing to hold but a “rigging” or suitcase-like handle on a strap secured comfortably behind the horse’s front legs, the cowboy must maintain balance and control while the horse bucks and pitches. A “flank strap” is secured around the horse’s hind end which tells the animal it’s go-time! The ride is judged on the cowboy’s spurring motion in coordination with the horse’s movement, as well as the bucking action of the animal. A rider is disqualified if he fails to mark out properly as in the saddle bronc event. And, as before, the rider cannot touch any part of the horse or himself during the eight-second ride.

BULL RIDING - The ultimate test of will versus will, a cowboy and a bull battle each other.  One 2,000-pound animal paired against one 150-pound man ensures an adrenaline rush for those brave enough to climb in the chutes. To stay on, a rider grasps a flat braided rope or “bull rope” which is wrapped around the bull’s chest just behind its front legs. One end of the bull rope, called the “tail,” is threaded through the loop on the other end and fastened around the animal. The rider then wraps the tail around his hand holding the rope, sometimes weaving it through his fingers to further secure his grip. When the chute gate opens, the rider must stay on for eight seconds, while a twisting, bucking mass of muscle tries anything and everything to buck them off. If the contestant makes contact with the animal or themselves with their free hand, they receive no score. Points are based on rider’s ability to stay on, as well as the bull’s bucking action. Extra points are awarded to those who are controlled enough to spur their bull with one or both of their dulled spurs.

While not every working cowboy participates in rodeos, and while not every rodeo cowboy works on a ranch on a regular basis, every cowboy is a cowboy plain and simple. Each draws their heritage from the traditions of the working ranch of the American West. And each celebrates the spirit of western heritage every time they enter an arena, be it for a rodeo competition or to get a day’s work done.’ (Source)

Let’s continue - Olivia shows off her new outfit

Start at the beginning – Olivia wants to become a cowgirl