Awww!! – Rascal Rodeo

Learn to judge how this little Bronco Buddy scored on his ride.

Rodeo Scoring 101

To judge fairly and accurately and to appreciate the efforts of the contestants, judges must watch the brute raw strength of the livestock as well as the maneuvers of the cowboy.

Because the livestock’s performance accounts for half the rider’s score, judges look at darts, dives, twists and rolls. The tougher the ride, the more points the bull or bronc will be scored by the judges.

Failing to Spur: In bareback bronc and saddle bronc riding, the spurs must be touching the horse over the shoulders when the front hooves hit the ground during the first jump out of the chute. If a saddle bronc or bareback bronc rider fails to do this, he will be disqualified.

Touching the Livestock, Rigging or Himself: The rider cannot touch any of these with his free hand in bareback bronc, saddle bronc or bull riding. If he does, the judge will disqualify him.

Losing a Stirrup: If a rider loses a stirrup before the end of his eight-second ride in saddle bronc riding, the judge will make a hand signal to the announcers and timers immediately.

SCORING THE RIDER
BCRA Official Rule Book
BCRA OFFICIAL RULE BOOK

The rider must mark out his horse with the first jump out of the chute. The cowboy must ride for eight seconds.

The judge awards points primarily for spurring action in bareback and saddle bronc riding.

The rider loses points if his toes are not turned out with his spurs in contact with the horse; if spurring is not continuous throughout the ride; and if he is not balanced and in control (body must be centered, not tilted).

Points are gained or lost according to the rider’s rhythm and timing with the horse’s bucking.

In bull riding, points are scored by the rider maintaining body control and position regardless of what the bull is doing.

Spurring is not required in bull riding, but definitely adds points to the score.

SCORING THE STOCK

High kicking action with hind legs fully extended makes for a better score.

The strength and force of the livestock’s bucking efforts are important. Judges look at how hard the livestock tried to throw off its rider.

Points are given every time the livestock changes directions and spins. Rolling and twisting add points to the score, because livestock that bucks sideways is harder to ride.

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