Compared to riders in other events, they endure more abuse, suffer injuries in bareback riding, and carry away more long-term damage than all riders from other rodeo events. To stay aboard the horse, a bareback rider uses a rigging made of leather and constructed to meet PRCA safety specifications.
The rigging resembles a suitcase handle on a strap and is placed atop the horse’s withers and secured with a cinch. Bareback riding is often compared to riding a jackhammer with one hand. As the bronc and rider burst from the chute, the rider must have both spurs touching the horse’s shoulders until the horse’s feet hit the ground after the initial move from the chute. This phenomenon is called ‘marking out’.
If the cowboy fails to do this, he is disqualified. As the bronc bucks, the rider pulls his knees up and rolls his spurs up the horse’s shoulders. As the horse descends, the cowboy straightens his legs and returns his spurs over the point of the horse’s shoulders in anticipation of the next jump.
It requires more than strength to make a qualified ride and earn a money-winning score. A bareback rider is judged on his spurring technique, the degree to which his toes remain turned out while spurring, and his willingness to take whatever might come during his ride.
To conclude, bareback riding is an event that tests riders’ strength, balance, and sheer determination and sets the stage for the rodeo spectacle.
NFR 2023 bareback riding participants:
Coming to the NFR 2023, fourth-ranked Keenan Hayes will enter the competition as no. 1 in the standings chart with 2023 season earnings of $265,895. He retained his considerable lead after the Governor’s Cup.
Among the participants, a pair of riders have qualified for the NFR Finals 2023 after finishing their season with a bang. Two weeks ago, Lees and Clements were no. 18 ($93,427) and no. 19 ($89,896) in winnings, respectively. 81st-ranked Jacob Lees finished the season at the 12th position, while Mason Clements leaped to no. 11 in the final two weeks.
World 2023 Bareback Riding Standings
Chekout WORLD 2023 BAREBACK RIDING LEADERS (unofficials)
1. Keenan Hayes (4) – $265,895.60
2. Kade Sonnier (16) – $163,028.33
3. Clayton Biglow (19) – $162,737.96
4. Tim O’Connell (23) – $159,326.29
5. Leighton Berry (26) – $157,955.35
6. Orin Larsen (37) – $147,236.77
7. Rocker Steiner (46) – $143,123.37
8. Dean Thompson (56) – $135,317.74
9. Jayco Roper (69) – $127,967.91
10. Jess Pope (70) – $127,047.73
11. Mason Clements (71) – $126,165.50
12. Jacob Lees (81) – $121,349.25
13. Tanner Aus (34) – $119,896.86
14. Cole Reiner (87) – $118,219.69
15. Richmond Champion (97) – $111,687.69