The rodeo is purely and exclusively a cowboy’s sport. In fact, it is a
popular sport which originated in America. At first it was simply a
demonstration of the cowboy’s skill, usually performed before other
cowboys. Contesting naturally followed and, of course, such thrilling
exhibitions of skill and courage soon attracted more and more
spectators. Today, rodeos are national and international events. Experts
in bronc riding, calf roping, steer wrestling and bull riding often
pocket prize money amounting to as much as $35,000 in a year.
[Illustration: Bucking bronco]
Now, regularly scheduled events, staged by popular demand, rodeos are
attracting larger and larger crowds. Be they big or small, a thrilling
performance is assured the spectators.
Bronc riding is one of the most exciting of rodeo events and is always
popular with the cowboy himself. A man who follows the hazardous trade
of horse-breaking as a steady business has to be good. He must have
courage, experience and unusual ability; a good one is hard to find. The
best cow hands can ride the “snuffy” ones, but won’t.
Good bronc riders stay with their horses. When they feel themselves
going they do not throw away the reins, start relaxing and look for a
soft spot to land. With skill, muscle and grim determination they will
wage a desperate battle to stay aboard.
[Illustration: A “RARE” OCCASION]
More and more cow horses are being broken to ride by patience and
gentleness. Today’s horse is rarely a wild mustang caught on the prairie
and broken by a “buster.” Usually he is of special breeding, intended to
develop him for his particular type of work.
The bucking horse, seen in rodeos, is trained to buck; many of them such
as “Midnight” and “Five Minutes To Midnight” have become world-famous
for their skill at throwing riders.
Usually bucking horses or “broncs” are part of a “string” provided for
rodeo use. Many of these “wild” horses live to a ripe old age and have
many peaceful years grazing in lush pastures long after their bucking
days are over.
[Illustration: “TWISTIN’ HIM DOWN”]