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.
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.
