Rodeo, like any sport involving animals, places a significant emphasis on educating the public regarding the care and handling of its livestock. Among the various animals participating in rodeo, the bucking horse is perhaps the most misunderstood. Many question how these horses are made to buck, a misconception that stems from a lack of understanding about their origins and inherent nature.
The Origins of Bucking Horses
In rodeo, bucking horses are not “made” to buck; rather, the sport utilizes horses that already possess a natural inclination to do so. This inclination can stem from various equine disciplines. Approximately 40 percent of bucking horses in rodeo are there because they have a history of bucking off their riders. These horses may come from racetrack backgrounds, feed lots, or ranches, and are often considered too spirited or dangerous for other equine activities. Stock contractors, who own rodeo livestock, frequently receive calls from owners seeking a good home for horses that are difficult to train due to their bucking tendencies.
Another significant source of bucking horses is through specific breeding programs designed to cultivate this trait. Just as there are multiple origins for bucking horses, there are also distinct types of bucking horses, each suited for different events.
Types of Bucking Horses and Their Roles
The horses used in bareback riding differ from those in saddle bronc riding. Bareback horses are typically smaller with a more erratic, wilder bucking style. In contrast, saddle bronc horses are generally larger and exhibit a more classic, rhythmic bucking style. This allows riders to maintain their position in the saddle, with their feet extending from the horse’s neck to its cantle. Many saddle bronc horses are crosses with draft breeds, their substantial build and strength contributing to a classic bucking motion and the durability required for a long career in rodeo.
Classic Velvet, a prime example of a horse whose bucking prowess led him to rodeo, was a registered Quarter Horse with a lineage tracing back to a running Quarter Horse named Three Bars. Initially bred for team roping in Santa Rosa, California, Classic Velvet proved too much of a bucker for that task. After being sold to Calvin Milhous, he was unsuccessfully attempted to be trained for driving. Cotton Rosser, a renowned California stock contractor, recognized his potential as a bucking horse, and Classic Velvet went on to have a distinguished 17-year career in the PRCA, earning the title “Bareback Bucking Horse of the Year” in 1981. He was later inducted into the Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame and spent his retirement on Larry Mahan’s ranch. Khadafy Skoal, another registered Quarter Horse and champion bucking horse, also found his way to rodeo after bucking off too many ranch hands in Wyoming.
Breeding for Bucking Excellence
Modern rodeo stock providers have implemented sophisticated breeding programs to produce horses specifically for bucking events. Roughly 40 of the 60 Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) stock contractors operate some form of livestock breeding program, with many of the top bucking horses today being products of these “Born to Buck” initiatives. Ike Sankey, a former national finals rider and founder of Sankey Rodeo Company, began a breeding program in the mid-1980s with the goal of proving that horses can be genetically predisposed to buck.
Sankey’s efforts are significantly linked to Custer, a notable bucking horse stud. While Custer himself was a consistent, albeit not sensational, bucker, his offspring have demonstrated exceptional bucking abilities. Sankey claims that approximately 85 percent of the colts born into his breeding program develop into successful bucking horses. This was evident at the 1996 National Finals Rodeo, where 15 of Sankey’s 17 selected horses were from his breeding program, and a substantial portion of the competing bucking horses were descendants of Custer. Custer’s bloodlines are influential throughout rodeo, with notable progeny including Bobby Joe Skoal and Skitso Skoal, both recipients of PRCA Saddle Bronc of the Year awards.
Longevity and Horse Welfare in Rodeo
The suitability of horses for rodeo is also reflected in their longevity. High Tide, a renowned bucking horse, reportedly bucked off a cowboy at the national finals at the age of 32. Sippin Velvet, a descendant of Man O’ War, competed at the National Finals Rodeo 18 times before retiring at 25. The Calgary Stampede Rodeo Company, one of the oldest breeding programs, features many older horses among its top performers, including 21-year-old Go Wild and 24-year-old Guilty Cat, who are still actively competing.
The PRCA enforces stringent animal welfare rules to ensure the well-being of all livestock. For bucking horses, the equipment used is carefully regulated. Spurs used in bareback and saddle bronc riding must be dulled, with rowels that can freely roll along the animal’s hide; locked rowels are prohibited. Riders are disqualified if their spurs are too sharp or if they cause injury to the animal.
The flank strap, used to encourage higher kicks, is lined with fleece or neoprene and is worn loosely. It features a quick-release mechanism for prompt removal after a ride. Veterinarians confirm that the flank strap, when used correctly, does not cause injury or pain. The PRCA mandates over 60 rules governing livestock care and handling at its events, with professional judges inspecting all animals before competition. Veterinarians are required to be on-site, and they conduct surveys to monitor injury rates. Recent data from the 2000 PRCA season indicated an injury rate of approximately 0.00052% across over 71,000 animal exposures. As rodeo continues to grow, the PRCA and affiliated associations remain committed to prioritizing the welfare of all rodeo livestock.
