The world of rodeo might seem like a chaotic display of man versus beast, but behind the thrill and spectacle lies a sophisticated and dedicated breeding industry. Bucking horses, far from being random, unruly animals, are purpose-bred athletes, meticulously developed to perform a specific role: bucking effectively for eight seconds. This article delves into the intricate process of breeding, training, and marketing these specialized equine performers, exploring their journey from conception to the rodeo arena, with a focus on the dedication to quality and the business behind these powerful animals.
The Making of a Bucking Horse
The desire for a horse that bucks is not a common one among riders, but for rodeo competitors in bareback and saddle bronc events, it’s precisely what they seek. Just as breeders have historically selected for traits like dressage movement, jumping ability, or cow sense, the innate talent and drive to buck have also been cultivated over generations. Today’s bucking horses are purpose-bred, registered, and trained for their job. Larger draft crosses are often favored for their longevity, soundness, strength, and ability to handle a rider’s weight while maintaining their bucking style. These horses are a significant commodity, bought and sold by breeders aiming to improve bloodlines and transported across North America to rodeos where they earn their living entertaining crowds and challenging riders. Their careers, much like those of the bronc riders, can be made or broken by the quality of the horse they are assigned.
Austin Siklenka, the 2023 Canadian Bucking Stock Contractor of the Year, operates on a model of “quality over quantity,” managing a herd of about 40 bucking horses on his 1,600-acre ranch. Breeding horses with specific talents is a long-term endeavor, as not all stallion and mare pairings yield the desired results, and it takes years to assess the success of a match. Pack horse training methods, while different, also highlight the time investment required to develop an animal’s specialized skills.
The training process for young bucking horses begins with two- and three-year-olds. They are fitted with a surcingle and a “dummy” – a device with a small box attached that can be remotely released. This allows the horse to learn to enter the chute, be fitted with equipment, and buck without a rider. As Siklenka explains, “The horses are learning how to handle themselves. They’re thinking and everything’s controlled. It’s like an athlete in training.” This controlled environment is crucial for developing their confidence and technique.
From Training to Competition
A good bucking horse is characterized by consistency, an athletic build that allows them to get high in the air with powerful kicks, and a straightforward style. Rodeo riders, aiming to make a living, prefer horses that don’t make unpredictable changes in direction or “funky dance moves.” They seek consistent performances that allow them to achieve high scores. Young horses progress through futurity contests, where they are evaluated by “dummies,” before being ridden by humans at the age of four. Siklenka monitors their development, identifying those with the potential to compete at higher levels.
A typical rodeo requires a substantial number of bucking animals, usually supplied by large stock contractors. High-quality horses lead to high-quality rides, making it essential for rodeos to secure the best available stock. Major events like the Calgary Stampede may feature horses from various contractors, with smaller contractors sometimes having their stock run under a larger name to ensure wider participation. Riders themselves have a say in which horses appear at championship rodeos like the Canadian Finals Rodeo (CFR) or the National Finals Rodeo (NFR), voting for their preferred mounts.
The work for these equine athletes is surprisingly minimal in terms of time spent performing. “The horses only work eight seconds at a time maybe 10 times a year,” notes Siklenka, equating to less than two minutes of work annually. As they age, their performance may naturally decline, leading them to transition to novice rider competitions where their years of experience can still be valuable for teaching.
Historical Roots and Modern Breeding
The concept of purpose-bred bucking horses is a relatively modern development. Historically, horses like Midnight, a legendary bucking horse born in 1915, were often ranch horses that proved difficult to ride and were then utilized for rodeo. Around the time of Midnight’s retirement, figures like Feek Tooke recognized the limitations of relying on unrideable ranch horses and began actively breeding for bucking ability. Tooke experimented by crossing a Shire stud with hot Arabian mares, creating offspring renowned for their consistent bucking. This marked a shift from viewing bucking as mere unpredictability to a breedable trait. Indian horse trainer techniques, though focused on different equestrian disciplines, also underscore the human element in shaping an animal’s capabilities.
Today, the breeding of bucking horses is a serious and in-depth activity. Organizations like the Bucking Horse Breeders Association (BHBA) in Utah work to register and preserve pedigrees across North America. Breeders like the Keslers, with over 70 years of experience, and the late Gene and Joy Allen have contributed significantly to the lineage of these specialized animals. The success of stallions like Grated Coconut, a multiple-time Bareback Horse of the Year, demonstrates the potential for breeding “superstar” bucking horses, a process that can take decades.
The Market for Bucking Horses
A robust market exists for bucking horses, with auctions like the one held by Canadian Made Bucking Horses (CMBH) at CFR49 showcasing top talent. A significant portion of these horses are purchased by buyers in the United States. High-value horses, typically aged seven to 10, command prices from $15,000 to over $60,000, with their ability to consistently produce good rides being a primary factor in their value. Finding professional-caliber horses ready for immediate competition is challenging, driving up prices for those readily available.
The statistics highlight the selective nature of bucking horse breeding: only about 10 percent of colts born become successful buckers. Many horses that do not excel in bucking find other avenues, as draft crosses are sought after by various industries, including outfitters and ranchers. Some are sold as general riding horses, indicating a diverse market for equine athletes regardless of their specialized rodeo performance. Money horses trained not to stop are a testament to the value placed on specific, marketable traits in horses.
Horse Welfare in Rodeo
Despite the demanding nature of their job, bucking horses often experience a high quality of life. Many live in natural, herd environments on large pastures, benefiting from freedom, companionship, and ample forage – often referred to as the “three f’s.” They receive regular veterinary care, including vaccinations and hoof trimming. Upon arrival at rodeos, all horses are inspected for health and soundness by officials and veterinarians.
Research, such as a three-year study at the Calgary Stampede involving Temple Grandin, suggests that bucking horses can become habituated to the rodeo environment. Horses with more rodeo experience exhibited less balking and fewer “vigorous behaviors” prior to performance, indicating adaptation rather than learned helplessness. This indicates a growing interest in understanding and ensuring the well-being of these equine athletes.
Conclusion: A Legacy of Performance
The breeding and training of bucking horses represent a specialized and passionate facet of the equine industry. From meticulous selection and early training with dummies to their performance in the arena and their value in the market, these animals are the result of dedicated effort and a deep understanding of equine athleticism. They are not merely horses that buck; they are carefully developed athletes contributing to the excitement and tradition of rodeo, with a future often secured through their breeding potential. The pursuit of the next “superstar” bucking horse continues, fueled by a legacy of performance and the enduring appeal of these powerful equine athletes.
