Rodeo Scoring

General Rider Scoring

When the chute gate opens a rider's disqualified if not in position with toes turned out and spurs in contact with the horse's shoulders on the first jump from the chute.
To qualify, rider must ride eight seconds.
Points are awarded by two professional judges. Each judge scores up to 25 points for rider, 25 for horse, 50 each judge - maximum possible (never yet achieved) 100 points.
Score of 64 average, 68 good, 74 excellent, 78 superior, 80 outstanding, more than 80 - "WOW!"
Judges award points primarily for spurring action in bronc riding. Length of stroke from shoulder rearward to point behind saddle increases score. Spurring must be done each jump or "buck" of horse. Horses most often buck 8 to 13 times in 8 seconds.
Rider loses points if toes not turned in with spur in contact with horse; if spurring's not continuous throughout ride, or if rider's not balanced and in control (body centered over horse, not tilted to either side).
Points gained or lost according to rider's rhythm and timing with horse's bucking.

Saddle Bronc Riding

In addition to the above scores.
Additional disqualifications: losing a stirrup, touching horse, saddle, or self with free hand, changing hands on buck rein.
The buck rein is for balance, not to help rider hold himself on.

Bareback Bronc Riding

Scoring zone and spurring action different from saddle bronc: zone is at or ahead of area where bronc's neck emerges from shoulders. Action is up and down, rather than fore and aft.
Additional disqualifications: rider's hand hanging up in bareback rigging.

Bull Riding

Rider scores points by maintaining body control and position regardless what moves bull makes. Recoveries look spectacular, but lose points because the rider "got out of shape" and had to recover.
Spurring not required in bull riding, but cowboy accumulates additional points by spurring - real spurring action.