• A link to the online store for 2023 NWR merchandise can be found under "About Us".
  • Thank you for attending our 83rd annual event. We hope to see everyone on August 15-17, 2024 for our 84th year.

Bareback Broncs

Established in 1939

Bareback bronc riding is known as the bone jaring, arm jerking rodeo event. The horse is ridden with a bareback bronc rigging. Consisting of a cinch, leather body and rawhide handhold. It is cinched on the horse.  The cowboy signals with a nod of his head that he is ready and the gate is open.  The horse explodes out of the chute, when the animals front feet hit the ground the eight second time begins. The rider must keep his heels in front of the horse's shoulders until after the first jump. The cowboy is allowed to hold only with one hand and must keep the other hand from touching the horse or himself for the duration of the ride. The harder the horse bucks and the more the cowboy spurs, the higher his score.