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This is footage from the NFR (National Finals Rodeo) in 2005. The NFR is the superbowl of Rodeo. The top 15 contestants in the world that compete in the PRCA (Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association) in each Rodeo event gather here to determine the World Champions of each event for 10 consecutive days.
Contributed by Nolan Gillies

This is a picture showcasing the "mark out." This is me competing in the annual St. Anthony, Idaho Pioneer Days Rodeo.
Contributed by Nolan Gillies
Bareback Riding is one of the most dangerous and exciting sports the world has to offer. It's the only sport where you can go from being completely calm, and in a split second, be the most aggressive person in the world. It is a Rodeo event that was born in the arena, and is played by true warriors, the gladiators of our era. The broncs roll in from all over North America, and are the most ferocious of horses. They are bred and trained to fight, and they perform exceptionally well in the arena. The bareback riding involves a bucking horse, a bareback rigging, which is similar to a sort of suit case handle, but the handle is incredibly tight when a gloved riding hand is wedged into it, spurs, and pure courage on the part of the rider. The fight lasts for 8 seconds, and the rider must "mark out" the horse, which is placing the heels of their boots above the break in the horse's shoulder, and they must hold their feet in this position until the horse's front feet hit the ground on the first jump. After the first jump, a rider will typically want to hold his feet for another jump, and then drag his feet up the shoulders of the horse, back to the rigging handle, and then back to the front of the shoulders. Once the whistle blows marking the end of the 8 seconds, a bareback rider will need to work his hand back out of the rigging, and jump off to a pick up man to help him off. The contestants are scored from 1-100 based on how well the contestant performs, and how well the animal performs. Half of the score comes from the rider's effort, and half from the horse's effort. A good score usually lands in the high 80's and something truly exceptional is in the 90's. See for yourself how amazing the sport truly is!
Contributed by Nolan Gillies