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Barbara Read and Fred Schaad | all galleries >> Sports & Action >> Rodeos >> Williams Lake Stampede 2008 > Bareback Rider
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June 2008 Fred Schaad

Bareback Rider

Williams Lake, British Columbia

Instead of a saddle, a double-thick leather pad, called a rigging, is cinched on the bronc's back.
No stirrups or reins are used in the event. To qualify, the rider must mark the horse out of the
chute by keeping his spurs over the break of the shoulders until the first jump out of the chute is completed.
The bareback rider will be disqualified if he touches the animal or equipment with his free hand or
if he is bucked off before the eight-second ride is completed.

No other event in professional rodeo is as physically demanding as bareback riding.
Using only one hand, the cowboy must hold onto the leather handhold of the rigging which is
customized to snugly fit to the rider's grip.
The rider tries to spur the horse on each jump, reaching as far forward as he can with his feet and
then bringing his ankles up toward the rigging.
It's the bareback rider's arm that takes all the stress as it absorbs most of the horse's bucking power.
While his arm endures this incredible tension, his hand must remain intact within the rigging's
handhold for the full eight seconds. (CPRA)

Canon EOS-1D Mark III ,Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM ,Digital
1/3200s, f/2.8, ISO 250, 200mm, -1/3 EV full exif

other sizes: small medium original auto
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comment
Tom Munson19-Jun-2009 04:09
Fantastic action image, Fred! Well done!
Buz Kiefer07-May-2009 15:11
This is magnificent! Vote.
Guest 24-Feb-2009 12:28
I hope the gave him something to stick in between his teeth! Great Shot! V
Reflections by Ruth13-Aug-2008 23:44
spectacular stop action, your focus is perfect
V!
Nikhil Bahl07-Aug-2008 20:29
Superb action. Your timing was perfect. v
Pixel Shooter31-Jul-2008 16:32
Fabulous action shot!!
Marco Valk30-Jul-2008 06:31
terrific shot; great expression on the rider's face. vote
Birte Person28-Jul-2008 08:47
Great action shot,really well done.V
andymacd15-Jul-2008 17:59
Another cracker. Look at that expression ~v~
Matthew Mannell12-Jul-2008 18:35
Love the gritting teeth, another superb catch.
Barry Ailetcher10-Jul-2008 04:06
good capture