Developed in the rodeo arena, bareback riding has no actual tie in with daily ranch duties; however it is one of rodeos most popular events. A bareback rider attempts to ride an untamed horse or bronc, weighing between 800 and 1,500 pounds. Instead of a saddle, a double thick leather pad, called a "rigging" is cinched on the broncs back. No stirrups or reins are used. Slightly off-centered at the top of the rigging is a leather handhold much like a suitcase handle. Bareback riders like the one handhold as snug-fitting as possible for grip. Spurs and a glove are the only other riding gear needed, but chaps are often worn, similar to those used in saddle bronc riding.

The horse is brought into a small pipe enclosure called a bucking chute where the rider then gets on. When the rider indicates he is ready, the gate of the bucking chute is opened and the horse bursts out and attempts to throw or buck off the rider. The rider’s job is to stay on the horse for 8 seconds without touching the horse with his free hand. Feet forward at all times, in contrast to saddle bronc riding style, the rider stays close against the rigging handhold and tries to keep his moving in time with the broncs jumps. A strong hand and the fine sense of balance are needed to keep from being jerked back away from the handhold, a situation that generally leads to a buck-off. The rider that manages to complete a ride is scored. The higher and wilder a bareback rider spurs, the better his marking by the judges. Animals are assessed by two judges, each marking from 1 to 25 points. The rider also receives from 1 to 25 points for his performance from each judge. The highest possible score is 100. Scores in the 80s are very good and in the 90s are exceptional.

Broncs can be neutered males (geldings), females (mares) or un-neutered males (stallions), with mares being somewhat more common. Horses, being prey animals, do not care to have things on their backs. Horses that cannot be trained to accept riders may become broncs in rodeos. Today many breeders use bloodlines that carry the traits that create good buckers.

In addition, horses are somewhat ticklish and a flank strap is used to encourage the bronc to kick out in addition to bucking. The flank strap is about 4 inches wide, is covered in sheepskin and fastens behind the widest part of the abdomen. Animal rights groups. such as PETA. SHARK or HSUS, claim that the flank strap often touch the horses' genitals. located beneath the tail on females and between the hind legs on males. This is entirely false. In the past, flank straps were not used, but due to safety concerns they are required today. The flank strap encourages a horse to kick its legs out, rather than rearing up on the hind legs, which can be dangerous to both horse and rider as there is a risk of flipping over backward. The soft flank strap, worn like a belt about the hips, tickles the horse and keeps its mind on kicking out rather than rearing dangerously. Rodeo broncs are said to have one of the best 'jobs' in the equine world. They work for about 8 minutes per year, and often live and continue to compete into their late teens and 20's because of their relatively natural lifestyle.