Bronc riding, either as saddle bronc or bareback bronc is a rodeo event that involves a rider getting on an untamed horse or bronco, weighing between 800 and 1,500 pounds, which is held in a small pipe enclosure called a bucking chute. The rider climbs into the chute and mounts the animal. When the rider says 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.

Saddle bronc and bareback bronc styles are very different. In saddle bronc the rider is required to use a specialized saddle. This saddle has free swinging stirrups and no horn. The saddle bronc rider grips barehanded a simple rein braided from grass or polyester and attached to a leather and sheepskin halter worn by the horse. The rider lifts on the rein and attempts to find a rhythm with the animal by spurring forwards and backwards with his feet.

The bareback bronc rider, in contrast, does not use a saddle or rein but instead grips a simple handle mounted above the horse's withers with one gloved hand. The rider in this event leans back against the bucking horse and spurs in an up and down motion with his legs, again in rhythm with the motion of the horse.

Broncs can be neutered males (geldings), females (mares) or un-neutered males (stallions), with mares being somewhat more common. While most people train their young horses that bucking is not acceptable when they're being ridden, broncos are taught the exact opposite. A normal trainer would remount if bucked off and reward the horse for not bucking. A bronco, however, is encouraged and allowed to buck: when they buck, they are allowed to throw their rider. This reinforces the bucking behavior, and soon the horse thinks that is what he's supposed to do -- and will do it on cue.

The cue is a flank strap, used to encourage the bronc to kick out straighter and higher when he bucks. 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 or HSUS), claim that the flank strap often touch the horses' genitals (which are located beneath the tail on females and between the hind legs on males), but in fact this is physically impossible. Flank straps which hurt the horse are not allowed by rodeo rules.

The rider attempts to stay on the horse for 8 seconds without touching the horse with his free hand. The rider that manages to complete a ride is scored on a scale of 0-50 and the horse is also scored on a scale of 0-50. Scores in the 80s are very good and in the 90s are exceptional.