rodeo event in which a cowboy tries to ride a bucking horse (bronco) for a specified time (usually 8 or 10 seconds). The horse is equipped with saddle, stirrups, and a rein that may be held with one hand only. The cowboy is disqualified if he falls, loses his stirrup or rein, winds the rein around his hand, or touches the horse or rein with his free hand. The cowboy is scored by judges for his skill and technique, and the horse is scored for difficulty. The two scores are combined, and the rider with the highest total is the winner.