Saddle bronc is the rodeo event cowboys call "the classic." It goes back to ranch-breaking broncs, the style, the rein, the saddle. Everything about the event is built on timing and rhythm, not just survival.
The ride is eight seconds. One hand on a thick braided hack rein attached to the horse's halter. The other hand can never touch horse or rein. An association-approved saddle, regulation rigging, small horn. The rider's feet have to mark out over the horse's shoulders on the first jump, same rule as bareback.
Scoring is two judges on the rider, two on the horse, 100 total. But saddle bronc rewards style. A clean spur stroke, feet sweeping from neck to cantle in rhythm with every jump, scores higher than grit. Judges watch for smoothness.
The modern story of saddle bronc is the Wright family. Multiple brothers, multiple cousins, Milford, Utah. Stetson Wright has crossed into bull riding too. Ryder, Rusty, Statler, Spencer. If you watch saddle bronc at the NFR, you're watching at least one Wright.